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, Calif., 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 name represents the four-fold ministries of Jesus:
The Savior
"But He was
wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the
chastisement 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.)