Doctrinal Statement
We, the members of Sugar Grove Community Church, believe:
Man
What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. (Psalm 86; Isaiah 60:21; Romans 11:36; Rev. 4:11; Psalm 16:5-11)
The Holy Bible
The Old and the New Testaments to be the verbally inspired and the infallible word of God, in the original writings and the final authority for Christian faith and life. (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21)
The Trinity
In the one and living God, co-eternal and existent in three persons. All three are equally to be adored, praised and worshiped. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 28:19; Romans 9:5)
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the second person in the triune Godhead. That He is both True God and True Man. (John 1:1-14) He was born of the Virgin Mary who was found to be with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18, 20) He was tested in all points as we are but was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) His death, on the cross, provided the atonement for the sin of lost mankind. (Romans 5:6) Christ arose from the grave bodily (I Cor. 15:4), ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9) and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 7:25, 9:24). At the end of this age He will return for His own and will set up His kingdom on earth following that period. (John 14:3, Matthew 24:3).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is fully God, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son, and is deserving of the same praise and honor. We believe Him to be the Author of Scripture. He is to glorify Christ, convict man of sin, and regenerate the believing sinner. In all of this He is gathering a bride for Christ known as the church. (Acts 5:3-4; John 16: 7-8; l II Peter 1:20-21)
Salvation
Salvation is totally a work of God and comes to man only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph. 2:8-9)
We believe that salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). It is impossible for men to earn or work themselves to heaven. (Titus 3:5-7). We believe salvation is a personal decision that must be made by each individual, and is not the result of religious activity such as baptism. Salvation from sin only comes by receiving God’s gift of salvation. (Acts 16:33-34). We believe that all a person must do is believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came to this earth, died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day. (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; John 3:3; Romans 10:13; Titus 2:11)
Man and Sin
Man was created in the image and likeness of God, but Adam’s sin caused the race to fall, man subsequently inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God and in need of salvation. (Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Genesis 1:26-27)
End Times
In the Pre-Millenial return of Jesus Christ to earth. This is referred to as the “blessed hope.” (I Thessalonians 4:13-17)
Marriage:
Marriage is a parable of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:21-33). We believe that God’s creation of and declaration of marriage (Genesis 2:18, 21-24) is to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:18, 20-24; 5:2; Mark 10:6-9). No other sexual relationship is acceptable in the sight of God (Hebrews 13:4; I Corinthians 6:9-11). We believe that God’s Word allows for divorce/and or remarriage only in the event of unfaithfulness, death of a spouse, or when an unbeliever chooses to divorce a believing spouse (Mal. 2:16, Matt. 5:31-32, Matthew 19:3-9, I Cor. 7:12-16, I Cor. 7:3-9)