What is a Baptist?
There are different kinds of churches that proclaim the good news of salvation through Christ alone, that is, there are different kinds of evangelical churches. They might be Bible Churches, Anglican, Brethren, Pentecostal, Free, Reformed, Presbyterian, Lutheren, Methodist, non-denominational, Baptist, etc. If they are gospel people, we consider them to be our brothers and sisters in Christ. The distinctives below are what make us an evangelical, Baptist church.
Baptist Distinctives
Seven Core Beliefs That Historically Characterise Those Christians Who Call Themselves Baptists.
1. The New Testament is our final authority for what to believe and how to live out our lives as Christians, including how we organise the life and worship of our local church. -2 Tim 3:16-17
2. Local churches consist only of members who give a clear testimony of salvation and are baptised). -1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:4-6
3. Every believer enjoys direct access to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Tim 2:5; Rom 5:1-2; 1 Pet 2:5, 9
4. Each local church is governed by its own membership under the Lordship of Christ. -Acts 6:3, 5-6; 1 Cor 5:4-5
5. Each local church is led in worship and service by the two formally recognised positions of pastors (also called elders and overseers) and deacons. -Phil 1:1; 1 Pet 5:1-2; 1 Tim 3:1-13
6. Churches observe two symbolic representations of the gospel: immersion of new believers and regular observance of the Lord’s Supper. -Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 10:16-17; 11:23-27
7. People are free to practice their beliefs without coercion or persecution. That is, membership in a Baptist church is always voluntary. -Mark 16:15; Acts 17:32-34; 5:27-29