Baptist Distinctives

Background:

Baptist churches are unique when compared with all other Protestant churches which, with the exception of the Mennonites, can trace their history back only to the Reformation. Baptist history goes back to apostolic days. Churches holding present day Baptist distinctives have been active since 27 A.D. In the first 15 Centuries of this age they were called by many names, but they were given the name Anabaptists by the Reformers; and later it was shortened to Baptists. The many millions of martyrs who died under the Roman Emperors and later, during the Dark Ages under the Roman Catholic Church, attended the same type of churches as those today are called Baptists.

Baptist doctrine, being New Testament truth, has remained essentially the same from the beginning. The doctrinal statement of this church is, except for some rewording and the Pre-Millennial revision, the same as the old New Hampshire Confession of Faith. Baptists hold the same fundamental doctrines as other major denominations, but there are some, all of which are held only by Baptist Churches, and these are known as "Baptist Distinctives".

Baptist Distinctives are:

iblical Authority

Baptists believe that Bible is the only and the sufficient authority for what to believe and what to practice.

2 Tim 3:16-17

utonomy of the Local Church

Each local church is sovereign in itself and cannot be controlled by any board, hierarchical system or another church.

1 Tim 3:15

riesthood of Believers

Every "born-again" believer may pray without a human intercessor directly to God through Jesus Christ as High Priest.

Rev 1:5-6

wo Ordinances (Baptism and The Lord's Table)

Believer's baptism for identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

The Lord's Table is a memorial service involving worship, fellowship and self examination. The elements of the service (bread and cup) are only symbolic of the body and blood of Christ.

Acts 2:41-42

ndividual Soul Liberty

Every man has the right to interpret the Scriptures, to hold and to profess and to worship as he believes the Bible teaches. These things are not to be forced upon any man.

1 John 2:27

aved Church Membership

The membership of a New Testament local church consists of only those who have openly confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and demonstrated a willingness to obey the teachings of the Bible and agree to the doctrine and standards of the local church.

Acts 2:42, 47

wo Offices (Pastors and Deacons)

The offices of pastor and deacon are the only Bible recognized offices in the local church. both are chosen by the congregation. Other church offices are necessary but must not be equated with these two.

Phil 1:1

eparation of Church and State

Every believer should respect, sustain and obey civil authority so long as is does not cause violation to conscience or Scriptural convictions. there should be no organic union of church and state, but the state should protect, not dominate or interfere with, the affairs of the church.

Matt 22:21

Scripture References

2 Tim 3:16-17 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Rev 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Acts 2:41, 47 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. . . . 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Phil 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Matt 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” - Matthew 6:31-34

The Bible does not treat lightly of human need, but it shows the
transcendent importance of attending to spiritual things. Christians are admonished to thrift and prudence in handling their temporal affairs. The ideal believer is not the monk type recluse who seeks to be relieved of all responsibility for either his own or other people’s comfort and well being. But the Word of God always insists on the supreme importance of the welfare of the inner man. To put eternal things first means to get the very best out of this life as well as peace of heart in regard to the next one.

God makes Himself responsible to care for and sustain all those who, having been born of His Spirit, recognize Him as Father and seek to do His will as obedient children. This is to put His kingdom first - to live in subjection to His revealed truth. As we thus “trust and obey” we may be sure that He will faithfully perform that which He has promised, supplying our need, sustaining our hearts, and enabling us to live through the onslaught of cares and anxieties.

Missionary of the Month

Mike Casillas

Puerto Rico Baptist College

Baptist Distinctives

Background: