Baptist Distinctives
BAPTIST
Number 1 was “BIBLE” – the Bible is the ONLY authority!
Number 2 was AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
Number 3 was PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER
Number 4 was TWO ORDINANCES
Number 5: INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY
Every individual, believer and unbeliever, possesses the God-given privilege of free will having the liberty to choose what to believe. No one should be forced to believe anything against his or her will. God speaks to individuals through His Word and His Spirit. Every person is individually responsible to God and will be judged according to the beliefs and practises he or she freely chooses. Freedom of choice demands personal responsibility.
While other religions bring conversion by the sword, Baptists respect the conscience of others. Although we have been grossly persecuted through the centuries—by both Catholics and Protestants—we have never been the persecutors. We believe that each person must make a personal decision of repentance and faith in Christ.
John 3:36; Romans 14:4-12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Baptists believe the Bible. The Bible teaches the Individual Soul Liberty, so I am a Baptist.
