Baptist Distinctives

Baptist Distinctives is a name usually given to a set of historical doctrinal principles

common to most Baptist traditions. While no single principle listed below is completely
unique to Baptists, taken as groups they represent distinctives.
Four Freedoms
One way of classifying Baptist Distinctives is called the "Four Freedoms," articulated by
Baptist historian Walter B. Shurden:
[1]

Soul freedom: the soul is competent before God, and capable of making
decisions in matters of faith without coercion or compulsion by any larger
religious or civil body
Church freedom: freedom of the local church from outside interference, whether
government or civilian (subject only to the law where it does not interfere with the
religious teachings and practices of the church)
Bible freedom: the individual is free to interpret the Bible for himself or herself,
using the best tools of scholarship and biblical study available to the individual
Religious freedom: the individual is free to choose whether to practice their
religion, another religion, or no religion; Separation of church and state is often
called the "civil corollary" of religious freedom
"B-A-P-T-I-S-T-S" acrostic
Another popular list of beliefs shared by most Baptist traditions is expressed in the form
of the following acrostic backronym, spelling BAPTISTS:
[2]

Biblical authority (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Autonomy of the local church (Matthew 18:1517; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3)
Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5-9; 1 Timothy 5)
Two ordinances (believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper) (Acts 2:4147;
1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
Individual soul liberty (Romans 14:512)
Saved church membership (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:2332; Colossians 1:18)
Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon) (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 12)
Separation of Church and State (Matthew 22:1522)
Each of these eight distinctives will be examined individually:
[2]

B: Biblical authority
Baptists through the centuries have insisted that the Bible is the sole ultimate written
authority for Christian faith and practice. They have resisted those who claimed
otherwise, including popes, kings, bishops, pastors and teachers. Both religious and
secular powers have persecuted Baptists for this commitment to the authority of the
Bible. The Bible is foundational for Baptist doctrine and church polity.
Baptist statements of belief through the centuries have always cited Scriptures for each
belief set forth. It is on the authority of the Bible that Baptists base beliefs in matters such
as salvation by grace through faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, soul
competency, believer's baptism, the symbolic nature of baptism and the Lord's Supper, a
church membership only of those who have been born again, congregational church
governance, the autonomy of churches, religious freedom, and voluntary cooperation for
missions and ministry.
Baptists declare that all people should have the freedom to possess, read and interpret the
Bible for themselves. Based on the life and teachings of Jesus, Baptists insist that faith
cannot be coerced and no one should try to do so. Neither should a particular
interpretation of the Bible be forced on another. Yet, when Baptists differ on certain
doctrines or practices, they use the Bible as the authority for their position, not some
other source. Therefore, although Baptists may disagree about what the Bible teaches
about certain doctrines and practices, they agree that the Bible is their sole ultimate
written authority for faith and practice.
A: Autonomy of Baptist churches
Most, but not all, Baptists emphasize the autonomy of local churches.
The word "autonomous" comes from two Greek words that mean "self" and "law."
Autonomous means self-governing or self-directing. Thus, an autonomous church
governs itself without any outside human direction or control. The exception to complete
autonomy is that Baptist churches recognize the control and authority of Jesus as Lord.
Autonomy means that each Baptist church, among other things, selects its pastoral
leadership, determines its worship form, decides financial matters and directs other
church-related affairs without outside control or supervision. Baptist denominational
organizations such as associations of churches and state and national conventions have no
authority over a Baptist church. For any one of these organizations to attempt to exercise
control over an individual church is to violate a basic Baptist conviction about polity.
Being autonomous, a Baptist church recognizes no governmental control over faith and
religious practice.
Baptists also have rejected the practice of some denominations for denominational
authorities to hand down to local congregations what to believe and how to worship.
Baptists have insisted that there is no human authority over a Baptist church, and that
only Jesus is Lord of a church.
Although challenges are associated with church autonomy, it is a basic biblical concept
that is a vital part of Baptist identity.
Exceptions are some Reformed Baptists, who are organized in a Presbyterian system, the
Episcopal Baptists who have an Episcopal system, and some Baptist megachurches who
lean towards a strong clergy-led style, in some instances abandoning congregational
governance altogether (as independent congregations within an association, they are free
to adopt any style).
P: Priesthood of all believers
Baptists insist that all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior are priests, believer
priests. The concept of the priesthood of believers is basic for Baptists. As with some
other beliefs important to Baptists, there are varying interpretations of what the concept
means, but all Baptists treasure the biblical truth of the priesthood of believers.
In the Old Testament, priests were responsible for certain aspects of worship, and served
as mediators between the people and God. The High Priest, the head priest, was the only
one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple. This especially sacred place
was separated from the rest of the temple and from the other priests and worshipers by a
great curtain or veil.
With the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, all of this changed, according to this
doctrine. No longer was the sacrifice of animals appropriate, because Christ as the Lamb
of God had given himself as a sacrifice for sin. It is seen as a once-and-for-all act.
At the resurrection of Jesus, the great veil in the temple "was torn in two from top to
bottom" (Matthew 27:51), indicating that Jesus, the great High Priest, now mediated
between God and humankind. No longer were priests of the Old Testament variety
needed. Indeed, all who believe in Jesus become priests with direct access to God.
Human mediators are no longer needed. Every believer in Christ can go directly to God
in prayer, confession, praise and worship.
The term "the priesthood of the believer" communicates the biblical emphasis on the
individual and soul competency. It also communicates the biblical emphasis on
community and fellowship.
T: Two ordinances
Baptists recognize two ordinances (similar to the sacraments of other denominations):
Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptist beliefs about baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from those of many other
denominations. These differences are some of the ingredients in the distinctive Baptist
recipe of beliefs and practices.
Baptists usually use the term "ordinances" rather than "sacraments" when referring to
baptism and the Lord's Supper. Even if "sacraments" is used, it is never intended to imply
that either of these two is necessary for a person to be saved.
Baptists consistently declare that baptism and the Lord's Supper are symbols and are not
necessary for salvation. Because baptism and the Lord's Supper are symbolic, the use of
the proper symbols is important. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus that has made salvation possible. Baptism also symbolizes that a person through
faith in Christ has passed from death to life and that this person has identified with
Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:35, Colossians 2:12).
Baptists maintain that only the total immersion of a person in water adequately
symbolizes this death, burial and resurrection.
Likewise, using the correct elements in the Lord's Supper with a biblical understanding of
them is important to Baptists. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper at his last meal with his
disciples as part of the Jewish Passover (Matthew 26:2630; Mark 14:2226; Luke
22:1420). According to the New Testament, unleavened bread and "the fruit of the vine"
were part of the meal. Jesus indicated that the bread was symbolic of his body and "the
cup" was symbolic of his blood. Baptists believe the unleavened bread symbolizes the
purity of Christ, for he was without sin (Hebrews 4:15) and thus his body was an
unblemished sacrifice for our sins. The juice from crushed grapes symbolizes the blood
that Christ shed for us.
In partaking of the bread and the cup, Christ's disciples are to remember his sacrifice on
the cross of Calvary as he gave his body and shed his blood for our sins. Baptists believe
the Bible teaches that the elements used in the Supper are not literally the body and blood
of Christ. They are seen as symbols of his body and blood. In eating the bread and
drinking from the cup, a person does not actually partake of Christ's flesh and blood.
Rather, it is an opportunity to obey a command of Christ and to recall his sacrifice for us,
his presence with us and his certain return (1 Corinthians 11:24-28).
I: Individual Soul Liberty
Various terms have been used for this concept, such as soul freedom, freedom of
conscience and soul competency. It refers to the God-given freedom and ability of
persons to know and respond to God's will. Baptists believe that God gives people
competencythat is abilityto make choices.
Baptists emphasize that this ability is not a mere human characteristic, but a gift from
God. In creation, God gave to persons the freedom to make choices, a freedom that
carries with it awesome responsibility. We are responsible for our choices. God sets forth
the consequences of good and bad decisions. If we exercise our freedom to obey him, we
have life. If we use our freedom to deny him, the result is death (Genesis 12).
According to New Testament accounts, neither Jesus nor leaders in the New Testament
churches coerced or forced persons to follow him, hence respecting the soul freedom of
individuals.
S: Saved Church Membership
Baptists believe that only "saved" personsthose who have attained salvation through
faith in Christ as their Saviorshould be members of a church. Conversely, Baptists also
believe that all saved persons should be members of a church. While becoming a
Christian is an individual response of faith, growing as a Christian is enhanced by
fellowship with other Christians. The Christian life was designed not as a solo endeavor
but as a fellowship experience, with a church being the primary fellowship.
The New Testament concept of church focuses on a local body of baptized believers in
Christ. Acts 2:38
Although Baptists believe that church membership should include only those who are
redeemed in Christ, they encourage and welcome all persons to attend various activities
of the church. For example, worship services, Bible studies and ministry events are open
to all persons.
T: Two Offices (Pastor and Deacon)
Baptist polity through the years has affirmed two scriptural officers of a New Testament
church, pastor and deacon. Baptists believe the Bible teaches that all Christians are called
to serve and minister to others in Christ's name, but some are called and gifted by God to
function in specific roles of ministry, such as pastors and deacons.
Baptists declare the office of pastor is one of two that a church patterned after New
Testament churches should have. The Bible uses three words for the same office: elder,
pastor and bishop. In the Greek language of the New Testament, these words indicate
different functions and not different persons (Acts 20:1728; 1 Peter 5:1-5).
Pastor
Baptists look to the Bible for the qualifications for persons to serve as pastor (1 Timothy
3:1-7; Titus 1:59). The qualifications fall generally into two categories: character and
gifts for ministry.
Each Baptist church selects (calls) the person to be its pastor. The specific process differs
to some degree among churches, but the following pattern is followed by most:
When the church is pastorless, the congregation elects a pastor search committee,
often called a "Pulpit Committee," to prayerfully evaluate the qualifications of
various persons to be the church's pastor.
After careful deliberation, the committee recommends to the church as a whole
the person it believes God wants to be the pastor.
The prospective pastor visits the church and preaches "in view of a call." The
congregation then votes on whether or not to "call" the person. If the vote is
favorable, the prospective pastor either accepts or declines.
A pastor serves in the church as long as both pastor and congregation agree the
relationship should continue.
Deacons
The second office in a Baptist church is that of deacon. Whereas pastors are usually
selected from persons outside the membership of the congregation, deacons are selected
from within the membership. The biblical qualifications for a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
focus primarily on character and relationships within the church, family and community.
Deacons are to be persons of impeccable character and deep faith who rely on the Holy
Spirit.
Acts 6:16 likely records the beginning of the role of deacons. They are to care for the
physical needs of the congregation so that pastors can concentrate on spiritual needs. The
deacons, according to the New Testament, are not viewed as a governing body but as
servant leaders.
In a Baptist church the process of selecting deacons involves the entire congregation.
Although churches differ in regard to the details of the process, the common practice is
for the entire church to vote on who will be selected as deacons.
The role of a deacon varies from church to church. In many churches, deacons are asked
to evaluate and recommend major matters to be brought to the entire congregation for
vote (in this sense, they often serve as a de facto governing body, though the "final word"
on all major matters should come from the congregation). Churches involve deacons in
various ministries, such as visiting the sick, helping families in distress, and providing
relief to the poor.
Ordination of pastors and deacons
Baptists do not believe ordination endows a person with any special powers or authority.
It is a means of indicating to the churches and to the public in general that a person has
been set aside and certified for service as pastor or deacon. In recent years, Baptists have
extended ordination to include other persons in ministry, such as chaplains, missionaries
and church staff members.
Not all Baptists agree that ordination is necessary or even appropriate. However,
ordination is practiced by most Baptist churches and is considered valid for a lifetime.
Thus, when a person moves from one church to another as pastor or deacon, there is no
need to be re-ordained.
Baptist Bishops
In exception to the two-office model, there are Episcopal Baptist denominations where a
three-fold ministry (bishop, minister, deacon) is employed.
S: Separation of church and state
See also: Separation of church and state
The Bible indicates that governments are ordained by God to provide law and order
(Romans 13:15). Government leaders are to act for the benefit of the citizens (1 Peter
2:13-14). Baptists and other Christians are to honor and pray for government officials
(1 Timothy 2:1-3; 1 Peter 2:17), pay taxes (Matthew 22:1722; Romans 13:67) and
obey the government except when obedience would be clearly contrary to God's Word
(Acts 4:1920; Acts 5:29). Historically, Baptists have affirmed their loyalty to the state.
The term "church" refers to religious organizations. For Baptists, this includes both local
congregations and various entities established for religious purposes, such as
associations, conventions, schools and institutions for ministry. Baptists teach that the
nature of "church" is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8), to teach doctrine and
develop believers (Matthew 8:1920; Ephesians 4:1113) and to minister in Christ's
name (Matthew 25:3146). The church is to rely on the "sword of the Spirit" (the Bible)
and not the sword of the government in carrying out its mission.
Ideally, the relation of church and state is mutually beneficial. For example, the state is to
provide order and safety; these are useful to the church in carrying out its mission (Acts
1316). And the church contributes to a positive social order by helping to develop law-
abiding, hard-working, honest citizens (Ephesians 4:2432; 1 Peter 2:11-17).
Many Baptists, particularly those who call themselves Fundamental Baptists or
conservative, do not add this portion to the acrostic. Instead, they use only the first seven
principles represented by B.A.P.T.I.S.T., often represented by 7 pillars in visual
presentations. The addition of the separation clause happened during the 1900s for a
number of reasons. The General Association of Regular Baptists Churches (GARBC), for
instance, voted on a resolution
[3]
in 1966 affirming the separation of church and state as a
corollary to individual soul liberty, motivated, according to the document by the damage
done when "the alliance of spiritual and temporal powers has perpetrated the gravest
injustices and serious violations of [men's inalienable and] God-given rights." In other
words, they teach that separation is taught for the protection of the church from the
government, not as a limit of the church's influence in governmental decisions or
processes.
While some groups, including the G.A.R.B.C.,
[4]
have adopted the eighth point, it is not
necessarily true that all or even most Baptists agree.