What We Believe

City of Refuge Calhoun

These are the essential beliefs that guide our faith and practice:

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, given by the Holy Spirit. It is the final authority for what we believe and how we live. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Trinity

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

Jesus Christ

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return again. (Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11)

Salvation

We believe all people are born into sin and need salvation, which comes only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Repentance

We believe repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin toward God, made possible through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Justification and New Birth

We believe that when a sinner repents and believes in Christ, they are justified by faith, forgiven of their sins, and born again into new life. (Romans 5:1; John 3:3)

Sanctification

We believe sanctification is both an instant work of grace and a lifelong process of growing in holiness through obedience to God and the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14)

Spiritual Gifts

We believe the Holy Spirit gives gifts to the church for the work of ministry, the building up of the body of Christ, and the spreading of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Divine Healing

We believe in divine healing, provided in Christ’s atonement, and available to all believers today. (Isaiah 53:4-5; James 5:14-16)

The Church

We believe the church is the body of Christ made up of all true believers. The local church is a place of worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:25)

The Sacraments

We believe in two ordinances commanded by Christ:

● Water Baptism by immersion for believers, symbolizing death to sin and new life in Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4)

● The Lord’s Supper (Communion) as a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a celebration of His presence until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Marriage and Family

We believe marriage is a sacred covenant, designed by God, and is only between one man and one woman. It is the foundation for the family and reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-32)

The Second Coming

We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to resurrect the dead in Christ, gather His church, and establish His kingdom forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:12)

Eternity

We believe in the reality of heaven and hell. The righteous will spend eternity in God’s presence, while the unrighteous will be eternally separated from Him. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11-15)