Relationship of the Bible to our Doctrinal Standards

Calvary Grace Church of Calgary holds to the 66 books of the Holy Bible as the only final and sufficient rule of faith in all matters of doctrine and practice, and as the very standard of truth given by God to the world.

As a means of summarizing the teaching of the Bible on important doctrinal issues, in order to facilitate the task of teaching the flock, and to clearly define our interpretation of certain biblical teachings to promote the unity and distinctiveness of the church, Calvary Grace Church makes use of several Doctrinal Standards.

All of these statements are subordinate to, and therefore subject to correction by, the Holy Scriptures.

Primary Doctrinal Standards

The following two Doctrinal Standards are considered “primary” due to their place in the life of the church. The Primary Doctrinal Standards are those which are most commonly employed in the regular life of the church.

1. The Teaching Statement of Calvary Grace Church

This is a very detailed confession that represents the teaching position of the church. Only elders at Calvary Grace Church are required to subscribe fully to this document, as it takes firm positions on many issues where evangelical Christians have disagreements. The Teaching Statement, therefore, defines what Calvary Grace Church considers to be its distinctive beliefs.

Of all the subordinate standards used by the church, the Teaching Statement has primary authority and represents, under the guidance and correction of the Holy Scriptures, the standard by which others are to be interpreted.

All members at Calvary Grace Church are expected to read this document as part of their application for membership. Members are not expected to have complete agreement with everything it teaches in order to qualify for membership. However, it needs to be understood that because the teaching at Calvary Grace Church will be in accordance with this document, all members of Calvary Grace Church are expected to submit to this teaching with meekness and humility.

2. The Congregational Confession of Faith of Calvary Grace Church

We desire that any born-again confessing Christian be able to join our fellowship and minister with us, and so the Congregational Statement is a statement of those beliefs we consider to be critical to a true faith in Jesus Christ.

Every member of Calvary Grace Church must subscribe to these core doctrines of the faith. While a full understanding and ability to adequately articulate these beliefs is not required, the explicit rejection of any one of these particular beliefs raises serious doubts about whether a person has savingly understood the Gospel and so disqualifies one from formal membership at Calvary Grace Church.