A Directory Of Articles On Different Subjects Relating To The Christian Faith
The Principles On Which The Baptist Movement Is Founded
Introduction
These are the main principles on which the Baptist movement is founded. Although different terminology is sometimes used, all Baptist Churches hold to the same basic principles. Not all Christians who hold these views are necessarily members of Baptist Churches. Over time, denominations and many individuals, have adopted many of the principles which at one time were uniquely Baptist. People who affirm these principles are recognized as Baptists by conviction, even though they may attend other churches.
The Lordship of Jesus Christ
Baptists believe that Jesus is Lord of the Church and the individual. He effectively secured salvation for all individuals through his death, burial and resurrection. Every area in the believer's life and the life of the church is to be subject to the Lord. He is the supreme authority.
The Authority of the Scriptures
Baptists believe the Scriptures are inspired by God. They are the only perfect, supreme, infallible and sufficient standard of faith and practice.
The Priesthood of the Believer
Baptists hold that all believes share as equals in the church, and in turn, have a priestly role toward each other. Every member is called to be a minister of Jesus Christ and is responsible for sharing the Gospel with the world and to serve one another in love.
An extension of this principle is that inherent in the worth of each person is also the competency of the soul to have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Baptists believe that no group has the right to coerce others to believe or worship as it does.
Regenerate Church Membership
To become a Christian requires a personal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord which results in the person being born-again. This act of faith is followed by believer's baptism which must precede membership in the local church.
Baptism
Baptists practice believer's baptism by immersion. It is one of the first significant acts through which the believer proclaims personal faith in Christ and is initiated into church life and ministry.
Local Church Autonomy
Baptists believe government in a local church is controlled by the principles of the priesthood of believers, the Lordship of Christ, the authority of the Scriptures, and the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, present in the lives of congregational members, leads them corporately to discover and obey his mind and will. Each church is competent under Christ to look after its own affairs and has freedom from coercion by other bodies. From their beginning, however, Baptists have consistently recognized the importance of cooperation with churches of "like faith and order."
The Separation of Church and State
Baptists have championed the right to freedom in spiritual matters under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They believe there must exist a separation between the church and civil governments. There should not be a church controlled state, nor a state controlled church. God has given legitimate roles to both, but neither is to encroach upon the rights or obligations of the other. They are, however, under obligation to recognize and reinforce each other as each seeks to fulfill its divine function.
Postscript
Although many people consider the Baptist Church to be a denomination it is better understood when it is seen as a movement. This is because Baptists have no fixed theology, their only authority is the Word of God. Each congregation is organized around the autonomy of the local church. Although there are associations and conventions denominational structures are minimal. Furthermore, Baptist Churches own their own properties, call their own Pastors and make all of their own decisions. Each Baptist Church even has a different order of service which may be changed whenever needed. The way people worship may also vary from church to church. Because Baptist Churches are very flexible and can change very rapidly, they are better understood as a movement rather than a denomination.
