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.