What We Believe

The following are the core beliefs of Calvary Baptist Church Smithville based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to His creation. Through Scripture, He reveals who He is, who we are, His plan for the world, and how we are called to live in relationship with Him. Every word of the Bible was inspired by God, making it completely true, without error, and fully trustworthy. As such, it stands as the ultimate authority for every believer’s life, teaching us the truth and guiding us in faith and practice.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:12–21)

There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise.  God is perfect in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom,  justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
(Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Genesis 1:31)

God, as Father, reigns with perfect holiness, wisdom, and love over all creation. He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, actively working in and through human history to accomplish His divine purposes. In His providence, He cares for His children, hears their prayers, and works all things together for good according to His will. He is infinite in power yet personal in relationship—merciful, just, and full of grace—revealing His fatherly heart most fully through His Son, Jesus Christ.
(Genesis 1:1; Psalm 103:19; Romans 8:28; John 3:16; 1 John 3:1)

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He took on human flesh without ceasing to be God, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and coming to save us from sin. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again, proving His Lordship over all, even death.
(Colossians 1:15–20; John 1:1, 14; John 14:6; 1 John 2:1–2; Hebrews 1:1–3)

The Holy Spirit is fully God, equal with the Father and the Son. He convicts the world of sin, reveals the truth about Jesus, and dwells within every believer. He regenerates, teaches, comforts, and empowers us to grow in Christlikeness until the day of Christ’s return. (John 14:16, 26; John 15:26; John 16:8, 13–14; Romans 8:26–27)

Humanity was created by God in His image and without sin. Through disobedience, we fell into sin and have been sinful ever since. Sin separates us from God and leaves us spiritually dead, unable to save ourselves. Every person stands in need of a Savior. (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 14:2–3; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1–10)

Because of sin, every person is separated from God and faces eternal death. In love and mercy, God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sin through His death on the cross. Salvation is a free gift of grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ alone. (John 5:24; Romans 5:1; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 1:9)

The Church is made up of all believers of every time and place. Local churches are expressions of this body, where believers gather to worship God, encourage and teach one another, and live in accountability together. The Church is God’s chosen instrument to make Him known in the world, reflecting His love and bringing Him glory. (Acts 2:42–45; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Ephesians 4:4)

One day, Jesus Christ will return for His Church. At His coming, the dead will be raised, and all people will face judgment. Those who belong to Christ will enter His presence for eternity, glorifying God forever. Those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God in torment. (Matthew 25:31–46; John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 1:7–9; 2 Peter 3:13)