Fully divine and fully human; eternal Son; Jesus as Savior (first Foursquare pillar)
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel affirms that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human, united in one person. Jesus is confessed as Savior — the one through whom God's redemptive purpose is accomplished. The Church's distinctive 'Foursquare' theology emphasizes four aspects of Christ's ministry: Savior, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, Healer, and Coming King. The Savior aspect emphasizes Christ's redemptive work: his incarnation, atonement, and resurrection accomplish salvation from sin.
Jesus is true God of true God, coequal and coeternal with the Father, yet became fully human in the incarnation. His death on the cross paid the penalty for human sin, and his resurrection secured victory over death and the power to give new life to all who believe. Jesus as Savior is the heart of Foursquare gospel preaching and evangelism.
Key Distinctions
- Natures formula:
- two complete natures (divine and human) united in one person (hypostatic union)
- Conciliar affiliation:
- Council of Chalcedon (451) — orthodox Christological definition affirmed
- Christological emphasis:
- Christ's redemptive work central; salvation from sin through his death and resurrection
Scripture References
Sources
- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Declaration of Faith
- Foursquare Church teaching on the Foursquare Gospel — Jesus as Savior