Baptist Distinctives
B
Born Again (Acts 8:12; John 3:3)
Baptized (Acts 8:36-38; Romans 6:3-6)
Believers (Acts 2:41,47)
These are the ONLY members we should have in the Local Church.
A
Autonomy of the Local Church Under the Lordship of Christ
Independent of all other church or denominational hierarchy. Therefore
responsible for its own ministry. A "Congregational (Christ-o-centric)" Government under God.
Matthew 18:17; Acts 1:15,16; 6:2-5; 15:2-4,22
P
Priesthood of the Believer
An individual responsibility to go directly to God. Our liberty is under His Lordship.
John 16:13; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:1,2
T
Total Dependence upon the Holy Spirit
He convicts, saves, and indwells the believer.
John 16:8-11; Ephesians 1:12-14; John 14:16,17
I
Inspiration of the Holy Scripture
Hence our only rule for faith and practice. NOTHING else is to supersede the Word of the God Who cannot lie!
John 17:17; 14:6; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18
S
Separation of Church and State
God designated three primary institutions
The Home (Genesis 2:18)
Human Government (Genesis 9:6)
The Local Church (Matthew 16:18)
Each is to be honored by the Christian as unto the Lord.
Matthew 22:21; Acts 4:13-21; Romans 13:1-8; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-15
T
Two Ordinances and Two Officers
The two Biblical Officers of the Local Church are Pastor and Deacon. The Pastor may be called "Pastor" as the shepherd of the flock, "Elder" as the mature (spiritually) leader and teacher of the flock, or "Bishop" as the overseer or administrator of the flock.
Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 4:12; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7,16,17
