Taken, with
permission, from Baptist Union of Scotland
website.
There
is no one distinctive Baptist
belief! Although probably most people think of
believers' baptism as the primary Baptist
distinctive, Baptists are not the only
Christians to practise believers' baptism. Nor
are they the only Christians to believe in
congregational church government, the priesthood
of all believers, or the separation of church
and state. It is the combination of these
various beliefs which make Baptists distinctive.
Baptist distinctives may be likened to a set of
genes which, because of their particular
arrangement, produce a family likeness wherever
they are found. |
|
The
Lordship of Christ
"Jesus
is Lord" is the distinctive confession of faith. As
individuals and as churches, Baptists seek to make
Jesus Lord of every aspect of their
lives.
The
Authority of the Bible
Baptists
believe that the Bible shows us God's way for
living. As radical believers, Baptists seek to root
their lives in the revelation of God's
truth. |
Baptism
for Believers
On
the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim
that baptism is for believers only. Baptism is
only for those who are able to declare "Jesus is
Lord." As a symbol of Jesus' claim on their
lives, Baptists practise baptism by 'immersion,'
in which candidates symbolise their desire to
'die to self' and to live for Christ.
|
|
A
Believers' Church
Baptists
understand the church as a community of
believers who gather together for worship,
witness and service. In a Baptist model of a
believer's church every member has a role to
play, whether in teaching, faith-sharing,
evangelism, social action, pastoring, guiding,
serving, prophetic insight, praying, healing,
administration or hospitality. |
|
The
Priesthood of all Believers
In
a Baptist church, an illustration of the
priesthood of all believers is the church
meeting. This is the occasion when members come
together to understand in prayer God's will for
their life together. In Baptist churches the
final authority rests not with the ministers or
deacons but with the members gathered together
in church meetings.
Local churches will usually call a minister to
serve among them. The minister functions as a
church member with special responsibilities in
caring for the members and leading in the
church's mission. Their authority is in the
affirmation of the congregation acting under
God's guidance. They are almost invariably
recognised by the wider family of
churches. |
Interdependence
Baptist
churches have always come together in regional,
national and international 'associations' for
support and fellowship. On the basis of the New
Testament, Baptist believe that churches should
not live in isolation from one another but
rather be inter-dependent.
Sharing
the Faith
Baptists
believe that each Christian has a duty to share
their faith with others. William Carey was a
Baptist who is known as the father of the modern
missionary movement. Along with this emphasis on
evangelism, however, Baptists recognise that
mission includes social action and involves
promoting justice, social welfare, healing,
education and peace in the world. |
|
Religious
Freedom
Religious
freedom for all has always been a keystone of
the Baptist way. Within Baptist churches,
tolerance for differences of outlook and
diversity of practise is encouraged. |
|
|
