Why Is It Important To Know These Baptist Distinctives?
They are Biblical! They are part of God's truth as revealed in His Word. Baptists have developed these distinctives through a careful study of the Bible.
Whoso keeps His Word, in him is the love of God perfected: hereby we know that we are in Him. I John 2:5
Whoso keeps His Word, in him is the love of God perfected: hereby we know that we are in Him. I John 2:5
What Are the Eight Baptist Distinctives?
These distinctives can be remembered by associating them with the letters that form the word "BAPTISTS".
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20,21
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself.
Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God.
1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 5:9,10
Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
Matthew 28:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism.
Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church- pastor and deacon. The three terms- "pastor", "elder", and "bishop," or "overseer"- all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1
Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19, 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two.
Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 15:17-29
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20,21
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself.
Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23
Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God.
1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 5:9,10
Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord's Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
Matthew 28:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism.
Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church- pastor and deacon. The three terms- "pastor", "elder", and "bishop," or "overseer"- all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1
Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19, 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two.
Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 15:17-29