Baptist Distinctions

There are distinct biblical doctrines of the Bible that Baptists adhere to, they are called Baptist Distinctives. They are doctrines of the Bible that other denominations reduce in importance, neglect, or omit all together in their teachings about God and how to have eternal life with Him. They are doctrines from the Bible that make Bible believing Baptists different from the Nazarenes, Methodists, Catholics and even some so called Baptists. They use the letters BAPTIST to guide us.
B - Biblical Authority - The Bible is the authority for the Baptist’s faith and practice. Read 2 Timothy 3. The Churches', or Pastor's, or denominations' teachings or traditions about the Word of God are not the guiding instruction for the churches' ministry or a person's life. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in Matt 15:1-9 for putting man made traditions on a higher level of honor to be followed than God's commands. Yet this happens in some denominations today.

A - Autonomy of the Local Church - In Revelation chapters 1-3 Christ is clearly seen as the head of the local church and He deals with each church separately and by himself not through a hierarchy of rulers or an association.
These scriptures along with many others dealing with individual local church matters. Therefore this is why Baptist churches should be independent Baptists churches free of all outside interference.

P - Priesthood of believers - Every child of God is a priest who is able to enter boldly to the throne of grace to God the Father.
1 Peter 2:5-9
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

T - Two church ordinances - There are two traditions the local church are to follow; baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism by immersion is required of all who want to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt 28.19-20).
In Matt. 3 and Acts 8 we are shown that those being baptized were baptized in large amounts of water therefore Baptists don't sprinkle or baptize none believers such as children.
Communion or the Lord's Supper is the churches' celebration of the crucifixion and return of the Lord according to Matt 26.26-28; 1 Cor.11.23-26

I - Individual Soul Liberty - This teaching shows that any person can worship God as they feel directed by the Word of God or their own fleshly desires. They must remember they are priests with their privilege and responsibility. They must realize that they will be held accountable by their wrong choice. Rom. 8.1-5; 14:1-14;

S - Separation of Church and State - Believers are to render unto the government the things it is given authority over but unto God the things due Him, therefore Baptists do not accept government funds or their interference. Matt 22.21; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Cor. 6:1-8

T - Two Church offices - There are only the offices of Pastor and Deacons according to the Bible. 1 Tim 3:1-13; Php 1:1
Pastors shepherd the flock, They are sometimes called elder, bishop, overseer, or the minister of the church but they are names for the same person.
Deacon are servants to take care of the things they can in order to relieve the demands for the pastors time so they can pray and study more.

S - Saved membership -Members of a Baptist church must have received Jesus Christ as their Savior. Acts 2:41-46;4:12. Salvation is not by works or sacraments but only by trusting Christ as one' Savior.
Proposition: The Key to being a disciple of Christ is that we are as what the Greek word for church (ecclesia) means - a called out assembly.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Believers become a "peculiar people"
·"a people for God’s own possession"
·"the people to be His very own"
·"a people saved to be His own"

God makes us His very own people, a very special possession of His.
Possession has the idea of value, of worth and preciousness.
We are more precious to God than all the precious gems and treasures of the world.
Possession also has the idea of provision, protection, and security therefore it include that God will protect, provide and keep us secure.
Liberty is called a Baptist Church by choice because the Baptists in general have adhered to these doctrines that many so-called Christian groups have discarded as old fashioned, not important, or superseded by this new church hierarchy edict.

Remember Matthew 15:1-9
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.