Baptist Faith & Message Message 2

I did not cover this on our first time together. We covered the first three doctrines.

The Doctrine of Scriptures

The Doctrine of God

Tonight-I will cover the Doctrine of Man which I do not believe we covered.

What are the basic doctrinal beliefs we will cover?

The latest version of the Baptist Faith and Message (adopted in 2000) contains a list of doctrinal beliefs central to the Southern Baptist Convention. Below are the basic categories of doctrine it addresses:

The Scriptures

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God.

God

Belief in one God who reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Trinity).

Man

Humanity is created in God’s image but has fallen into sin, necessitating salvation.

Salvation

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, involving regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

God’s Purpose of Grace

Emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation, including election, but also human responsibility.

The Church

The local church is an autonomous body of baptized believers, governed by biblical principles, with the larger Church comprising all believers.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper as symbolic ordinances.

The Lord’s Day

Sunday is set aside for worship and rest, commemorating the resurrection of Christ.

The Kingdom

God’s Kingdom is His reign over all creation, culminating in the return of Christ and the full realization of His rule.

Last Things

Belief in the return of Christ, the resurrection, the final judgment, and the eternal state of the redeemed and the lost.

Evangelism and Missions

The duty of all believers and churches to spread the gospel to all nations.

Education

A commitment to biblical teaching and learning in all areas of life.

Stewardship

The responsibility of Christians to use their resources (time, talents, and finances) for God’s glory.

Cooperation

Believers and churches should cooperate in carrying out God’s work, respecting local church autonomy.

The Christian and the Social Order

Christians should work toward justice, peace, and righteousness in society, opposing racism, abortion, and other social evils.

Peace and War

Belief in peace and the just use of force, but opposition to violence and war when possible.

Religious Liberty

Every person’s right to religious freedom, with no imposition of faith by the government.

The Family

The family is the foundational institution of society, with marriage between one man and one woman.

I did not cover the opening statement to the Baptist Faith and Message:

Think of this as an opening introduction or a preamble of what we are about as Southern Baptist.

A Sourcebook for Baptist Heritage Committee on Baptist Faith and Message

Baptists are a people who profess a living faith. This faith is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ who is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.” Therefore, the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is Jesus Christ whose will is revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

A living faith must experience a growing understanding of truth and must be continually interpreted and related to the needs of each new generation. Throughout their history Baptist bodies, both large and small, have issued statements of faith which comprise a consensus of their beliefs. Such statements have never been regarded as complete, infallible statements of faith, nor as official creeds carrying mandatory authority. Thus this generation of Southern Baptists is in historic succession of intent and purpose as it endeavors to state for its time and theological climate those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us.

Baptists emphasize the soul’s competency before God, freedom in religion, and the priesthood of the believer. However, this emphasis should not be interpreted to mean that there is an absence of certain definite doctrines that Baptists believe, cherish, and with which they have been and are now closely identified.

It is the purpose of this statement of faith and message to set forth certain teachings which we believe.

A Sourcebook for Baptist Heritage Committee on Baptist Faith and Message

III. MAN

Man was created by the special act of God, in his own image, and is the crowning work of his creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence; whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into his holy fellowship and enable man to fulfil the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in his own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

Gen. 1:26–30; 2:5, 7, 18–22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3–6; 32:1–5; 51:5; Isa. 6:5; Jer. 17:5; Matt. 16:26; Acts 17:26–31; Rom. 1:19–32; 3:10–18, 23; 5:6, 12, 19; 6:6; 7:14–25; 8:14–18, 29; 1 Cor. 1:21–31; 15:19, 21–22; Eph. 2:1–22; Col. 1:21–22; 3:9–11.

III. THE FALL OF MAN

Man was created by the special act of God, as recorded in Genesis. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27). “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7).

He was created in a state of holiness under the law of his Maker, but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and in bondage to sin, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.

Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:7; John 1:23; Gen. 3:4–7; Gen. 3:22–24; Rom. 5:12, 14, 19, 21; Rom. 7:23–25; Rom. 11:18, 22, 32–33; Col. 1:21.

In the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the Doctrine of Man focuses on the nature of humanity in relation to God, sin, and salvation. Here are the key points to bring out: Creation in God’s Image Man was created by God in His own image, as male and female. This reflects humanity's unique ability to have a relationship with God and the responsibility to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:27-28).

Genesis 1:27–28 “27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.””

Gen. 1:29-31 “29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.

The Fall and Sin Although man was created innocent and in perfect fellowship with God, Adam and Eve’s disobedience (the Fall) brought sin and death into the world. As a result, all humans are born with a sinful nature, separated from God (Romans 3:23).

Understanding that man is born with a sin nature, often referred to as an Adamic nature, is rooted in the biblical concept of the Fall of humanity through Adam, as described in Genesis 3. This doctrine explains that all humans inherit a corrupted moral and spiritual condition due to Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Here’s a detailed explanation of this concept:

1. Adam’s Role as Federal Head

In Christian theology, Adam is seen as the representative or federal head of humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God's command, sin entered the human race. Adam’s actions did not only affect himself but also all of his descendants. As the first man, Adam's sin brought a fallen, sinful nature into the world (Romans 5:12). This idea is often referred to as original sin, meaning the corruption of human nature that has been passed down to all people.

2. Inherited Sin Nature

The sin nature refers to the natural inclination or predisposition of every human being to sin. Because of Adam’s transgression, all people are born with a tendency to rebel against God and pursue selfish desires (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). This nature is not something people acquire through specific acts of sin; rather, it is a fundamental condition inherited at birth. Humans are born spiritually dead, separated from God, and in need of salvation (Ephesians 2:1-3).

3. Total Depravity

The term total depravity is often used to describe the extent of this sinful condition. It does not mean that people are as sinful as they could possibly be but that sin affects every aspect of a person’s being—mind, will, emotions, and body. As a result, without divine intervention, humans are unable to seek God, understand spiritual truth, or live in righteousness (Romans 8:7-8). In other words, sin taints all areas of life, rendering humans incapable of saving themselves.

4. Romans 5:12-19 – The Theology of Adam and Christ

In Romans 5:12-19, Paul explains the contrast between Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, and Jesus Christ, through whom grace and life are made available. Just as Adam’s sin brought death to all humanity, Christ’s act of righteousness (His death on the cross) brings justification and life to all who believe. Adam’s sin leads to condemnation for all people, but Christ’s obedience leads to the potential for salvation and eternal life (Romans 5:18-19).

5. Sin Nature and Human Responsibility

Even though humans inherit a sinful nature, they are still personally responsible for their own sins. Each person chooses to sin and is morally accountable to God (Romans 1:18-21). This personal sinfulness is a manifestation of the underlying sin nature that drives people to reject God and follow their own desires.

6. Need for Regeneration

Because of the sin nature, humans are spiritually dead and unable to respond to God in their own strength (Ephesians 2:1). This is why the Bible teaches the necessity of regeneration or being "born again" (John 3:3). Regeneration is a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit, who gives new life to the sinner, enabling them to repent of their sins and place their faith in Christ for salvation (Titus 3:5). Through regeneration, the power of the sin nature is broken, though its presence remains, creating a lifelong process of sanctification.

7. The Ongoing Battle with the Sin Nature

While regeneration gives the believer a new nature in Christ, the old sinful nature, or flesh, still persists in this life. This leads to an ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Believers must continually rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to resist the influence of the sin nature and grow in holiness, as they are progressively sanctified (Romans 7:14-25).

8. Victory through Christ

Ultimately, believers find victory over the sin nature through Jesus Christ. At the time of glorification (when believers are raised with Christ in their resurrected bodies), the sin nature will be completely eradicated, and they will live in perfect righteousness in the presence of God for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Romans 8:30).

Summary

The Adamic nature explains the universal condition of sinfulness that humanity inherits from Adam. It highlights the fallen state of all people, the necessity of divine grace for salvation, and the need for spiritual regeneration. Though humans are born with a sin nature, the gospel offers the solution through the atoning work of Christ, who enables believers to overcome sin and be reconciled to God.

Human Dignity Despite the fall, humans retain dignity and worth because they are still made in God’s image. Every human being is therefore worthy of respect and care, regardless of their status or actions (Psalm 8:4-5).

Psalm 8:4–5 “4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.”

The Need for Redemption Because of sin, humanity is under God’s judgment and incapable of saving itself. Only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ can man be reconciled to God.

Romans 5:12–19 NKJV

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

Gender and Family Men and women are equal in worth and dignity but have distinct, complementary roles in the family and the church. Marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman, forming the basis of human society.

Destiny of Man Every person will face physical death and ultimately eternal destiny—either eternal life with God through faith in Christ or eternal separation from Him in hell (Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Matthew 25:46 “46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.””

These points emphasize the seriousness of sin, the necessity of salvation, and the inherent dignity of all humans due to their creation in God’s image. 4. Salvation

Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, involving regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

The Doctrine of Salvation in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is a comprehensive outline of how Southern Baptists understand God’s work of saving humanity from sin and reconciling them to Himself. It emphasizes salvation as a work of God’s grace, received by faith, through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Here are the key elements:

1. Salvation as a Work of Grace

Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace. It is not something humanity can earn through good works, morality, or religious efforts. It is a gift from God, provided through Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Ephesians 2:8–9 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

2. The Aspects of Salvation

Salvation is a process that includes several stages:

Regeneration: This is the new birth or being "born again" (John 3:3).

John 3:3 “3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.””

It is a work of the Holy Spirit, in which a person is spiritually renewed, given new life, and enabled to repent of their sins and place faith in Jesus Christ. It involves a transformation from spiritual death to life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Justification: Upon faith in Christ, believers are declared righteous by God. This is a legal declaration where Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer. Justification is solely based on Christ's atoning work and not on any personal merit (Romans 3:24-26).

Romans 3:24–26 “24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Through justification, believers are freed from the guilt and penalty of sin.

Sanctification: After justification, sanctification is the ongoing process by which a believer is made holy. It is the work of God through the Holy Spirit and the believer’s cooperation in becoming more Christlike in character and conduct (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

1 Thessalonians 4:3 “3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;”

Sanctification is both a positional reality (set apart at salvation) and a progressive growth throughout a Christian’s life.

Glorification: The final stage of salvation, glorification refers to the ultimate redemption of the believer’s body and soul at the return of Christ. In this future state, believers will be fully free from sin and dwell eternally in the presence of God (Romans 8:30).

Romans 8:30 “30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

3. The Atoning Work of Jesus Christ

The foundation of salvation is the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. His sacrificial death paid the penalty for sin, providing redemption and reconciliation for all who place their faith in Him (Romans 5:8-9).

Romans 5:8–9 “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

Christ's resurrection is also crucial to salvation, as it demonstrates His victory over sin, death, and the powers of evil, securing eternal life for believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

1 Corinthians 15:20–22“20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

4. Faith and Repentance

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, which involves repentance (a turning away from sin) and trust in Christ alone for salvation (Acts 20:21).

Acts 20:21 “21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Faith is not merely intellectual belief but includes a personal commitment to Christ as Savior and Lord. Repentance is a sincere turning away from sin and turning toward God in obedience (Mark 1:15). Mark 1:15 “15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.””

5. Security of the Believer

Southern Baptists affirm the security of the believer, often referred to as the "perseverance of the saints" or "once saved, always saved." This means that those who are truly regenerated and saved by faith in Christ will persevere to the end and cannot lose their salvation. God secures their salvation by His grace and power (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6).

John 10:28–29 “28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

Philippians 1:6 “6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

6. Universality of Salvation's Offer

The offer of salvation is available to all people. While God is sovereign in salvation, human beings have the responsibility to respond in faith. Southern Baptists affirm that salvation is offered to everyone and whosoever will may come to Christ for salvation (John 3:16; Revelation 22:17).

John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Revelation 22:17 “17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

7. Evangelism and Missions

The doctrine of salvation leads directly to the responsibility of believers to share the gospel with others. Baptists believe it is the duty of every Christian to participate in evangelism and missions, spreading the message of salvation to all people, as Christ commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

This doctrine reflects the Baptist emphasis on salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and underscores the transformative nature of salvation in every aspect of a believer’s life.