Theological Positions

1. CPI is fervently evangelical

We believe in the centrality of the biblical Gospel and the urgency of proclaiming this Gospel to every person. We believe that the Gospel is the power of God and is His only message and His only method for saving and transforming human beings.

2. CPI is essentially reformed

This means that we adhere to the essential core teachings of the Reformation. These essential truths are summed up in the five solas and the five doctrines of grace. The five solas include Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to God alone be the glory. The doctrines of grace include total depravity, unconditional election, particular redemption, effectual grace, and the final perseverance of the saints. To be reformed, however, also means to be always reforming. All doctrine should be carefully examined in the light of Scripture and should not be accepted solely because of tradition.

3. CPI is continuationist

We believe that every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit at salvation and is therefore complete without the need of a second experience subsequent to conversion. We also maintain that all gifts of the Holy Spirit, with the exception of the writing of Scripture, may continue during this present time. Gifts and manifestations of God’s Spirit are not, however, subject to our own will or discretion, but are manifest only when, where, and with whom God chooses, in accordance to His sovereign will. They are given by grace alone and will always conform to His Word, the Holy Scriptures.

4. CPI adheres to the baptism of believers alone

We believe that the only proper subjects for baptism are disciples of Jesus Christ, those who by their profession of faith and obedient life show evidence of true conversion. While we maintain fellowship and sometimes co-labor with paedobaptist Christians, we deny that the baptism of infants is a valid exercise of the ordinance of baptism. Only those born again by the Holy Spirit are true members of the church of Jesus Christ.