Baptist Distinctives One

Jude 3 KJV 1900

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Introduction

What is the faith once delivered? What is doctrine? What did the early church believe?

These maybe questions that you have had. Throughout history, people have had different views. These people have called themselves by different names. One group were those who were called Baptists. As Baptists, we believe certain things that distinguish us from other people. These are called the Baptist Distinctives.

300 Sermon Illustrations from Charles Spurgeon (Do Not Break up the Old Ships of Doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13))

I saw lying between Chatham and Sheerness a number of ships that I supposed to be old hulks. I thought how stupid the government was to let them remain there and not chop them up for firewood or something else; but someone said to me, “Those ships can soon be fitted for service. They look old now, but they only need a little paint, and when the Admiralty requires them they will be commissioned and made fit for use.”

So we have heard some people say, “There are those old doctrines—what good are they?” Wait! There is not a doctrine in God’s Bible that does not have its use. Those ships that you may think are not needed will be useful by-and-by. So it is with the doctrines of the Bible. Do not say, “Break up those old doctrines; you can do without them.” No, we want them, and we must have them.

We are to find out what the Bible says and follow it. True doctrine is following the Word of God.

B Bible is the Final Authority of Faith and Practice

First, The Bible is our foundation for faith

Our Faith is what we believe about God. This is our doctrine as a church.

We believe God loved the world. God created the world “good” but man chose to sin and the world was cursed. God chose to make a way to allow mankind to return to fellowship with Him.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We believe Christ came and willingly died in our place. Christ was not forced to die but chose to die for us.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We believe Christ rose again the third day and offers everlasting life to all those who believe in Him. Salvation is available to everyone.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 KJV 1900

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We believe Christ is preparing a place for those who accept Him as their Saviour, a place called Heaven. Christ returned to His Father after He ascended and He will one day return to receive the saved to Himself.

John 14:3–4 KJV 1900

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

We believe the saved are here on earth to spread the good news of Christ’s salvation to everyone. God wants all people to accept salvation and live forever with Him.

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Second, The Bible is our foundation for practice

Our Practice is how we operate as a church. The special word for this is our polity or governance. This is what we do as a church and why.

We believe in the primacy of the preaching of the Word of God. God works through preaching and He commands us to preach the word to the lost. Preaching is teaching the Word of God with a purpose to persuade.

2 Timothy 4:2 KJV 1900

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

We believe that the goal of the church is to reach the lost with Gospel. We do other things as a church but the focus of all that we do is to bring the good news of salvation to the lost.

Mark 16:15 KJV 1900

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

We believe in the method of soul winning to bring the Gospel to the lost where they are. We go to the doors of people in our community and invite them to church. We pray for opportunities to give the Gospel as well. This is the job of each Christian in their local area. God has blessed this over the centuries.

Acts 5:42 KJV 1900

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

We believe we are called to make disciples by training the saved to walk in the example of Christ. Salvation is not the end of the work of Christ in our hearts. We are to disciple those who are saved. Discipleship is teaching them the truths of the Word of God.

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes the Bible is the authority for all faith and practice.

A Autonomy of the Local Church

First, we see Each Church is Autonomous

Autonomous means that each church is self-governing. There is not any council, person or organization that directs the practice or doctrine of a local church. Instead, the local church is governed by the working of Christ and His Word.

Each church chooses its own pastor and deacons. In other groups, these are appointed. A Baptist church chooses its own pastor and deacons based on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 6:3–5 KJV 1900

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Acts 14:23 KJV 1900

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Each church votes on issues regarding its worship and operation. The church is made up of the believers and they are to be active in seeking to follow the will of God and to advance the cause of Christ.

Acts 11:22 KJV 1900

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Each church is responsible to God for carrying out the Great Commission both in the local area and around the world. The Great Commission is to give the good news of the Gospel to all people.

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Each church supports itself through tithes and offerings. Giving to the work of the ministry is found in both the New Testament and Old Testament. God uses the giving of His people to provide for the ministry of the local church.

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 KJV 1900

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Each church supports missionaries directly as they bring the Gospel around the world. God places the call to ministry in the heart of individuals. We are to help them through prayer and support as they carry out the work of God.

Philippians 4:14–18 KJV 1900

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Second, Each Church is accountable to Christ alone

The Bible does not teach that there is any outside governance of the local church. Only Christ is to have the preeminence in the church. Not man, not men, but Christ.

Instead, Christ is the Head of the Church. The Head is the one who makes the decisions and directs the work of the church. Christ was given this by the Father.

Ephesians 1:22–23 KJV 1900

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Christ guides the pastor as he leads the church. The pastor is to pray and consider what God would have the church to do. This is part of the pastors job as he follows the Chief Shepherd.

Acts 6:2–4 (KJV 1900)

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Christ speaks through His Word to the members of the local church. The church is Christ’ Bride. He is seeking to work through it and to guide it. Christ gave Himself for the church and paid for it with His blood.

1 Peter 2:9–10 KJV 1900

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Christ blesses the Gospel as it is preached to the lost. We cannot convince the lost of their condition. We cannot force someone to make a decision to accept salvation. Christ works through us and with us.

John 17:14–20 KJV 1900

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Christ provides for the needs of the local church as prayer is made by His people. Prayer is the way that we communicate with God about what concerns we have. God answers prayer and works in the world.

Ephesians 3:14–21 KJV 1900

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in the Autonomy of the Local Church.

P Priesthood of Believers

First, Each Believer is privileged alike in Christ

The Bible does not make a distinction between a man or woman in their acceptance before Christ. Everyone is able to receive salvation. Christ died for the sin of all.

Galatians 3:28 KJV 1900

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Bible does not make a distinction between a Jew or Gentile in their ability to accept Christ’s free gift. You can choose to accept salvation. All are sinners. All can be saved.

Romans 10:12 KJV 1900

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

The Bible does not make a distinction between a pastor or a church member in the access that they have to the throne. When you pray, you are able to come into the presence of God. In, fact we are to bring our concerns to Him and leave them there.

1 Peter 2:5 KJV 1900

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.

The Bible does not make a distinction between a rich person and a poor person with the welcome they receive in the church. Some people would favor a rich person over a poor. James reminds us that we are all the same and we are to look at the example of Christ.

James 2:1–9 KJV 1900

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

In fact, each of us are viewed only one way by God—through the blood of His Son. When we are saved, God sees only the blood of Christ. He chooses not to see our past, our personality, our differences. He sees only the Blood.

Romans 3:21–25 KJV 1900

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Too often, we have looked at each other in different ways!

Second, Each Believer comes to God the same way

The key to the Priesthood of the believer is access to the throne of God the Father. Access was restricted to only the priests in the Old Testament. Because of the work of Christ on the cross, the believer has access to the throne room of God without any mediator except Christ.

All may come to Him alike for forgiveness, for power, and for comfort. This is called general atonement and is the bedrock of the salvation message. Some would tell you that Christ only died for some. The Bible tells us that Christ died for all. For this reason, all may pray to the Father.

Matthew 6:5–8 KJV 1900

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

There is only one mediator between man and God. His Name is Jesus. Christ is the go between between the two parties. This is a result of His death and resurrection.

1 Timothy 2:5 KJV 1900

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

We confess our sins to Him alone. No priest is necessary to remove the guilt of your sin. No other person needs to hear your confession. The Bible teaches that we are to confess our sins and seek His forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 KJV 1900

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We bring our prayers to Him alone. Prayer is speaking to God. This can be done with eyes open. This can be done with knees bent. However this is done, only God is deserving of our prayers and only He can help.

James 5:13–18 KJV 1900

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in the Priesthood of the Believer.

T Two Ordinances - Baptism and Lord’s Supper

Baptism is the first step for a new Christian

Baptism is an identification with a person’s belief in Christ for salvation. We believe that we are sinners in need of someone to die in our place. We accept Christ’s finished work on the cross and the new life He offers. This is salvation. Baptism is a visual representation of this choice.

Acts 8:35–37 KJV 1900

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

The word means to be immersed or to be plunged completely under the water. The Greek word was transliterated or written in English form in our Bible. Studying out the word shows that no sprinkling or pouring is the same as this word.

Acts 8:38–39 KJV 1900

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Baptism does not save you. It simply shows what Christ has done in your life. Salvation is only through putting your faith in the work of Christ on the cross for you. He died for you and you accept that as the payment for your sin.

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We give testimony of our salvation as a prerequisite for baptism. This shows the people that we are trusting on Christ not baptism for salvation. The Bible teaches that we join a local church when we are baptized.

Acts 2:41 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The Lord’s Supper contains two Elements

The bread is the first element. It was unleavened bread used in the observation of the Passover Feast. The Passover was an event in Egypt during the time of the plagues. The angel of death came through Egypt and killed all of the firstborn in unmarked houses. The mark that was to be on the doorposts and lintel of the house was the blood of a spotless lamb. The significance of the bread was the haste of the Jewish nation to leave Egypt. The bread was to be unleavened to allow a quick departure.

The lack of leaven shows that the Bread was without sin. A little leaven affects the entire loaf of bread. In the Bible, leaven represents sin.

1 Corinthians 5:7–8 KJV 1900

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

The Bread represents Christ and His sinless life on earth. Because Christ was sinless, He was the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He referred to Himself as bread during His earthly ministry.

John 6:48 KJV 1900

I am that bread of life.

Christ asked us to remember His sacrifice through eating the bread. We ought to pray and thank God for the bread and His willingness to die for us.

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 KJV 1900

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.

If Christ had sinned, He could not have been our perfect sacrifice. Christ not only did not sin, He could not sin because He is God. Christ is an example of faithfulness.

Hebrews 4:14–15 KJV 1900

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

We ought to be thankful for the sinless life of Christ. The cup is the second element. The cup was representative of the blessings of God during the passover meal. The blood of the lamb was placed above the door and was the sign of salvation for the home during the Passover.

Deuteronomy 8:5–8 KJV 1900

Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;

Christ was the Blessing of God in His voluntary sacrifice for us. Blessings are happiness in the Bible. Christ gives us happiness through our future home in heaven with Him.

Acts 3:26 KJV 1900

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

We drink the juice of the grape in remembrance of Christ’s Blood that He shed for us. Thank God for the blood that He shed for us. Without the Blood, we would still be dark with the stain of sin.

1 Corinthians 11:25–26 KJV 1900

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

The Blood is what washes away our sin. Washing away sin results in a pure white account with God. We are under the blood and all that the Father sees is a satisfactory payment and a cleared account.

Revelation 1:5 KJV 1900

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

We remember His blood when we observe the Lord’s Supper.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in Two Ordinances - Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Doctrine, Sound)

A Peanuts cartoon pictured Lucy and Linus looking out the window at a steady downpour of rain. “Boy,” said Lucy, “look at it rain. What if it floods the whole world?”

“It will never do that,” Linus replied confidently. “In the ninth chapter of Genesis, God promised Noah that would never happen again, and the sign of the promise is the rainbow.”

“You’ve taken a great load off my mind,” said Lucy with a relieved smile.

“Sound theology,” pontificated Linus, “has a way of doing that!”

When we have sound theology, we have confidence in the truth of what we believer. Confidence is only found in believing what the Bible says. We have seen here four of the eight Baptist Distinctives:

B Bible is the Final Authority of Faith and Practice

A Autonomy of the Local Church

P Priesthood of the Believer

T Two Ordinances - Baptism and the Lord’s Supper