In general we hold to the basic historic, Protestant, Evangelical, Biblical theology in the vast majority of our teachings.  With this is mind, yet without going into great detail, we draw a few distinctions in our theology and teaching. . .

1.  We embrace teachings in scripture about the Holy Spirit as articulated by many in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.  We hold that all the gifts, workings, and fruits of the Spirit are for the church today.  We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a distinct occurrence apart from the work of conversion (being born again).  We maintain that tongues has a place in the church.  Some give it THE place in the church.  Others give it NO place in the church.  We give it A place in the church.  In the final analysis, the fruits of the Spirit or more important than the gifts of the Spirit.  The gifts are given to grow the fruit!    

2.  We embrace the supremacy and authority of the Bible and pursue a correct exegetical interpretation of scriptures through a sound hermeneutic.  E.g. Context, the original definitions of Greek and Hebrew words, scripture interpreting scripture, the plain meaning of sentences, historical setting, etc.  However, we do see a great deal of symbolism in both the Old and New Testament that enlightens us to the nature of God’s kingdom, and can teach us truth.   However, we do not use symbolism as the basis for the formation of our doctrine.  In addition we hold that the Gospels and Acts, not just the letters to the churches, are profitable for doctrine. 

3.  We appreciate the Word of Faith movement when its teachers and preachers correctly interpret and apply scripture.  If Word of Faith is defined as “believing the Word in Scripture before seeing the Word in our lives,” then Third Day emphatically embraces Word of Faith theology.  E.g.  “I am healed because the Word says it, not because I see it.”  We however distance ourselves from “FAVORITE Word of Faith” teaching in that all scripture is profitable for our understanding and growth, and we should not neglect the full teaching of scripture on any subject. 

4.  We hold to a moderate Calvinism that is IMPERATIVE in our theology. (As compared to Extreme Calvinism or Extreme Arminianism)   In basic terms we hold that God is sovereign (in complete control) over our free acts.  God desires all to be saved, and all could be saved if each said “Yes” to His offer of eternal life.  God pre-knows our sin, but His pre-knowledge does not cause our sin.  God pre-knows who would chose Him, but this does not cause our choosing Him.  This foundational theology gives energy to our evangelism, missions, faith, holiness, and other facets of the Christian life.

5.  We have a kingdom-minded theology.   His kingdom is ever expanding (like leaven in a lump of dough) and His church has the authority and calling to bring the glory of God to the whole earth.  We are not maintaining until the rapture.  We are overcoming though the power of the Holy Spirit by the Word of God.  The victory is ours!