What We Believe
CITY CHURCH CALIFORNIA STATEMENTS OF FAITH
As a non-profit 501c3, City Church California is founded on the following statements and distinctives of faith.
Statements of Faith
These Statements of Faith represent what we believe to be core elements of biblical teaching. We expect all members of City Church California to affirm these doctrines.
Scripture – We believe in the accepted canon of the Scriptures that is inspired by God as originally given. We believe in the infallibly and uniquely authoritative quality of Scripture that is free from error of any sort in all matters with which they deal; including scientific and historical, as well as moral and theological (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13).
God, Himself – We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed himself as one God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible we affirm the Trinity is co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Lord Jesus Christ – We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of Humanity, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, fully God and fully man. He is the only sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the world and the perfect mediator that imputes his righteousness to all those who believe (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14; 9:16).
Christ’s Death and Resurrection – We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to his disciples (1 Corinthians 15:14; Romans 4:25).
Christ’s Bodily Ascension – We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to Heaven, His exaltation, and His personal, literal, and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Salvation by Grace Through Faith – We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, 22; Romans 5:11).
Origin of Humanity – We believe God created humanity, male and female. We believe in the test and fall of humanity and through God’s grace redemption through Christ (Romans 3:10-18).
Distinctives of Faith
These distinctives of Faith reflect what distinguishes City Church California from other churches that would affirm our statements of faith. These distinctives shape the way that City Church California is led and the direction our church is headed. We do not expect all members to embrace all aspects of these distinctives, but members should expect that these distinctives will be maintained in all ministry environments at City Church California, and members may not teach contrary to them.
Marriage – We believe in the sacrament and sanctity of marriage as established by the Holy Scriptures, which is a life-long covenant joining one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Ephesians 5:22-33).
Biblical History – We believe in the full historicity and perspicuity of the Biblical record of primeval history. (Genesis 1-11).
Water Baptism – We believe in the sacrament of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ and is a unique channel of grace (Matthew 28;19; Acts 2:37-39; 19:1-6).
Baptism of the Holy Spirit – We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a sovereign act of God that the believer continually experiences through faith and surrender (Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 10:44-46; Galatians 3:14-15; Ephesians 5:18).
The Gifts of the Spirit – We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a vital part of the believer and the church today and are imparted to the believer for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4).
Healing – We believe God heals the body and soul through three main channels: miracles, medicine, and glorification. (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:9; James 5:1).
Communion – We believe in the sacrament of the Table of the Lord for believers, commonly called Communion. It is a unique channel of grace where the believer experiences a substantial reality of Christ. (John 6:22-59; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32).
Tithes, Offerings, and Prosperity – We believe the tithe (the first ten percent of our income) is an act of obedience, giving to the Lord what He says is His. The offering is an act of generosity, giving to God what He says is ours. We believe prosperity is the heart of God for every believer for the purpose of building the Church through wise stewardship. (Deuteronomy 8:18; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
Eternal Life – We believe in eternal life for believers (John 5:24; 3:16) and eternal separation for unbelievers (Mark 9:43-58; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15).
Satan & His Judgment – We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and the eternal judgment of Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15).