What do Jesus Followers Believe?
What We Believe​
If you are not a Jesus follower, then following statements may seem strange or raise questions in your mind. Please feel free to contact us with any questions concerning our Statement of Beliefs.
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We believe that the Scriptures are the fully inspired Word of God, or inherent and without error as written in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which the church operates, and the basis by which the church is governed. (Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:3-4 and 1:21).
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory. We believe that the Trinity created all, upholds all, and governs all things. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8 and 48:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:30; Hebrews 1:3).
We believe in the person of God the Father; an infinite, eternal, personal Spirit; perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and spiritual death all those who come to Him through faith in Jesus. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:27; John 3:16 and 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3).
We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit as both fully man and fully God. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, teachings, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal, visible return to Earth. Accepting Jesus as your Savior is the only way to have a relationship with God the Father. It is Jesus’ work on the cross that opens the door to new life. (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2, 8:58, 14:6 and 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8).
We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, Who is equal to the Father and Son. He is here to indwell Believers and functions as their abiding helper, teacher, and guide. He does regenerate, sanctify, and empower for ministry all who believe the Biblical Gospel. (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 16:8-11; Romans 8:26 and 15:13,16; Hebrews 9:14).
We believe that the evidence of the Spirit-filled life is the fruit of the Spirit and love. (Galatians 5:23-23; 1 Corinthians 13).
We believe in the present-day ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church regarding the exercise of all spiritual gifts, according to the instructions outlined by Scripture: in order, for the edification of the body, in love, and for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 12-14).
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice. All people have broken the law and heart of God at the level of desire, imagination, thought, and behavior, and as a result are under God’s righteous judgment.
The good news is that God forgives, regenerates, and saves all who come to Him through faith in the Biblical Gospel. This is possible because, though all humans are guilty, Jesus died on the cross in our place for our sins absorbing God’s wrath on our behalf. In so doing God is able to forgive the spiritual crimes of people without violating the demands of justice. God now offers an invitation to every sinner to believe in the Gospel for reconciliation with God. We believe Jesus will ultimately renew the entire cosmos in the new Heaven and Earth and that all who believe the Gospel will rule and reign with Him in His kingdom. (Romans 3:23, Acts 3:19, Acts 20:21, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 2:2, John 3:16, Matthew 11:28, Revelation 22:17).
We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell. All those who place their faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord upon their death. While those who reject Jesus’ free gift of salvation proclaimed in the Gospel will spend eternity separated from God and His people upon their death. This means that if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will be eternally separated from God. But, He made a way for you to be with Him, through His Son Jesus. God's desire is for everyone, yes everyone, to have a relationship with Him. (Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:3, 5:22, 18:9 and 25:31-34; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 12:5; John 3:18; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 14:10-11 and 20:11-15).
We believe in the Rapture of the Church through which all believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and be taken out of the world prior to the Tribulation that will then come upon the earth. (Isaiah 26:20; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:36; Romans 1:18, 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-16 and 5:9; 2 Peter 2:7-9; Revelation 3:10, Revelation 5:7-10 & 7:13-14.)
We believe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ; will be a personal, visible return to earth, with all of those who accepted the Gospel at His side. (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20:11-15).
We are here if you have any questions or need clarification through the Bible about the above topics. We seek to teach the Word of God (both expository and topically) in a way that applies to the individual’s life, leading that person to greater maturity in Christ, and e quipping them for ministry.
WELCOME
We're so glad you're here! At Harvest, we believe church should feel like coming home. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or looking for a new church family, you’re welcome just as you are. We’re a community of everyday people who love Jesus and want to grow in His Word, worship together, and walk in grace. There’s a place for you here—come experience the hope and life found in Christ. Learn more about the Biblical view on SPIRITUAL GIFTS below!
WHAT ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
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At Calvary Chapel, we believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active and available today, but they must be exercised Biblically, in accordance with Scripture, in order, and under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In our theology, we talk about the majors (or major issues) and the minors (or minor issues.) A major issue is a theological foundation or a salvation (eternal condition of a soul) issue. For example: We believe that Jesus is God. That is considered a major issue, or a salvation issue. A minor issue can be something like spiritual gifts. While very important to a believer's walk and faith, spiritual gifts are not salvation issues. So differing opinions of the minor issues through various denominations, don't change the major focus of Jesus' followers.
With that in mind, please continue reading:
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Here’s a summary of what we teach about the gifts of the Spirit:
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1. The Gifts Are for Today
​Calvary Chapel holds a continuationist view, meaning we believe the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4) have not ceased and are still available to believers today. We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are valid for today and should be exercised within Scriptural guidelines.
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2. Balanced and Biblical Use
While open to all the gifts - including tongues, prophecy, healing, and miracles -Calvary Chapel emphasizes order, discernment, and Biblical balance. We reject emotionalism and manipulation and discourage any use of spiritual gifts that draws attention to self instead of glorifying Christ. The Holy Spirit does not interrupt Himself. ​
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3. The Greatest Gift is Love
Like Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13, we emphasize that all gifts should be practiced in love. Gifts without love are “a clanging cymbal.”
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4. Tongues and Prophecy
Calvary Chapel acknowledges tongues as a legitimate gift but teaches that, in public settings, they must be interpreted and limited as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14.
The "gift of tongues" and the "experience" of tongues is not the only initial evidence of being baptized by Holy Spirit, as we see in Acts 4:31, where the Holy Spirit comes upon them, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness." Here, we can clearly see that prophecy was given as a gift first. Prophecy in this context meaning - the ability to speak the Word of God with clarity and boldness. We reject that believers should try and muster up the gift or experience of tongues to be closer to God, or to prove they are Baptized in the Holy Spirit. God gives spiritual gifts as He wills, not as we will.
Prophecy is encouraged but must be tested against Scripture. A prophet who falsely prophesies, even once, is a false prophet according to Scripture. That does not mean they don't know God, it means they are working in their flesh and God is clear about how to address works of the flesh. This is not a "by trial and error" gift.
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5. The Gifts Serve the Body
The purpose of the gifts is to build up the Church, not to create spiritual hierarchies or sensational experiences. In our modern culture, many confuse emotional and spiritual experiences as the Holy Spirit. Then they seek those experiences, and prioritize that over relationship with the Holy Spirit. Being aware of this, allows for Biblical wisdom to be practiced while exercising spiritual gifts. The gifts of the Spirit are given to edify the body of Christ and to glorify Jesus, build up the individual's holy faith while they are in their prayer closet, not to entertain or elevate individuals.
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6. Calvary Chapel does not support the idea of modern-day apostles in the same sense as the original twelve apostles or Paul.
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Foundational Role of the Apostles
Calvary Chapel holds that the original apostles had a unique, foundational role in the early Church, as described in Ephesians 2:20, "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." These apostles were directly commissioned by Jesus and were eyewitnesses of His resurrection, which cannot be replicated today.
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Function vs. Title
While the title "apostle" is reserved for the first-century Church leaders, we may acknowledge that some people today function in an apostolic-like role - such as missionaries, church planters, or leaders who help establish churches. However, these individuals are not called “apostles” in the doctrinal or ecclesiastical sense.
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Balance with the Gifts of the Spirit
Harvest acknowledges the ongoing operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (again in 1 Corinthians 12), but with Biblical order and discernment. We affirm that God can powerfully use individuals in leadership and ministry without needing to assign them the title of “apostle.” Christ is the head of the Church, not man, and not even a pastor. Everyone in the church is to point to Jesus, the church is His bride.
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Calvary Chapel respects the Biblical office of apostle as unique to the foundation of the Church and does not recognize modern apostles in that authoritative, doctrinal sense. We focus on servant leadership and Biblical faithfulness rather than hierarchical titles.
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Harvest Fellowship believes in the continued and ongoing presence and power of the Holy Spirit, including all the gifts, but stresses that they be used biblically, humbly, and in love. This is in accordance with the Word of God.