
"Foursquare"
is a Biblical term used of the tabernacle in the Book of Exodus, of the Temple
of the Lord in Ezekiel 40:47, and of Heaven, as described in the Book of the
Revelation. The term "Foursquare Gospel" was given in the inspiration
of revival to the denomination's founder, Aimee
Semple McPherson, during an evangelistic campaign in Oakland,
California, in 1922. It represents that which is equally balanced on all sides,
established and enduring. Such confidence in the power of the Gospel is also
expressed by the verse, Hebrews 13:8, displayed in Foursquare churches
proclaiming, "Jesus Christ the Same, Yesterday and Today and
Forever."
The Foursquare
symbols stand for
Jesus Christ as:
The
Savior
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisment for our peace was upon Him . . ."
- Isaiah
53:5 (Titus 2:14, Is. 55:7, Heb. 7:25, Is. 1:18)
The
Baptizer with the Holy Spirit
"For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the
Holy Spirit . . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon
you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
- Acts 1:5,8 (Jn. 14:16-17,
Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17, Acts 10:44-46, 1 Cor. 3:16)
The
Healer
"He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. . ."
- Matthew 8:17 (Mk. 16:17-18, Mt. 9:5-6, Acts 4:29-30)
The
Soon-Coming King
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout . . . the
dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught
up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we
shall always be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (Titus
2:12-13, Mt. 24:36-44, Heb. 9:28, Lk. 19:13, Lk. 12:35-37.)
In summary the term "Foursquare" stands for the
four-fold ministry of Jesus Christ as the Saviour (Romans 10:9), Baptiser with
the Holy Ghost (Luke 3:16), Healer (1 Peter 2:24) and coming King (Acts 1:11).