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Baptist Distinctives
(What makes a Baptist a Baptist?)
Biblical Authority
Baptists have historically believed that the 66 books of the Bible
are verbally inspired of God, that they are inerrant and that the
Bible is the final authority for all issues of life and practice.
Autonomy of the Local Church
Baptists have historically held to the Apostolic teaching of the
church as established in the book of Acts and the epistles of the
New Testament. Each local assembly of believers is self governing
and independently accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ for their
beliefs and practices. Each local assembly of believers is governed
by congregational decision as they seek the will of God, not by a
hierarchical system of clergy.
Priesthood of the Believer
Baptists have historically believed in the Bible doctrine of the
priesthood of every believer. They believe the believer has one
Mediator between man and God, the “man Christ Jesus.” The believer
has direct access to the “throne of grace.” Because all believers
serve as priests before God, they are obligated to be sanctified and
consecrated in their “work of the ministry.”
Two Offices
Baptists maintain the Apostolic teaching that there are only two
Biblical offices ordained of God for local churches. Those offices
are the Pastor and Deacons. These offices have detailed Scriptural
qualifications and specific job descriptions.
Individual Soul Liberty
Baptists have historically held that all people (believers and
unbelievers alike) have been given by God the individual freedom to
choose whatever belief system or manner of worship they deem to be
Scriptural. In the same sense they understand that each person will
be individually held accountable by God for the correctness of their
belief system and worship either at the Judgment Seat of Christ (for
believers) or the Great White Throne (for unbelievers).
Separated Lifestyle
Baptists have historically believed in the Scriptural command to
live their lives separate from worldly practices and amusements and
have refused to be identified with or cooperate with those who deny
the historical faith of the Word of God even though those people may
profess to be Christians.
Two Ordinances
Baptists have historically believed that the only two ordinances for
the Church are the Lord’s Supper and Believer’s Baptism. They
believe that neither of these ordinances confer any grace to the
participants. They do not believe there is any sacramental merit in
theses ordinances. The believer is positionally “complete in Christ”
the moment he believes and nothing needs to be added to what Christ
has done.
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