Particular Baptists and the Evangelical Revival

A period of religious revival in England during the 18th century, marked by the preaching of evangelical preachers like George Whitefield and John Wesley, which led to widespread religious enthusiasm and conversions.

A group of Baptists who emphasized the doctrines of Calvinism, including predestination and the sovereignty of God.

The initial reluctance of many Particular Baptists to embrace the Evangelical Revival, often attributed to their theological differences with the Anglican Church.

One of the main reasons for the initial reluctance of Particular Baptists to embrace the Evangelical Revival was their suspicion of the revival's leaders, who were members of the Church of England. This stemmed from their commitment to the importance of biblical church order.

A term referring to the doctrines and practices of a particular religious group, often enshrined in a written document, like a confession of faith.

The importance of upholding sound doctrine, or core theological beliefs, within a church or religious community. This often involves engaging in doctrinal discussions and defending specific beliefs.

The tendency to get overly caught up in theological disputes and debates, to the point of neglecting the primary mission of the church, which is to spread the gospel and build relationships.

The importance of maintaining strong relationships and unity among churches, even when there are differences in belief or practice.

Refers to the same source as the previous footnote.

A collection of written works by a specific author.

A formal defense of one's beliefs or actions.

A person who advocates for or defends religious beliefs.

A period of heightened religious fervor and activity.

A book discussing the historical and theological aspects of religious revivals.

A religious movement that emphasizes personal conversion and experience.

A renowned preacher and theologian known for his emphasis on personal experience in faith.

The focus of teaching during the Great Awakening was not on biblical church structure or qualifications for baptism.

Many of the prominent preachers who led the revival were members of the Church of England.

The Wesley brothers, key figures in the Great Awakening, were Arminian theologians.

Particular Baptists were hesitant to embrace the Great Awakening due to concerns over its lack of focus on biblical church order, the nature of baptism, and Arminianism.

A Welsh Baptist pastor, William Herbert, criticized Howell Harris for remaining within the Church of England, likening it to an open pub or common field.

The concept that revival precedes reformation suggests that a spiritual awakening can happen before a formal and systematic change in church practice or doctrine.

Reformed Baptists should recognize that God can work through individuals who hold views different from their own, even in areas that may not be essential for salvation.

It's important to be aware of the tendency to prioritize formal changes over genuine spiritual awakening. We should always strive for thorough reformation, but acknowledge that revival can sometimes precede it.

The period of religious revival that swept across Great Britain in the 18th century. It was marked by a renewed emphasis on personal conversion and a passionate preaching style.

The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith is a theological statement adopted by the Particular Baptists that summarizes their core beliefs on salvation and God's sovereignty.

The Act of Toleration was a landmark piece of legislation passed in England in 1689 that granted religious freedom to Nonconformists, including Baptists, allowing them to practice their faith more openly.

The period of decline experienced by the Particular Baptists in the early 1750s. Despite the freedoms granted by the Act of Toleration, their number of churches decreased significantly.

Controversies over seemingly minor issues contributed to the Particular Baptists' decline. These disagreements diverted their attention from core theological concerns and hindered their unity.

Andrew Fuller, a influential Particular Baptist minister during the 18th century, lamented the decline of Baptist churches. He described their situation as a

The first factor in the decline of the Particular Baptists that Fuller identified was their failure to engage with and take part in the Evangelical Revival. They were reluctant to embrace the passionate preaching style and emphasis on personal experience that characterized the movement.

The gospel's universal call for all to believe and receive Christ for salvation, regardless of their spiritual state.

The personal, inward struggle to determine if one is 'worthy' enough to believe in Christ, often leading to self-righteousness.

The belief that a sinner cannot repent and believe on Christ without prior divine regeneration or election, implying they are incapable of responding.

The principle that God extends his grace and invitation to all sinners, regardless of their state, and it's their responsibility to respond by trusting in Christ for salvation.

The state of spiritual death and inability to believe in Christ on their own, but it doesn't negate their obligation to repent and believe.

The idea that one must first show signs of regeneration or conviction before being allowed to believe, hindering the free invitation of the gospel.

The mistaken belief that one must first become 'good enough' before approaching God, which often results in self-reliance.

The act of actively trusting in Christ for salvation, acknowledging one's sin and embracing God's grace.

A common belief in 18th century High Calvinism that experiencing a strong impact from a scripture meant God was communicating a promise of salvation.

Andrew Fuller felt a powerful guilt and a sense of sinfulness during these periods.

Fuller's initial experiences with faith were fleeting and superficial, despite emotional moments like weeping and tears.

Fuller's belief that God's approval and salvation could be judged based on his emotional responses to scripture, such as strong feelings of conviction.

Andrew Fuller's initial attempts to live a Christian life were marked by a cycle of vowing to change and then breaking his vows.

Fuller's early religious experiences revolved around the works of John Bunyan and Ralph Erskine. These works influenced him deeply.

Fuller's parents were Baptists, which likely shaped his early religious environment.

Fuller's early sermons were described as being weak and unconcerned with the spiritual needs of those who lacked faith.