Baptist Distinctives
The Baptist Distinctives are easy to remember using the acronym BAPTISTS.
So let’s take a look at the Baptist Distinctives, one by one.
BAPTISTS
1. Bible – I am a Baptist because I believe in Biblical Authority.
For Baptists the Bible is not one of many, the Bible is not the final authority, but it is the ONLY authority.
From the beginnings of Christianity to the Anabaptist movement centuries ago, through the English Separatists, to the current Fundamental Baptists of today, we always go to the Bible as the ONLY authority in all matters of faith and practice. What the Magisterial Reformers (Luther, Calvin and those who followed) heralded — Sola Scriptura (only the Scripture) — Baptists already believed. The Authority does not rest in church tradition, a church council, a pope or a bishop. God’s Word ALONE is inerrant, infallible, final and forever.
The Bible is our sole authority for faith and practice. It is the ONLY authority on all matters of faith, practice, and polity. The tradition of men, human opinion, science, religious creeds, or popular opinion cannot override the plain teaching of God’s Word. The Bible is inspired and preserved by God and carries His absolute authority.
Baptists believe the Bible and strive to live according to its teachings. It is the Divine Revelation of God to man and is the complete and infallible guide to faith and life. The Bible is not up for discussion! We believe the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible!
Baptists stand on Biblical authority as the ONLY Authority, so I am a Baptist.
Psalm 12:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21
