The Bible
We believe in the all sufficiency of the Scriptures as contained in the 66 books of the Bible. We believe they are inerrant, infallible and inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV): All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Doctrines of Grace.
The Canons of Dort (1618-1619)
Man is depraved, and has no ability to contribute to his own salvation, or merit the merits of Christ.
Election is unconditional depending only on the sovereign choice of God.
The atonement is limited to the elect. A definite redemption was made.
God’s grace is irresistible.
The saints will persevere in the faith, being kept by the power of God. Their salvation is certain.
Statement of Faith.
Doctrine
Scriptures- We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as being verbally inspired of God, the Word of God, the Word of God written, both inerrant and infallible in all their claims in the original writings, and that they are of supreme and final authority. 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21
God- We believe in one God who created all things. He exists in one essence, yet three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus Christ- We believe the Lord Jesus Christ, eternally begotten of the Father, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. John 1:14, Luke 1:26-35
Holy Spirit- We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. He indwells every Christian and empowers them to live a godly life. John 16:5-15, Galatians 5:16-25
Sin- We believe that man was created in the image of God, but through one man’s sin, sin entered the world and death by sin for all have sinned. All persons since Adam, except the Lord Jesus Christ, were conceived having sin as their nature, separated from God. Genesis 1-3, Romans 5:12-19
Redemption- We believe the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and as a representative and substitutionary blood sacrifice, all who believe in Him are declared righteous on the basis of His once and for all finished work. I Corinthians 15:1-5, Romans 3:21-26
Resurrection- We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord as the first fruits of them that sleep, His ascension into heaven and His exaltation, His life and position there as Prophet, Priest and King. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 1:4-6
Blessed Hope- We believe in the blessed hope, which is the personal, visible, powerful and glorious return or our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 24:30-31
Children of God- We believe all who are born again, receive the Lord through repentance and faith and thereby become children of God and heirs of eternal life. John 3:1-8, Mark 1: 14-15, John 1:10-13
Bodily Resurrection of the Believers- We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, all of whom will stand before the great God. The saved will be ushered into their final glorified state, the lost will be thrown into the lake of fire, the eternal state called the second death, where they will suffer the wrath of the eternal God in both body and soul because of their sin. 2 Corinthians 5:1-11, Revelation 20:11-15
Final Resting Place- We believe all those who have died in Christ, their souls are in heaven with their Lord. All who have died in their sins are presently in hell. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, Luke 16:19-31
Satan- We believe in the existence of a personal devil, who works in the world to destroy the souls of men and women; and that he, all his angels, and all who reject Christ as their Lord and Savior will perish together. Genesis 3:1-15, Revelation 12:7-9, Revelation 19:11-21
Personal Relationship with Christ- We believe that matters of first importance are a person’s relationship with Christ. All other matters have their importance and place and should be treated in their proper order and place. The whole counsel of God should be preached, taught and heeded. Salvation and life is in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He should be all in all. John 17:3, Acts 20: 25-27
Church- We believe in the church, whose mission it is to preach the scriptures to all the world, all of its endeavors being guided by Christ, the head, through multiple leadership and supported by the wise stewardship of God’s people. All Christians are part of His body and have been given gift(s) to function in the benefit of His body and Kingdom. The offices of the church are elder and deacon, which offices are to be filled only by Scripturally qualified, willing persons. Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Missions and Witnessing- it is the purpose of every Christian of every local church to seek to extend the gospel to every tribe, kindred, tongue and nation. We are committed to common efforts for sending the Good News to the ends of the earth. Gospel proclamation is the natural consequence of regeneration. “Preach the Gospel” is a frequently repeated command of Christ. It is the duty of every Child of God to witness by life and word. Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 10:42.
Ordinances- we believe the ordinances of the church, given by the Lord, are baptism and the Lord’s supper (Communion). All who profess repentance and faith in God, and are living before Him, regardless of age, should observe both ordinances. Baptism, by immersion, points to union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord’s supper is in remembrance of Him, until he comes. Acts 8:26-40, Romans 6:1-4, 1 Corinthians 11:17-33.
We also adopt as a fuller expression of our faith the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. This document is a larger statement generalizing the things believed among us. We accept this confession not as an authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby we are bound in conscience, but as an assistance to us in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the members of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church will have a larger statement of faith and by means of focal texts may be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. Although the Confession of 1689 is a general summary and statement of our faith, it is in no way intended to bind the conscience of anyone, wherin all the thoughts are not regimentally adhered to.