“Foursquare” is a Biblical term used of the tabernacle in the Book of Exodus, of the Temple of the Lord in Ezekiel 40:47, and of Heaven, as described in the book of the Revelation. The term “Foursquare Gospel” was given in the inspiration of revival to the denomination’s founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, during an evangelistic campaign in Oakland, Calif., in 1922. It represents that which is equally balanced on all sides, established and enduring. Such confidence in the power of the Gospel is also expressed by the verse, Hebrews 13:8, displayed in Foursquare churches proclaiming, “Jesus Christ the Same, Yesterday and Today and Forever.” Click here to view more information about the Foursquare Church.
The Savior
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him…”
Isaiah 53:5 (Titus 2:14, Is. 55:7, Heb. 7:25, Is. 1:18)
The Baptizer with the Holy Spirit
“For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit… you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:5,8 (John 14:16-17, Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17, Acts 10:44-46, 1 Corinthians 3:16)
The Healer
“He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses…”
Matthew 8:17 (Mk. 16:17-18, Mt. 9:5-6, Acts 4:29-30)
The Soon-Coming King
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (Titus 2:12-13, Mt. 24:36-44, Heb. 9:28, Lk. 19:13, Lk. 12:35-37.)
The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Bible is God-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
The Eternal Godhead
We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7).
The Fall of Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience he fell from innocence and purity (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12).
The Plan of Salvation
We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him (John 3:16; Titus 2:14).
Salvation Through Grace
We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
Repentance and Acceptance
We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (Romans 10:6-10; 1 John 1:9).
The New Birth
We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).
Daily Christian Living
We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential response to Jesus’ command, testifying to His lordship as Christ and King (Romans 6:4). We believe in observing the Lord’s Supper, receiving the broken bread and the fruit of the vine with joy and faith as we partake anew of the life and triumph of Christ’s Cross (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Baptism with the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer with power; and that His incoming is after the same manner as in Bible days (Acts 1:5,8; Acts 2:4).
The Spirit-Filled Life
We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32; Galatians 5:16).
The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows enabling ministry gifts upon believers, and that these gifts will build up the Body of Christ through edification and evangelism (1 Corinthians 12:1-11); as evidence of a Spirit-filled life, believers should show spiritual “fruit”: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-25).
Moderation
We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him into extremes of fanaticism (Colossians 3:12; Philippians 4:5).
Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing is the power of Jesus Christ to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith; He, who does not change, is still willing and able to heal the body, as well as the soul and spirit in answer to faith (Mark 16:17, 18; James 5:14-16).
The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
Church Relationship
We believe that it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with a congregation of believers with whom we can worship God, observe the ordinances of Christ, exhort and support one another, labor for the salvation of others, and work together to advance the Lord’s Kingdom (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:24).
Civil Government
We believe that civil government is by divine appointment and that civil laws should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Acts 4:18-20; Romans 13:1-5).
Judgment
We believe that all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ: the redeemed to be delivered unto everlasting life, and the unrepentant unto everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:11; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Heaven
We believe that heaven is the glorious habitation of the living God and the eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:2; Revelation 7:15-17).
Hell
We believe that hell is a place of darkness, deepest sorrow, and unquenchable fire, which was not prepared for man but for the devil and his angels; yet it will become the place of eternal separation from God for all who reject Christ as Savior (Matthew 13:41-42; Revelation 20:10,15).
Evangelism
We believe that soul winning is the “one big business” of the Church on earth, and that every hindrance to worldwide evangelism should be removed (James 5:20; Mark 16:15).
Tithing and Offerings
We believe that tithing and offerings are ordained of God to sustain His ministry, spread the Gospel, and release personal blessing (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2).
Click here to download the entire Foursquare Declaration of Faith.