What is the Fourfold Gospel?

The term fourfold Gospel describes the historic
emphasis of The Christian and Missionary Alliance
in Canada (C&MA) on the person of Jesus Christ.
These characteristics of Jesus and His ministry
are what defined the C&MA more than 100 years
ago, and they continue to be the foundation of
our Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, Mission-
focused work today. Our founder A.B. Simpson’s
life was transformed by encountering the power
and presence of Jesus and it is our hope that you
encounter Him as well.

The pitcher symbolizes Christ our Healer. It speaks
of oil for divine life and physical healing.

The crown stands for Christ our Coming King. He
will come back to this earth and reign forever.

The cross typifies Jesus Christ our Saviour. He died
on a cross for our sins, and only through Him can we
be made right with God.

The laver illustrates Christ as our Sanctifier. The
laver—a large basin used in God’s temple for
washing—represents cleansing from sin by the power
of the Holy Spirit.

Christ our Saviour

Jesus was sent by God to save us from sin so that we
can become members of God’s eternal family.

Jesus taught that He is the only way to know God.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me” (John
14:6). His way is the only way that leads to life—and
life abundant.

Christ our Sanctifier

The laver was a wash basin used in the Old
Testament tabernacle and temple. It was used to
cleanse priests from sin. We reference it to symbolize
Christ as the One who purifies us from sin and
makes us righteous; we are made holy through
Christ’s Spirit.

Holiness is not a one-stop experience. Just as the Old
Testament priests went back to the wash basin often,
we too need to go back to Jesus, through prayer and
confession, and receive empowerment by His Holy
Spirit to overcome sin.

Christ our Healer

The pitcher of oil speaks of Jesus our Healer. Oil is a
double symbol: one of healing and one of the Holy Spirit
who is poured out on us.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus healed people by the power
of the Holy Spirit. Th is invitation is as fresh today as it
ever was because Jesus “is the same yesterday and today
and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Even today, Jesus invites us
to receive healing and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We
must not forget the power of Christ living within us as an
ever-present source of healing and empowerment.

Christ our Coming King

Jesus told many parables about a king leaving for a time
and returning when nobody expected. Some people were
ready for the master’s return; others weren’t. We believe
that Jesus will return to Earth where He will reign as King.
The crown symbolizes our anticipation of this reality.

Jesus’ return, at a time we do not know, is part of our
motivation to fulfill The Great Commission—Jesus’
command to his followers—which is:

More Information:

The Four-Fold Gospel by A.B. Simpson

Fourfold Gospel Resrouces from The Alliance Canada homepage.