Fourfold Gospel
Alliance founder Dr. A. B. Simpson voiced the core “theology” of the C&MA many years ago. He called it the Fourfold Gospel, and it’s all about Jesus—our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. The Fourfold Gospel is the Christological summary on which the spiritual DNA of The Christian and Missionary Alliance is built.
One of Simpson’s life verses contains these words: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The Fourfold Gospel points to this fact: as we experience Jesus in these ways, we will experience the “hope of glory” Simpson spoke of.
Photo courtesy of Mortell Studio - Oconto Falls, WI
Jesus, Our Savior
The Name of Jesus has permeated every culture for more than 2,000 years. In the Name of Jesus, people have experienced great miracles as well as horrific persecution. Jesus made clear His purpose on earth; only through Him is salvation available.
The CROSS: Christ Our Savior
Jesus’ death on a cross was the fulfillment of Old Testament law, which required blood atonement for sin. By His death and resurrection, we are redeemed from eternal separation from God, justified, made righteous, and accepted in His Name.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Jesus, Our Sanctifier
Salvation for the believer happens in three tenses. First, in the past tense—we have been justified. Second, in the present tense, we are being sanctified, made over in the image of Jesus, as described in Romans 8:29. Finally, in the future tense, we will be glorified, according to 1 John 3:2, a process made possible by Christ, our Sanctifier.
The LAVER: Christ Our Sanctifier
The laver symbol represents the daily cleansing from sin by the power of the Holy Spirit.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).
Jesus, Our Healer
A great portion of Christ’s earthly ministry was dedicated to healing the sick. We find no record in the gospels of Jesus turning away anyone who came to him for healing, nor do we find that any disease was too difficult for him to heal. He even raised the dead. Miraculous healings continue today—evidence that Christ still is our Healer.
The PITCHER: Christ Our Healer
This symbol represents a pitcher containing oil to anoint the sick for healing that comes through obedience to God’s Word.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up (James 5:15)
Jesus, Our Coming King
Clearly, the entire New Testament tells us of the Second Coming of Christ. The Alliance is committed to doing its part to complete Jesus’ Great Commission before His glorious return
The CROWN: Christ Our Coming King
The crown represents Christ’s royalty as the King of Kings. His coming will be a visable, personal appearance.
You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62).
Completing Christ’s Commission
The GLOBE: Completing Christ’s Commission
The globe represents our mission in the world. The Lord urged His followers as He sent them to spread the Good News throughout the land. That appeal will continue until the gospel, through the efforts of His Church, has reached all peoples, and He comes again.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end.
