What We Believe

Alliance founder Dr. A. B. Simpson voiced the core “theology” of the C&MA many years ago. He called it the Fourfold Gospel, and it’s all about Jesus—our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. The Fourfold Gospel is the Christological summary on which the spiritual DNA of The Christian and Missionary Alliance is based. One of Simpson’s life verses contains these words: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The Fourfold Gospel points to this fact and contains our very spiritual DNA. As we experience Jesus in these ways, we will experience the “hope of glory” of which Simpson spoke.

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The Fourfold Gospel

 

Jesus our Savior

Jesus is an exclusive Savior. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name in heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Contrary to what contemporary culture tells us, there are not multiple paths to God. There is only one -- Jesus Christ. Jesus' death and resurrection ensures His followers an endless list of promises from God's Word. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, His promises are for us, including peace today and hope of eternity with Him.


Jesus our Sanctifier

Many Christians understand God’s promise of salvation but do not experience the ongoing sanctifying work of Jesus Christ in their lives. For those who neither understand nor allow the Holy Spirit's control in their lives, the results have a profound effect. Unsuccessful struggle against sin and a lack of power in life and ministry frustrate those who have asked Jesus to be their Savior but not their Sanctifier, resulting in a lack of joy in their walk with Christ. At the point when we are born again, we become members of God’s family. We believe He paid the price for our sin, that His followers are set apart from those who are not born again, and that we are seen as holy because of what Christ has done.​


Jesus our Healer​​

A great portion of Christ’s time was dedicated to healing the sick. He healed all kinds of people: the blind, the paralyzed, the lame, the deaf, lepers, those who had fevers, and many with chronic illnesses. We find no record in the gospels of Jesus turning away anyone who came to Him for healing, nor do we find that any disease was too difficult for him to heal. He even raised the dead! Miraculous healings still occur today — evidence that Christ is still our Healer.​


Jesus our Coming King​​

The physical return of Jesus has been the subject of speculation and controversy since His ascension into the clouds, which is recorded in the New Testament Book of Acts. Knowing that countless millions still have not heard the gospel, The Alliance is committed to doing its part to complete Christ’s Great Commission before His imminent return.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8