A Model For Mission, Values, And Belief Statements - Calvary University & Seminary

A SOLID FOUNDATION SUPPORTS A STRONG HOME, family, church, school, life, nation.  That has long been my firm belief and I am convinced that a firm foundation for all those can only be built upon God's Word, the Bible.   A home, family, church, school, life, nation - whose foundation is not build upon Biblical principals, is built upon a sandy secular foundation which can easily be washed away (Matthew 7:26-27).

Some may take exception to my inclusion of the "nation" - which for America has the foundation of our Constitution.  Let me share this as food for thought:

"Parallel Concepts between the U.S. Constitution & the Bible . .  .  the amazing correlation between Biblical concepts and the Principles of Liberty established by the Founders for freedom, prosperity, and peace, and how they were reflected in the Declaration of Independence. .  .  .  many of those same concepts are also reflected in our structure of government as established by the Constitution of the United States. 

These reflections should not surprise the honest student of American History.  Scholarly studies have shown that the Bible was the most quoted source, by far, in all the Founders’ speeches and writings.  The reverence which the Founders showed toward Biblical concepts in both the Old and New Testaments was reflected by John Adams .  .  ."  (https://nccs.net/blogs/articles/parallel-concepts-between-the-u-s-constitution-the-bible)

Many years ago my Friend and Christian brother, Pastor Freddy Cortez, instilled in me the principle that when I find a ministry, church, or individual whose writings and teachings I want to study - first study their Statement of Faith, for that tells us what they believe and what they teach.  You do not want a false or skewed Biblical principle being brought into your home.

Example:  About 15 years ago I came upon the web site of a church in the Midwest.  True to my practice, I first looked for their Statement of Faith.  When I could not find it, I sent an e-mail to that church asking why I could not find this vital piece of information on their web site.  Shortly I received a reply telling me, "We do not post our Statement of Faith - because we do not want to offend anyone."

Wow!  Can you imagine a Christian church, or a supposed Christian church, which would make such a statement?

My immediate response, and my last communication with that organization, was, "Well, I can promise that you have most certainly offended me.  And I have little doubt that you have also offended God!"  Needless to say, I never visited that church's web site again.

My reason for writing this blog is that I have found a Statement of Faith which I feel is so solid - it could be used by other Christian individuals, Christian churches, and Christian organizations as a model upon which to build their own Statement of Faith.  And when you put your Statement of Faith in writing, don't hesitate to post this very important information so boldly, so conspicuous and recognizable that no one visiting your web site or blog can miss it.

The following information is taken from the web site of Calvary University / Calvary Theological Seminary, a Christian university located in Kansas City, Missouri.  Personally I believe their Doctrinal Statement, i.e., Statement of Faith, is one of the best I have found in the past 32 years I have been a Christian believer.  I am sure that many other Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries have equally valid and strong mission, values, and belief statements.  I am not excluding them, only sharing what has impressed me about the Calvary University / Calvary Theological Seminary web site:

MISSION, VALUES AND BELIEFS
https://www.calvary.edu/mission-and-values/
https://www.calvary.edu/

MISSION:

Calvary University is an independent, nondenominational institution, providing undergraduate and graduate education which prepares Christians to live and serve in the church and the world according to the biblical worldview.  This is accomplished by providing appropriate educational curricula and a climate that fosters the development of intellectual and spiritual maturity, leadership potential, servanthood, and a sense of mission.

The purpose of every program at Calvary is to teach students Bible and theology, and to prepare them for Christian ministry.  Calvary’s educational programs emphasize biblical studies, complemented by general and professional education as well as practical field experience.

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VALUES:

Truth:  We hold the Scriptures to be true, the focal point of our education process and the authority for all we teach and do.

Service:  We consistently link education with the implications for Christian service in the church and the world.

Character:  We promote the development of intellectual and spiritual maturity, leadership potential, servanthood, and a sense of mission and ministry.

Relevance:  We prepare men and women to understand and effectively relate to the world in which we live.

Relationship:  We cultivate godly relationships among students, staff, faculty, and with alumni, the local church, and the society in which we live.

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BELIEFS:

The Calvary University distinctive is found in our undergirding every class and every degree program with the Bible and the biblical worldview.  This results in an education that not only provides the quality degree credentials needed, but more importantly prepares graduates to live and serve in a variety of ministry and vocational settings. 

As a Calvary student, you will learn how to study and apply the eternal truths of God’s Word in every aspect of life and service.  If your goal is to serve in a full-time vocational ministry setting or if you’re looking for a place to grow in your Christian faith while exploring the various career options available, a Calvary education will provide the necessary foundation and credential. 

Each student receives a solid core of biblical and theological studies that undergird every professional major and general education requirement.  You won’t just learn how to make a living; you’ll learn how to live!  The Calvary University distinctive is evident in all of our programs – and we have many designed to meet the needs of our diverse student population. 

Calvary University is committed to providing every student with the same high quality educational experience in every program, whether online, on campus, undergraduate or graduate.  So whether you are just beginning your college education, whether you are wanting to complete something you started long ago, whether you are wanting to make a vocational or ministry change in your life, or whether you are continuing your growth with a graduate degree program, Calvary University is here for you.

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DOCTRINAL STATEMENT:   (from Article 8 of the Calvary University Bylaws)

8.1  The Scriptures:

1.  We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and plenarily inspired Word of God (Matt 5:18; 2 Tim 3:16-17).

2.  We hold the Bible to be inerrant in the original writings, infallible, God-breathed, and the complete and final authority for faith and practice (2 Pet 1:20-21).

3.  We believe that the Scriptures, interpreted in their normal, literal sense, reveal divinely distinguishable economies in the outworking of God’s purposes. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purposes.  Three of these – the age of law, the age of the church, and the age of the millennial kingdom – are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture (Gen 12:1-3; John 1:17; Rom 4:1-5; 2 Cor 3:7-18; Gal 3:13-25; Eph 1:10; Col 1:24-25; Heb 7:19; Rev 20:2-6).

8.2  The Godhead:  

We believe in one Triune God, Creator of all (Gen 1:2; Deut 6:4; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:16), eternally existing in three distinct persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:14), yet one in being, essence, power, and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (John 10:30).

8.3  The Person and Work of Christ:

1.  We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is very God, the express image of the Father, who, without ceasing to be God, became man in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (Matt 1:21; John 1:18; Col 1:15).

2.  We believe that God the Son became incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ; that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary; that He is truly God and truly man; that He lived a perfect, sinless life; that all His teachings and utterances are true (Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23).

3.  We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind (1 John 2:2) as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice (Isa 53:5-6). We hold that His death is efficacious for all who believe (John 1:12; Acts 16:31); that our justification is grounded in the shedding of His blood (Rom 5:9; Eph 1:7); and that it is attested by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Matt 28:6; 1 Pet 1:3).

4.  We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven in His glorified body (Acts 1:9-10) and is now seated at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25).

8.4  The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit:

1.  We believe in the deity (Acts 5:3-4) and the personality of the Holy Spirit.

2.  We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11).  He regenerates sinners (Titus 3:5) and indwells believers (Rom 8:9).  He is the agent by whom Christ baptizes all believers into His body (1 Cor 12:12-14).  He is the seal by whom the Father seals believers unto the day of redemption (Eph 1:13-14).  He is the Divine Teacher who illumines believers’ hearts and minds as they study the Holy Scriptures (1 Cor 2:9-12).

3.  We believe it is the duty and privilege of all the saved to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31).  This filling is commanded (Eph 5:18). Conditions for being filled are yieldedness to the Spirit’s control (Rom 8:14) and a dependent life (Gal 5:16).  The results of filling are victory over sin, Christlike character, worship, submissiveness, and service (Gal 5:22-23).

4.  We believe that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:11).  The Son of God sovereignly assigns the place of the ministry of the gifts in the body, and the Father provides the energy in the outworking of the gifts (1 Cor 12:4-6).  Each believer is to exercise his spiritual gift(s) for the common good to the building up of the body of Christ (Eph 4:11-16).

5.  We believe that the gift of speaking in tongues, which was a sign to the nation of Israel, and the other sign gifts gradually ceased as the New Testament was completed and its authority was established (1 Cor 13:8; 14:21-22; 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4).

8.5  Angels, Good and Evil:

1.  We believe in the reality and personality of angels.  We believe that God created an innumerable company of these sinless, spiritual beings who were to be His messengers (Neh 9:6; Ps 148:2; Matt 24:31; Luke 1:19; Heb 1:14).

2.  We believe in the personality of Satan.  He is a fallen angel who led a great company of angels into rebellion against God (Isa 14:12-17; Ezek 28:12-15).  He is the great enemy of God and man, and his angels are his agents in the prosecution of his unholy purposes.  He shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).

8.6  Man: 

We believe that man came into being by direct creation of God and that man is made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7).

8.7  Sin:

We believe that the human race sinned in Adam (Rom 5:12), that sin is universal in man (Rom 3:23), and that it is exceedingly heinous to God (Ps 5:5). We believe that man inherited a sinful nature (Ps 51:5), that he became alienated from God (Col 1:21), that he became totally depraved, and that of himself, he is utterly unable to remedy his lost estate (Eph 2:1-5, 12).  We believe that all men are guilty and in a lost condition apart from Christ (Rom 2:1; 3:10-18).

8.8  Salvation:

1.  We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Eph 2:8-9).  Christ shed His blood to accomplish justification through faith, propitiation to God, redemption from sin, and reconciliation of man.  “Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8-9) and “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Pet 2:24).

2.  We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God’s power and are secure in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Rom 8:1, 38-39; 1 Pet 1:5; Jude 24).

3.  We believe that it is the privilege of all who are born again to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God’s Word (Rom 8:16; 1 John 5:13).  We also believe that Christian liberty should never serve as an occasion to the flesh (Gal 5:13).

4.  We believe that the Scriptures disclose several aspects of sanctification.  In addition to God’s work of bringing a sinner to Christ, he is set apart to God. This is positional sanctification and refers to his standing.  He then undergoes a process whereby the Holy Spirit quickens his affections, desires, and attitudes, enabling him to respond in faith to live a life of victory over sin.  This is progressive sanctification and refers to his state (2 Cor 3:18; 7:1; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 4:22-29; 5:25-27; Col 3:10).  Someday his standing and his state will be brought into perfect accord.  This is prospective, or ultimate sanctification (1 Thess 5:23; 1 John 3:2).

8.9  The Church:

1.  We believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, began at Pentecost and is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons of this present age (Acts 2:1-42; 11:15; 1 Cor 12:12-14; 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27).

2.  We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).

3.  We believe in the autonomy of the local church, free of any external authority or control (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31; 28:28; Rom 16:1, 4; 1 Cor 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; 1 Pet 5:1-4).

4.  We believe in the ordinances of believer’s water baptism by immersion as a testimony and the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance in this age of Christ’s death for the church (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:8; 1 Cor 11:23-26).

5.  We believe that the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord, and that separation from religious apostasy, sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded by God (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).

6.  We believe in the Great Commission as the primary mission of the church.  It is the obligation of the saved to witness, by word and life, to the truths of Holy Scripture.  The gospel of the grace of God is to be preached to all the world (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor 5:19-20).  Converts are to be taught to obey the Lord, to testify concerning their faith in Christ as Savior in water baptism, and to honor Christ by holy living and observance of the Lord’s Supper (Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-29).

8.10  Things to Come:

1.  We believe in that “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), the personal, imminent (Matt 24:42, 44; 1 Cor 15:51-52; Phil 3:20; 4:5), pretribulational, and premillennial (Rev 19:11-20:10) coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to rapture His saints and receive His Church unto Himself (1 Thess 4:13-18).

2.  We believe in the subsequent, visible return of Christ to the earth (Matt 24:29-31), with His saints, to establish His promised millennial kingdom (Zech 14:4-11; 1 Thess 1:10; Rev 3:10; 19:11-16; 20:1-6).

3.  We believe in the physical resurrection of all men, the saints to everlasting joy and bliss, the wicked to conscious and eternal torment (Matt 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Rev 20:5-6, 12-13).

4.  We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23; 3:21; 1 Thess 4:16-17; Rev 20:4-6).

5.  We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection when, with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne judgment and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting, conscious punishment (Matt 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev 20:11-15).

Expanded Statement Regarding Religious Freedom and Human Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage:    (Addendum to Statement of Faith June 2016)

1.  God created human beings distinctly as male and female (Gen 1:27).  The distinctness, complementarity, and relational nature of the human race as “male and female” is based on the created order given by God when He created humanity “in His image” (Gen 1:26-27; 5:1-3; 9:6; 1 Cor 11:7; Jam 3:9; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:23-24; Col 3:10), and these establish a normative connection between biological sex and gender.  The created distinctness, complementarity, and relational nature also establish the basis for the marital relationship as being between one man and one woman (Gen 2:23-24; Eph 5:21-33).

2.  The Bible affirms two options or giftings for sexual expression: monogamous marital relations between one man and one woman (Gen 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-24; Mt 19:4-6; Mk 10:5-8; 1 Cor 7:7; Heb 13:4; Eph 5:22), or sexual celibacy, if one is not in a monogamous marital relationship between one man and one woman (1 Cor 7:7; Mt 19:12).  Within these two Biblical designs there can be found sexual fulfillment, whereas outside these two designs sexual expression is improper.

3.  The Bible affirms that human sexuality is a gift to be treasured and enjoyed (Gen 2:24; Prov 5:19, 31:10; 1 Cor 7:4), as is sexual celibacy (1 Cor 7:7).  The fall of humanity (Gen 3) corrupted human sexuality in both spiritual and physical ways (Rom 1:18-32, Eph 2:1-10), and one result is confusion and pain in the lives of those who struggle with brokenness regarding gender, and who struggle with the guilt of desiring sinful expressions of sexuality (Gen 3:1-7; Rom 3:9-18; 5:12-17).  The Bible prescribes faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:2-3) as the remedy for guilt and as the provision for life (Rom 3:23, 6:23; Jn 3:16), and the Bible prescribes an ongoing relationship with Him as the means for a whole and fulfilling life (Jn 15:1-11, 17:3; Col 3:16; Gal 5:16-25; Rom 8:28-38).

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DOCTRINAL SUMMARIES AND UNDERSTANDING:

Solidly Biblical:  Theologically, Calvary can be described as biblical, fundamental, pre-millennial, and dispensational.  Each year, faculty members and trustees must affirm acceptance of the Bible as the inerrant, verbally inspired Word of God.

Separated:  It is Calvary’s desire to be separated unto God from worldliness, whether in personal actions, attitudes and thought, or in ecclesiastical programs and associations.  Calvary’s position is one of being loyal to the biblical doctrine of ecclesiastical separation so that it has no embarrassing ties which might keep it from exposing apostasy, heresy or sin.  This is evidenced in its historical stand against the ecumenical teachings and practices of our day.

A Friend of Bible-believing Churches:  Calvary stands with all who love Christ and preach His Word, and the attitude throughout Calvary is nonsectarian.  We are unreservedly loyal to all Bible-believing churches faithful to Christ and the Bible.  Calvary is affiliated with the IFCA International and Berean Fellowship of Churches and maintains a good relationship with independent and denominational churches and individuals that uncompromisingly hold to the historic fundamentals of the faith.

Nurturing Character and Truth:  We are persuaded that the Scriptures teach that what we are is as important as what we know.  Ephesians 4:15 clearly states that we are to speak the truth (doctrine) in love (Christlike character).  This is the reason we put much effort in developing Christlike character and a servant’s heart while communicating God’s Word.  In all matters we endeavor to display the “excellent spirit” of the prophet Daniel (Dan. 6:3).  This man of God refused to compromise and yet he constantly displayed an attitude which endeared him to his superiors.  He was neither vindictive nor self-righteous and by his dedicated life made a profound impact upon the kings of Babylon and Persia.

Doctrinal Understanding:  Current students should realize that Calvary will graduate only those who possess a foundational understanding of the Bible and Calvary’s doctrinal statement.

Evangelism and Missions:  We believe that the “Great Commission” defines the primary mission of the Church.  Calvary seeks to incorporate the spirit of evangelism and discipleship into the whole Calvary family, whether in the classroom, in chapel, or in extracurricular activities and projects.

Institutional Position on the "Sign Gifts":   As Calvary University understands the teaching of Scripture and church history, the “sign gifts” of the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues, prophecy, healings, miracles, and the like) ceased after the first century and are no longer essential for the church today.  Those who may believe otherwise and desire to enter Calvary as students are welcome, if they are willing to study with an open mind, to understand the institution’s position, and not to practice or propagate their beliefs while studying at Calvary. (Revised 9/28/2012)

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CALVARY STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY:

At Calvary, we endeavor to prepare students to live out a biblical worldview in a diverse world.  This project is enshrined in our mission statement and fulfills the Board of Trustee outcome that graduates “understand the world in which they live and be able to effectively relate to others in it.”  In order to fulfill this expectation, Calvary is committed to:

1.  Seek and recruit students, staff and faculty from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and language backgrounds.

2.  Develop academic and co-curricular opportunities to expose students to a variety of cultural, ethnic, philosophical, religious, and geographic ministry and service settings in the Kansas City area and around the world.

3.   Encourage students, staff, and faculty to engage in intercultural ministry through structured events and student led opportunities throughout the academic year; and to commit to a lifestyle of intercultural service.

4.   Offer diverse Christian Ministry environments that span the cultural spectrum in the greater Kansas City area.

To all my Friends, I pray that you have found this information useful, edifying, and that maybe in this blog you have found at least one "golden nugget" which made the reading worthwhile.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

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