1. Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Featured Baptist distinctives and other denominations

Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Michael Wrenn, Jun 14, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0
    In what other denominations, if any, could one find the following Baptist distinctives: Soul freedom, Bible freedom, church freedom, believer's baptism by immersion, symbolism of the ordinances, lay-administered ordinances allowed for, priesthood of THE believer. I know there are denominations that have one or more of these, but I don't know of any that have them all -- except ours, the CAC. :)

    But I mean large, long-established denominations.
     
  2. Bro. James

    Bro. James Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2004
    Messages:
    3,130
    Likes Received:
    59
    Faith:
    Baptist
    A similar argument could be made by a universalist--using a slightly different premise

    The Faith and Practice once for all delivered to The Saints is still alive and well. She is not a denomination, not a product of The Protestant Reformation. She is in the world but not of the world. Most of religion is of the world--controlled by the prince of the power of the air. The history of "The Faith" is written in blood" starting with the "Lamb, slain from before the foundation of the world."

    Jesus continues to preserve His Bride--without spot, blemish or any such thing.

    Peace,

    Bro. James
     
  3. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0

    (See bolded part) Not sure what you mean. What does that have to do with Baptist distinctives?
     
  4. Bro. James

    Bro. James Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2004
    Messages:
    3,130
    Likes Received:
    59
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Yes, things distinctively Baptist--have become a bit of an ambiguity. There are dozens of Baptistic churches--all tooting a different horn.
    There are some who have dropped the word Baptist from their name.

    There are two basic distinctives which become tests of fellowship: Scriptural Baptism and the Lord's Super--these two have incurred the wrath of state religion for centuries. The particulars: authority to baptize, and open/closed communion. These two still separate even among those called Baptist.

    If either of these distinctives is corrupted, the barrel is corrupted, a little leaven leavens the whole lump. The result: universal church and open communion after alien baptism. This narrows the field to a precious few, in comparison to "those religious", who still contend for The Faith once for all delivered to the Saints, Jude 3. The whole book of Jude corroborates this position.

    God has preserved a remnant--in every generation--even The Flood of Noah.

    Peace,

    Bro. James
     
  5. The Biblicist

    The Biblicist Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2011
    Messages:
    16,008
    Likes Received:
    481
    :thumbs::thumbsup:
     
  6. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0
    Okay, thanks for explaining.
     
  7. billwald

    billwald New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2000
    Messages:
    11,414
    Likes Received:
    2
    "Soul freedom" means what? never heard of it.
     
  8. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2012
    Messages:
    52,624
    Likes Received:
    2,742
    Faith:
    Baptist
    baptists free to decide for ourselves what doctrines to believe and practice in the Bible, as long as our understanding fits within what has been held to be "orthodox!"
     
  9. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0
    It's the same as soul liberty, or soul competence. It was especially championed by E.Y. Mullins, towering figure in the SBC in the twentieth century, who, if he were alive today, would not be welcome in the SBC.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_competency
     
  10. DHK

    DHK <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2000
    Messages:
    37,982
    Likes Received:
    137
    Try this for a list of Baptist Distinctives:
    1. The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
    2. There must be a regenerated baptized (immersed) membership.
    3. Autonomy of the local church.
    4. Priesthood of the believer.
    5. Soul liberty.
    6. Baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper are the only two ordinances.
    7. Separation of church and state.
    8. Separation ecclesiastically and personally.
     
  11. Fred's Wife

    Fred's Wife Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2010
    Messages:
    501
    Likes Received:
    0
    All About Baptists>Baptist Distinctives

    B Biblical Authority

    The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture's inherent authority.

    "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." ~ 1st Thessalonians 2:13

    A Autonomy of the Local Church

    The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie, but a Baptist church cannot be a "member" of any other body.

    "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." ~ Colossians 1:18

    P Priesthood of the Believers

    Every born-again believer has direct access to the throne of God. Therefore, since every child of God shares in the priesthood of the believers, all have the same right as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name. This is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not privilege and license.

    "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." ~ 1 Peter 2:5

    T Two Ordinances of the Church

    We practice only believer's baptism by immersion, which is the only acceptable mode for baptism because it alone preserves the picture of saving truth. No other form pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). We believe that the Lord's Supper is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ's body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It is not a saving ordinance, but helps us remember His death, and inspires us while looking forward to His coming. It is to be observed by regenerate, obedient believers.

    "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
    ~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-24

    I Individual Soul Liberty

    Every individual Christian has the liberty to believe, right or wrong, as his/her own conscience dictates. While we seek to persuade men to choose the right, a person must not be forced to into compliance, realizing that it is not always the larger group who holds the truth when, in fact, our heritage as Baptists has demonstrated the worth of every individual believer.

    "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:12

    S Saved and Baptized Church Membership

    Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

    "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."..."Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." ~ Acts 2:41 & 47

    T Two Offices of the Church

    The Bible mandates only two offices in the church--pastor and deacon. The three terms--"pastor," "elder," and "bishop," or "overseer"--all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.

    "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."..."For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." ~ 1st Timothy 3:1-13

    S Separation of Church and State

    God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7 and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.

    "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"
    ~ Romans 13:1-3
     
  12. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yep, a good list. I'm not sure about the last one, though.
     
  13. DHK

    DHK <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2000
    Messages:
    37,982
    Likes Received:
    137
    The last one says that we would never fellowship with a church like yours. :)
    And, secondly, that we would endeavor to live holy lives, separate from the world--something early churches did not have to include.
     
  14. Michael Wrenn

    Michael Wrenn New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2000
    Messages:
    4,319
    Likes Received:
    0
    I agree with living holy lives separate from the world.

    We would welcome fellowship with any orthodox church, but since you wouldn't that would close the door from your side. Oh, well -- your loss. :)
     
  15. DHK

    DHK <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2000
    Messages:
    37,982
    Likes Received:
    137
    Your church isn't orthodox. Just by the fact it ordains women and has as its authority other sources than just the Bible makes it unorthodox.
     
  16. Steadfast Fred

    Steadfast Fred Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2009
    Messages:
    1,983
    Likes Received:
    1
    Maybe someone told him orthodox means 'opposed to truth'?

    Now, if MW can demonstrate, rightly dividing Scripture, how his doctrines are "orthodox", then we will gladly accept those doctrines. To date, he has not demonstrated such.
     
    #16 Steadfast Fred, Jun 14, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 14, 2012
  17. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2012
    Messages:
    52,624
    Likes Received:
    2,742
    Faith:
    Baptist
    To my understanding of the scriptures...

    We can seperate from churches that we see as teaching non orthodox theology, but ONLY when it falls under those deemed as being "essential core doctrines"...

    And even then, we still are obligated to srtill fellowship when possible and work with real Christians, even IF we deem that particular church as 'wrong"...

    They can teach second coming, water baptism, etc may be NOT way we would as baptists, but still able to hold to that!

    example...

    As baptist we disagree with presby on who gets batised and when and why, but they would still be saved by Grace of God same way we are and thus we would be in fellowship with them!
     
    #17 Yeshua1, Jun 14, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 14, 2012
  18. The Biblicist

    The Biblicist Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2011
    Messages:
    16,008
    Likes Received:
    481
    There is a distinction between personal individual fellowship between Christians based upon a common gospel experience and ecclessiastical fellowship based upon like faith and order.
     
  19. DHK

    DHK <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2000
    Messages:
    37,982
    Likes Received:
    137
    Our church is totally independent and autonomous. We are not "obligated" to fellowship with any church. And for all intents and purposes, we pretty much keep to ourselves. There is enough business in and around the local church to be concerned with than trying to strike up fellowship with other churches.
     
  20. targus

    targus New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2008
    Messages:
    8,459
    Likes Received:
    0
    In my experience soul liberty is a myth...

    It doesn't matter what church you belong to if you take a position on just about anything that the church membership does not agree with eventually you will be told to "shut up or get out".
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
Loading...