Baptist Church Doctrines and Practices

Baptist Church Doctrines and Practices

• Baptist Church Definition: A congregation of baptized believers united by covenant in faith and fellowship through the gospel. They observe Christ's ordinances, live by His laws, and utilize the gifts and privileges granted by His Word.

• Articles of Faith: There are 20 Articles of Faith, covering topics such as Scriptures, Sanctification, God, Man's Fall, Grace, Salvation, Regeneration, Faith, Justification, and more.

• Ordinances: Two ordinances are practiced: Baptism and The Lord's Supper.

• Church Tables: Three tables are used: The Lord's Table (communion), The Poor Saints Table, and The Church's Table (offerings).

• Membership Entry: Four ways to enter the Church: Baptism, Letter (transfer), Experience (Christian Testimony), and Restoration.

• Church Officers: Two primary officers: Pastor and Deacons. Other officers are assistants and not considered scripturally mandated roles.

• Trustees: Trustees are elected to manage the church's property and finances according to legal requirements for religious corporations.

• Baptist Polity: Guided by rules and regulations found in the New Testament and resources like The New Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches.

• Church Exit: Three ways to leave the Church: Letter (transfer), Exclusion, and Death.

• New Testament Church: A divine organization instituted by Christ with specific laws and methods for its mission, under His leadership. It aims to replicate the early Christian church.

• Bible Books: The Bible comprises 66 books.

• Bible Divisions: Two divisions in the Bible: The Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).

• God: The supreme being with attributes of omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipresence (everywhere present).

• Jesus Christ: The second person of the Trinity, revealed as God's Son in human form.

• Works of Christ: Redeemer, Mediator, and Revelator.

• Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, also known as the Comforter.

• Church Government: Democratic congregational government. Christ is the head, the minister is His representative, and Deacons support the minister guided by congregational votes.

• Baptism: Water immersion of believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolizing commitment to Christ.

• Dealing with Offenders: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the process—private discussion, mediation, church involvement, and separation from the community if necessary.

• Knowing Salvation: 1 John 3:14 states that selfless love for fellow believers confirms experiencing salvation: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren."

• Human Soul: The soul is the spirit of God residing within a person, representing the person.

• Infant Dedication vs. Christening: Baptist churches do not christen infants but rather dedicate them through prayer.

• Regeneration: Being born again through the Holy Spirit, a process that includes faith.

• Sanctification: A dedication and commitment to serving God only.