The Ten Commandments
We believe that the principles found in the Ten Commandments, though given specifically to the nation of Israel (Exod. 20:1-2), were intended to transcend all time and are therefore morally binding upon believers today. They are a reflection of God’s holy character and since God cannot change (Mal. 3:6
), the principles contained therein are perpetual. The law of God is holy, just, and good (Rom. 7:7-14).
Sexual Sin
Calvary Bible Church stands against all sexual sin, such as adultery, fornication (including pre-marital sex, members of the opposite sex living together prior to marriage, and pornography of all kinds and in all forms), prostitution, homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality (Lev. 18; Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 1:26-27), and polygamy (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:4-6) believing that all are opposed to the true gospel as set forth in the Scriptures (I Cor. 6:9-10). We readily acknowledge that it is the responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ to witness to those who are entangled in such sins, knowing that only Jesus Christ can forgive all sins, and through the power of his Spirit, set such ones free (I Cor. 6:11).
Humanism
Calvary Bible Church stands against humanism, which in essence teaches that man is the center of the Universe (II Tim. 3:1-5; Rom. 12:1-2) and rejects the true God of the Scriptures as the Creator and only Redeemer of the world.
Feminism
While the female gender was created in the image of God to the same degree as the male gender (Gen. 1:26-27), and while the female gender is to be loved and treated with complete respect and dignity (I Tim 5:1-2; I Pet. 3:7); and while in God’s eyes the female gender is equal to the male gender, we recognize that God intended there to be a difference in function between the two sexes. Women were created in a position of subordination to man, this being evident by: the fact that she was created to be his helper (Gen. 2:18); the order of creation, the man being created first (I Tim 2:13); and the fact that Adam named her (Gen. 2:19-23). Further, because Eve was deceived directly by Satan in the Garden of Eden (I Tim. 2:14), God placed the female gender in a position of subordination in the home and the church. We therefore, as a church, stand opposed to all philosophies, organizations, and movements which resist the Biblical teaching concerning the proper role of women and that teach women to be independent of men.
Abortion
God’s Word is plain that human life begins at conception (Gen. 25:22; Job 10:18, 31:15; Ps. 51:5, 58:3, 139:13-16; Isa. 44:2, 44:24; Jer. 1:5; Eccl. 11:5; Luke 1:41, 44), and that abortion for any and every reason, including rape, incest, medical reasons, birth control, or simply the choice of the woman, is murder (Exod. 21:22-23). Those who do take such innocent lives will perish in hell unless they repent and turn to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing of sin (Rom. 1:29-32). We do not believe that it is at all possible for anyone to be a true believer who believes in, practices or supports abortion. Only God has the right to take life except in those circumstance where he has clearly granted human government the right to bear the sword (Rom. 13:1-7).
Euthanasia
We stand equally opposed to active euthanasia. God is the giver and taker of life and man has no right to decide when he himself or another is supposed to die (Exod. 20:13; Job 1:21). The only exceptions to the forbidden sin of murder are self-defense, war, and judicial execution, all of which are related to self-preservation.
Capital Punishment
God has given the right to human government to take a man’s life, especially as vengeance upon the act of murder (Gen. 9:1-6; Rom. 13:1-7). Every precaution must be exercised to insure that only the guilty are so punished.
Divorce
We recognize the sanctity of marriage realizing that God instituted it for the happiness and welfare of mankind (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:1-9; Heb. 13:4). Therefore, we stand opposed to divorce. Divorce is the dissolution of a divinely instituted bond and a breaking of the covenant established by marriage (Mal. 2:13-16). We look with disfavor upon the practice of divorce for any reason whatsoever and we believe that the only scriptural grounds for divorce are immorality and desertion. Even when either of these grounds are present, we believe that if at all possible, the marriage should remain intact and forgiveness be exercised. Due to the grace of God, those who have been divorced and those who have married divorced persons, if they give evidence of repentance and continuance in Christian grace on their part, and forgiveness on God’s part, may be received into church membership and do not forfeit the privilege to be used in Christian service within the church (I Cor. 6:9-11; II Cor. 2:5-11).
Separation From Worldliness
We believe that in Christ the believer has been given perfect and complete liberty (Gal. 4:1-7; 5:1). We therefore believe that no man or group of men have the right to make rules and practices that are contrary to the freedom that the believer has been given in Christ, the clear teachings of the Scriptures, and the authority that God has established through individuals in the home, church, and state. At the same time, we are fully aware that God’s Word informs us that certain pursuits in this world will lead to a decline in spirituality on the part of the Christian. In view of this fact, we must caution God’s people against improper relationships (II Cor. 6:14) and the pursuit and excessive indulgence in innocent amusements which so often become the barrier to spiritual vitality and the cause of spiritual decline (Jas. 1:5; Mark 4:19). We encourage our membership to be discreet in the watching of movies, whether these be in the home via television or videos, or attendance at the theater. We further oppose all indecent literature, modern worldly dancing, and such games that are frequently associated with gambling. All of these are antagonistic to spiritual vitality and further promote worldliness and the breakdown of ethics and morality. We further encourage our members to be careful about that which they choose to eat or drink, believing that a poor diet and gluttony are harmful to the body (I Cor. 6:12-20; Prov. 23:21; Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 3:19; Titus 1:12-13); that the excessive use of strong drink is foolish and forbidden in the Scriptures (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35; I Cor. 6:9-10); and that the use of tobacco is unbecoming of a Christian and inconsistent with our Christian profession (I Cor. 3:16-17; 6:12). We are fully aware that when God first saves an individual, it might take a lengthy period of time to be set free from these and other vices. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the potential for complete freedom from any sinful habit is possible for the Christian and progress should consistently be realized through the process of daily sanctification.
Secret Oath–Bound Societies
We believe it to be highly inconsistent and anti-scriptural for Christians to be members of secret oath–bound societies. The Scriptures admonish believers against secret oaths (Matt. 5:34-37; Jas. 5:12) and against the necessity of doing deeds in secret (John 18:20). Further, being a member of such societies and orders violates the command of the Scriptures not to be yoked together with unbelievers (II Cor. 6:14) or to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11-12). The believer is to show supreme allegiance to only the Lord Jesus Christ (Exod. 20:3; Matt. 6:24). Therefore, no person who is a member in our church, or who anticipates such membership, shall be a member of a secret oath–bound society.