Baptist Distinctives Two

Acts 2:42–43 KJV 1900

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

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.

We saw before that Baptist believe that the Bible is the final authority of faith and practice. We saw that each church is autonomous and separate from each other under the leadership of Christ. We saw the priesthood of the believer allowing us to go into the presence of God ourselves without another person as our go between. We saw the two ordinances that Christ instituted that point back to His sacrifice on the cross - baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We will see four more today.

I Individual Soul Liberty

First, Every Christian is guided by the Holy Spirit

Salvation includes the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Bible does not teach a second gifting of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that at salvation, we receive all of the Holy Spirit we will ever have.

1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV 1900

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

We receive Salvation by putting our trust in Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for our sin. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. He died on the cross as our perfect sacrifice.

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Without salvation, our choices are based on man’s wisdom not God’s. Without salvation, our sinful flesh will be in control. We will be relying on our own wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:14–16 KJV 1900

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. This is one of the primary jobs that the Holy Spirit has in our lives. Jesus sent the Spirit to remind us of the truth that Jesus taught.

John 16:13 KJV 1900

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The Word of God is to be our resource to make decisions. The Bible covers all that we need to know. Studying the Bible will allow you to understand God’s heart on a certain subject.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Studying is the way to learn more of what Christ has done for us. The central story of the Word of God is the story of redemption. We see the moving of God to send His Son to die for us on each page of Scripture.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Second, We will stand before God for our choices

Every Christian is free to worship as God leads him. Worship is focused on giving glory and honor to God. Worship is not something that is focused on giving honor to ourselves.

Revelation 4:8–11 KJV 1900

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

We will stand before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The saved will have a time when they will be judged by Jesus for how they stewarded what Christ gave them on earth. We see this pictured often in the parables of Jesus.

Romans 14:10 KJV 1900

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

A Christian is judged for the works that he has done, either good or bad. Works and sins are different. We can do a good work for ourselves without sinning. The problem with this type of good work is that it doesn’t bring the glory to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 1900

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

A Christian is rewarded for the works that are done for Christ alone. Rewards are found in multiple places in the Bible. We will give these rewards back to Him when we see Him in glory.

2 Corinthians 5:15–17 KJV 1900

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We can choose how much we are rewarded by our actions and our choices. Choose today to receive rewards. Choose today to serve God over yourself.

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 KJV 1900

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in Individual Soul Liberty

S Saved Church Membership

First, Salvation is based on Christ’s Sacrifice

We are unable to save ourselves because of our sin. We can try to work our way to heaven but we will never get there. Only one sin is enough to condemn us to eternity in hell.

Isaiah 53:6 KJV 1900

All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Christ has paid for our sins. We must put our faith in His payment. This is a choice that everyone of us must make.

Romans 5:6–8 KJV 1900

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

A church is made up of saved, baptized believers. The church is not just saved people. It is not just baptized people. Both are required to join the church as we see in the pattern of Scripture.

Acts 2:46–47 KJV 1900

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

When we accept Christ, we need to join a local church to grow to be more like Him with other Christians. Growth is an important part of the Christian life. The saved members of the church are able to have fellowship together as they grow in Christ.

Hebrews 10:24–25 KJV 1900

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Salvation is just the beginning of living the Christian life. We have much to learn and much to change after salvation. Every day we must become more like Christ.

2 Peter 3:17–18 KJV 1900

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Second, Baptism and Church Membership Go Together

The first step of obedience for the Christian is baptism. We need to take this step as soon as we understand what the meaning of baptism is.

Acts 8:35–38 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. 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.

Baptism is to be done in the local church. This is not to be done privately but publically. It is an identification with a local church.

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.

When someone joins a church, they join by either a profession of faith or by baptism. Profession of faith means they give a testimony of salvation and prior baptism into another Baptist church.

Acts 16:30–34 KJV 1900

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Christ is our pattern in baptism. He went to the Jordan to be baptized of John. Christ did not baptize anyone in His time on earth.

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The church at Jerusalem practiced church membership. We see this from the word used “added”. Church membership comes with it certain expectations.

Acts 2:41–42 KJV 1900

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in Saved Church Membership

T Two Officers - Pastor and Deacon

The Pastor is the Under-shepherd

God calls the pastor to lead the local church. The pastor is someone who fits the Biblical qualifications. The Bible is clear about the importance of the pastor as an example to other people.

1 Timothy 3:1–7 KJV 1900

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5–11 KJV 1900

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

The pastor is the overseer of the church. This is the word translated “bishop”. The pastor ensures that the church follows the Word of God.

1 Timothy 3:1 KJV 1900

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

The pastor is an elder who leads the church. An elder is someone respected in the church and someone who teaches the Word of God. The elder is the one who leads the church to follow Christ.

James 5:14 KJV 1900

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:

The pastor is given vision to lead the church through his relationship with God. God will work in the heart of the pastor to show Him where growth needs to occur. Vision is one of the most important things that are lacking in many of our churches.

Titus 1:7–9 KJV 1900

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

God intends for the pastor to lead through preaching and teaching the Word of God. Preaching and teaching the Bible is the central role of the pastor. He alone can study and give the message that God has for the church at any given service. This was a role that the Apostles were careful to guard in Acts 6.

Ephesians 4:11–16 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The Deacon is a Servant in the Church

The word deacon comes from the Greek word for servant. A deacon must meet the Biblical qualifications. Some of these are similar to the pastor, but others are different. The qualifications should be such that all Christian men should strive to meet them.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 KJV 1900

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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.

A deacon is a help to the pastor and the church. A deacon is not to be someone who brings power or attention to himself. He is to be a servant of God in the local church.

Philippians 1:1 KJV 1900

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

A deacon oversees the care of the widows in the church. Widows with relatives are to be cared for by their family. The deacons are to help those without family.

Acts 6:1–7 KJV 1900

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 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. 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: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

God gave the church deacons to allow the pastor to focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer.

Acts 6:2 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.

Deacons are an encouragement to the church as they serve. When deacons cause strife, they are not fulfilling their purpose.

1 Timothy 3:13 KJV 1900

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.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in Two Officers - Pastor and Deacon

S Separation of Church and State

First, Government was instituted by God

God instituted human government after the flood. We see this in the Noahic Covenant. Capital Punishment is the job of the government.

Genesis 9:1–7 KJV 1900

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

Human Government is to punish evil and reward good. Evil must be kept in check in society. Good must be encouraged and lauded. The government is tasked with monitoring civil interactions.

Romans 13:1–7 KJV 1900

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: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Civil government is not the same as a church. In days past, these were sometimes aligned and sometimes the same. God intends for them to be separate.

Acts 4:15–20 KJV 1900

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

God uses the people in government to further His Plan. We see throughout Scripture that God uses unsaved and saved people to fulfill the plan that He had in bringing salvation to the lost.

Proverbs 21:1 KJV 1900

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever he will.

When Christ returns, He will setup His government to reign on earth. This government will be perfect.

Revelation 20:4–6 KJV 1900

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We are to obey government when it does not conflict with Scripture. The Bible is clear that there are times we must obey God.

Acts 5:26–32 KJV 1900

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Second, the Church is a Spiritual Lighthouse

The church should be reaching the lost in the community. The government is not given this task.

Mark 16:15 KJV 1900

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

Christians should be involved in voting for positions in government. We ought to have an influence for Christ with the decisions and laws that are passed.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 1900

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

The church is to be a help with the poor and homeless. This was only recently usurped by the government.

Galatians 2:9–10 KJV 1900

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Christ is our pattern for this. He had a heart for the lost and those who were poor. He saw them where they were and sought to help them.

Luke 7:22 KJV 1900

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

The church is not to make decisions for the state or the state for the church. The two are separate and distinct.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 KJV 1900

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

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.

God wants us to be faithful Christians wherever we are, even in government. Faithfulness is often tested.

Daniel 6:1–10 KJV 1900

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

The church influences the person to affect the state through their spiritual walk with Christ. This does not conflict with the separation of church and state.

Philippians 1:13 KJV 1900

So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

Philippians 4:22 KJV 1900

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

What is a Baptist Church?

A Baptist church believes in Separation of Church and State

Conclusion

What is a Baptist? A Baptist is someone who follows the Bible. We look for what is clear and direct in the Bible and we apply this to what we believe and how we behave.

My Favorite Illustrations (Dig a Straight Canal)

Have you ever looked down on a river while riding in a plane thousands of feet above the ground? If so, you know that the river’s course winds here and there like the track of a large serpent. This is because in its formation the river followed the path of least resistance. On the other hand, a straight canal calls for advance planning, toil, and suffering as those who make it dig and blast their way through the terrain.

That is the way that doctrine is. Doctrine is simply teaching that has been organized and established. When we follow the pattern that is set before us by our Baptist forefathers, we see that the pattern is really the truth of the Word of God.