My ultimate theological commitment is not to a particular system of theology, but to theology that is biblical. I desire to accurately and faithfully portray the consistent teaching of Scripture. I am committed to holding together two things that are often viewed as separate: a commitment to sound doctrine and a passionate pursuit of the presence of God.
Such a combination, it must be said, is not very common. However, I believe a consistent study and application of the biblical text reveals that God saves sinners by His grace alone, and spiritual gifts continue until Christ returns.
Here at King's Church, we would describe ourselves as evangelical, reformed and charismatic. We hold an Evangelical view of Scripture, a Reformed view of soteriology (the doctrines of grace) and a charismatic/continuationist position and practice. For many this can be perplexing (I completely understand). For some this simply cannot be (I completely understand). Let me seek to explain.
We are evangelical. This can mean a number of things to different people - but basically means two things as far as we are concerned: (1) We believe that the Bible is the only infallible record of God's self-disclosure and is therefore our final authority in all matters of life and doctrine, and (2) we believe people need to be saved by responding to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are also reformed. We hold dear to our hearts the doctrines that historically have been called the Five Solas (the word "sola" being that Latin word for "alone") during the time of the Protestant Reformation. With Scripture alone as our sure foundation, we affirm that justification is by Grace alone, through Faith alone, because of Christ alone - all to the Glory of God alone. For a more lengthy treatment of these vital doctrines, there is an article written on this theme here on the web site called, "The Reformation - Has the Holy Spirit moved on?"
We hold to the Reformation doctrines of grace (also known as the five points of Calvinism) - affirmed by the popular acrostic "TULIP". The "T" in the TULIP stands for Total Depravity (perhaps a more accurate phrase would be Radical Corruption - but that would destroy the TULIP acrostic and make it a RULIP!); the "U" for Unconditional Election; the "L" for Limited Atonement or Definite or Particular Redemption; the "I" for Irresistible Grace or perhaps more accurately stated, Effectual Calling; and the "P" for the Perseverance of the Saints.
Like the leaders of the Reformation in the 16th Century, we embrace and exult in the sovereignty of God over all things and place the emphasis on the activity of God and the glory of God in the salvation of sinners. This perspective, we believe, keeps the Gospel central in our focus and God's grace as utterly amazing. Historically, these doctrines have acted much the same as guardrails on the mountain of God's truth, helping the Church in subsequent centuries avoid the perilous dangers of false doctrine. Yet in saying this, I never want to focus my teaching on these important truths to the neglect of other central truths - truths that I share with all other Christians. These would include the full humanity and Deity of Christ, the Trinity, sola scriptura - the belief that Scripture alone is the sole infallible authority for doctrine and practice, as well as the vitally important Gospel truth of justification by faith alone (sola fide). As Martin Luther said, justification by faith alone is the article upon which a Church stands or falls.
We would also be described as charismatic in that we are active in our pursuit and practice of the gifts of the Spirit as found in the New Testament - worship is expressive and passionate. The word "charismatic" comes from the Greek word charismata, meaning "grace gifts" used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. When we describe ourselves as "charismatic," we are therefore not referring in any way to human personality traits, but to our belief in the continued exercise of the "charismata" or gifts of the Holy Spirit in our own day.
Let me quote from a helpful article produced by Sovereign Grace Ministries at this point: "The insistence that gifts such as prophecy were limited to the apostolic age most commonly arises from entirely understandable concerns about the issue of revelation. Scripture is truly, and must remain, the only source of inspired, inerrant, authoritative revelation from God for the faith and life of the church. However, New Testament teaching regarding spiritual gifts in no way implies that the gifts necessarily endanger the role of Scripture in the church's life. Our experience with spiritual gifts confirms this. The best way to prevent the undermining of Scripture's authority is, quite simply, to maintain and teach a high view of Scripture. Scripture must be allowed to function in a way that demonstrates that it is indeed God's normative revelation for the faith and life of the church. This includes allowing Scripture to govern the use of spiritual gifts. We strongly believe that, when gifts such as prophecy and tongues are viewed in light of Scripture, and their use is tested and governed by Scripture, two things will happen: God's people will be edified by the proper functioning of the gifts in accord with God's purposes, and Scripture will be protected as the only "authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine."
I trust that these brief words give you a something of a window into our core beliefs. For further clarity, I would also encourage you to read our Statement of Faith.
May God richly bless you as you walk in the light of His Word.
