what we believe

Calvary Church is a part of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, a denomination which traces its history back through the Protestant Reformation to the New Testament Church. 

Calvary and the Christian Reformed Church hold to the teachings promoted by Martin Luther and John Calvin, including: 


1. God’s Word, the Bible, is the primary source of instruction for the Christian life. 


2. Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind.


3. People are justified, or “made right” with God by grace through faith alone. 


4. God is sovereign. God has created the world and retains complete control. Nothing happens without his knowledge or permission. 


5. All areas of our life must be lived for God’s glory. Calvin used the Latin phrase, “Solo Deo Gloria” to express that “To God alone belongs the Glory.” 


In addition to these five basic principles, the Church adheres to three confessions which find their roots in the Reformation. They are: 


1. The Heidelberg Catechism. This document explains and discusses the Apostle’s Creed, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. 


2. The Canons of Dordt is a defense of what is sometimes known as “the five points of Calvinism.” 


3. The Belgic Confession is an extensive defense of the Reformed understanding of salvation.