Biblical Authority (2 Timothy 3:16)
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, is accepted as truth. No human opinion or decree of any church or group can override the Bible.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“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.”
The autonomy of the local church (Matthew 18:15-20)
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 of the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. Autonomy doesn’t 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.
Colossians 1:18
“And He is the Head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, and that in all things He might have the preeminence”
Priesthood Of The Believer (Matthew 27:50-51)
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 to communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ’s name. This is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not a privilege and license.
1 Peter 2:9
“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 marvelous Light”
Two Ordinances - Baptism & Lord's Supper (Acts 8:37-38)
We practice only believer’s baptism by immersion, the first step of obedience to Christ by those who have trusted Him as Saviour. This 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)
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic ordinance, picturing Christ’s body broken for our sins and His blood shed for our redemption. It, like baptism, 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.
Neither of these ordinances are a means of grace, but rather symbols of what God has done for us and in us.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
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:
Individual Soul Liberty (II Corinthians 13:5)
Every individual Christian has the liberty to believe, right or wrong, as his / her own consciences dictates. While we seek to persuade men to choose the right, a person must not be forced into compliance, realizing that it is not always the larger group who holds the trust when, in fact, our heritage as Baptists has demonstrated the worth of every individual believer.
Romans 14:12
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God”
Saved & Baptised Church Members (Acts 2:41)
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believeable 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 endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Acts 2:4, 1 & 47
“Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day were added unto them about three thousand souls”…”Praising God, and having favour with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Two Offices - Pastor & Deacon (I Timothy 3)
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church – pastor and deacon. The three terms, “elder”, “bishop” or “overseer” – all refer to different functions of the same office of pastor. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.
I Timothy 3:1 & 13
“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”
Separation - Ecclesiastical & Personal (Matthew 22:21)
The church is to be separate from the state. God commands that we obey, submit, respect and pray for our government. They are placed there by God and are to be obeyed unless they directly contradict God’s Word. The church should not interfere with government, nor government with the church.
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are obtained of God.”
The church is to separate from the world.
II Corinthians 6:14
“By ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
The church is to separate from believers with error in doctrine or practice.
II Thessalonians 3:6 & 15
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us…And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”