Baptist Practices and Beliefs?

[stevenhorr]

Greetings,

I am a former Orthodox and currently somewhat disillusioned Catholic Christian. I have lately been reading about the Protestant Reformers and especially the Radical Reformers as I have discovered an extensive Mennonite heritage in my family. Being that there are no Mennonite churches within hours of where I live, I have become curious about Baptist beliefs and practices as it seems there is substantial overlap between Baptist and Anabaptist belief. There also happen to be two Baptist churches an hour or so from where I live.

What do Baptists do for spiritual practices? I am used to ritual, sacramentalism, and trying to still my mind with the Rosary and/or the Jesus Prayer. Do Baptists have practices, or is it more of a "faith only" tradition? Is there any kind of "mysticism" with Baptists, or is this kind of thing frowned upon? What would be a good introductory entry point book for learning about Baptist history, belief, tradition, and practice? Can anyone point me to testimonies of Baptist converts, particularly people who converted from Catholicism?

Thanks kindly in advance,
Steve

 

[twin1954]

Greetings,

I am a former Orthodox and currently somewhat disillusioned Catholic Christian. I have lately been reading about the Protestant Reformers and especially the Radical Reformers as I have discovered an extensive Mennonite heritage in my family. Being that there are no Mennonite churches within hours of where I live, I have become curious about Baptist beliefs and practices as it seems there is substantial overlap between Baptist and Anabaptist belief. There also happen to be two Baptist churches an hour or so from where I live.

Where I live there are Baptist churches across the street from each other there are so many. You can hardly travel a mile without passing one.

What do Baptists do for spiritual practices?

You will find that Baptist practices and the RCC rituals are as different as night and day. Baptists generally have no rituals and the worship services vary from church to church. Baptists hold to local autonomy and stand firm on the freedom of each individual congregation to govern itself. You may want to read the sticky on Baptist statement of beliefs here: http://www.christianforums.com/threads/baptist-statement-of-faith.7396057/

I am used to ritual, sacramentalism, and trying to still my mind with the Rosary and/or the Jesus Prayer. Do Baptists have practices, or is it more of a "faith only" tradition?

It is more of faith only.

Is there any kind of "mysticism" with Baptists, or is this kind of thing frowned upon?

Mysticism is generally frowned upon in the Baptist churches but it is making inroads and becoming a problem.

What would be a good introductory entry point book for learning about Baptist history, belief, tradition, and practice?

Baptists, historically, have been hostile to Catholic doctrine and traditions. I have a book that probably isn't available any longer that goes into detail on the differences between Baptists and Catholics. You can easily Google the difference between Baptist and Catholics and find any number of places to start.

Can anyone point me to testimonies of Baptist converts, particularly people who converted from Catholicism?

Thanks kindly in advance,
Steve

I don't know of any but I am sure that there are some here who have. Perhaps they will respond.

BTW I am sorry that you haven't gotten a response sooner.

 

[stevenhorr]

Thanks for your helpful response, twins1954. Much appreciated!

 

[NaturalSinner]

Thanks for your helpful response, twins1954. Much appreciated!

http://www.christianbaptists.com/baptist-beliefs/

This should explain to you what you need to know

 

[Goodbook]

I agree above that baptist beliefs and practises are totally different from what an orthodox or catholic believer would be used to.

Baptists live by faith not rituals.
We read the bible, but it is not a ritualised reading.
We share the Lords supper, usually its once a month at church services, or at home.
Baptism by full immersion marks the beginning of our faith journey.
Prayer is something we can do anytime, in the bible we are encouraged to pray unceasingly.
We don't have rosaries. Prayer is not formulaic, although in some churches the Lords prayer is recited together.
Our faith is practical, when God commands that we love one another, we show this in practical ways, giving food to the hungry, providing for our families, clothing the naked, being kind, praying for each other.
Some of us have a regular devotion time, like a quiet time, to read the bible each morning, but its not forced or an obligation. A personal relationship with the Lord is what baptists are encouraged to have. Many of us call it walking in the spirit. But thats not just a baptist belief most christians who read the bible believe this.

Baptists are big on spreading the gospel and evangelism especially to cultures outside of our own. If the spiritual practices we walk in are preparing us for anything, its this. Baptists have a heart for the lost. We start with our own families, our neighbours and people we come in to contact with, and then extend it throughout the world.

 

[JM]

What do Baptists do for spiritual practices?

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” How that works out may differ according to how serieously the Elders take the Bible but pray, reading scripture, attending the local gathering of believers to listen to the preaching of the word, attending to the needs of others are all Baptist practices.

I am used to ritual, sacramentalism, and trying to still my mind with the Rosary and/or the Jesus Prayer.

Baptists do not practice competitive prayer or mystical types of prayer. Some Baptists, like myself, hold to a more sacramental view of the Lord’s Supper but it’s nothing like the Roman or Eastern church.

Do Baptists have practices, or is it more of a "faith only" tradition?

The Gospel is clear; we are saved by Christ alone through faith. Saving faith is never alone, or without works, at least not always.

Is there any kind of "mysticism" with Baptists, or is this kind of thing frowned upon?

Like twin wrote, mystical experience is frowned upon. The Bible doesn’t tell us to seek mystical union or experiences with Christ, however, we often do experience the Holy Spirit of God working in us and through the word of God to direct our minds to the will of God.
The charismatic movement has caused many believers to look outside of scripture and to direct (subjective) experience.
Baptists are Bible centered. At least we try to be.

What would be a good introductory entry point book for learning about Baptist history, belief, tradition, and practice? Can anyone point me to testimonies of Baptist converts, particularly people who converted from Catholicism?

I always recommend reading the confessions and creeds of any church. You can read the London Baptist Confession of Faith in my sig line.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[stevenhorr]

This is all very helpful information, everybody. I can appreciate the simplicity of the Baptist faith as it is expressed here and look forward to reading the pages linked to. Thank you.

 

[royal priest]

Beware that not all Baptist churches are the same and many have not reformed away from the soteriology of the RCC as they should. For instance, these are man-centered, emphasizing the role of man in salvation. Though they teach that Christ died on the cross, He's depending on you to make His death effectual. They fall woefully short at declaring the Bible's emphasis on the true nature of man's sinfulness and Jesus' sufficiency as Savior. It's very sad to see how many Christians are deficient in knowing what it means to be truly united with Jesus.
It's really great you've been reading on our Protestant heritage. Let me encourage you to dive as deeply into it as you can. Understanding the Reformers and Puritans has the potential to deeply enrich your relationship to Jesus Christ.
Let me suggest to you Matthew Henry's commentary (complete, not the concise edition). It is a rich literary treasure prized by many Christians.
Let me also suggest that you not look merely for a Baptist church, but one that is particular in its adherence to Reformed theology and practice. Here is a helpful article that explains what is a Reformed Baptist Church:
http://www.rbclouisville.com/what-is-a-reformed-baptist/

 

[Goodbook]

uh.
all you need to do is read the Bible. Baptists are in no way connected with the RCC, so there is nothing to 'reform' from.

 

[royal priest]

uh.
all you need to do is read the Bible. Baptists are in no way connected with the RCC, so there is nothing to 'reform' from.

I wish it were true for all Baptist churches. But, unfortunately there are many whose understanding of what it means to be a Christian is not much better than a Roman Catholic's. Many are sadly unfamiliar with what the Bible says regarding bedrock doctrines such as the justification, and sanctification of believers.

Then there are those at the liberal end of the spectrum. There you will find the Alliance of Baptists and the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists, along with some churches from the American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC-USA). The Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptistic group that cooperates with the ABC-USA, is also liberal by southern standards.

The ABC-USA as a whole is more liberal than the Southern Baptist Convention, although a number of churches are trying to mount their own version of the resurgence that conservatives within the SBC accomplished in the 1970s and 1980s.

So, there is much that needs reforming in all of Christ's churches. In fact, one of the most well known slogans of reformers is, "always reformed, always reforming." We need to admit that we have not yet arrived. And until Christ returns, we will always need to improve our doctrine and practice if we would more completely conform to God's revealed will as it is found in the the Holy Scriptures.

 

[Jordan Kurecki]

I am a Baptist by conviction, and not by family heritage or being raised as one as a child, I am a Baptist because I believe Baptist line up with the bible the most closely. When I became a born again Baptist at age 19 ,my girlfriend was a Roman Catholic, I examined the beliefs of the RCC and compared them to the bible and I was convinced that the RCC is a false church and false religion, if you care to really search it out and really want the truth you will find the truth by reading the bible, especially Romans Chapter 3-5 and the Gospel of John.

Baptists disctinctives are:
Baptism by Immersion of Believers only (No babies)
Autonomy of the Local Church (no denomination hierarchy like the RCC)
Two ordinances Baptism and the Lord's Supper, neither of which impart any type of saving grace
Two offices Pastors (also known as Bishops or Overseers) and Deacons
Priesthood of the believers (there is no such thing as a special priesthood in the New Testament like Rome)

Here are some links that will help you:
http://www.wayoflife.org/database/how_rome_denies_salvation_by_grace.html

http://www.wayoflife.org/index_files/rome_and_the_harlot_of_revelation.html

http://www.wayoflife.org/index_files/rome_and_mary.html

Here is a sermon of my testimony: http://jordankurecki.sermon.net/main/main/20270674
See also the sermon linked to in my signature

Also here is a text I wrote with the aim of helping Roman Catholics come to understand the bible's teaching on salvation:

Does Jesus Know You?

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, [Jesus] Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name donemany wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

In this passage, there are people standing before Jesus, who claim to know him (Lord, Lord). They point to the religious good works they do, (prophesied, cast out devils, wonderful works), and claim the name of Christ (in thy name). But Jesus says to them “I NEVER KNEW YOU” and the people in this passage are then going to be cast away into eternal damnation. The point of this passage is to show that not everyone who calls themselves a Christian, is going to have eternal life. You might claim to know him, but the question is, does Jesus know you?

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;

We should examine ourselves according to the bible, to make sure that we are in the faith and that Jesus knows us. Allow me to show you what the bible says about having eternal life:

The 1st thing you must know is that you are a sinner.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Everyone has sinned before. For example some of the Ten Commandments will illustrate this: how many lies have you told in your life? How many times have you stolen things (even small things)? Hopefully you have never murdered anyone, but the bible says that God sees hatred in the heart as murder; how many times have you hated someone? Hopefully you’ve never committed adultery, but Jesus said if you look on someone and have lust in your heart, you commit adultery in your heart; how many times have you done that? These are only four of the ten, but the point is that you are a sinner and so am I.

The 2nd thing you must realize is the penalty for sin:

Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death;

Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

We see here that the wages of sin is spiritual death, and the soul that sins will die spiritual death. Then we see what’s called the great white throne judgment where sinners will be judged according to the sins they have committed (“according to their works”).

The 3rd thing you must realize is that being religious or doing good works cannot take away your sin.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Good works like Baptism, Church Membership, keeping the commandments, etc. cannot save us and take away our sins, because our righteousness (our good works) are like filthy rags in God’s sight!

4th you must realize that Jesus paid the penalty for you sin:

John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

God loves us, so he sent Jesus to die on the cross and he became the propitiation (the satisfactory payment to appease God’s wrath) for our sins.

5th you must personally receive Jesus Christ as your savior:

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Now, Let’s see what the Bible says is the way we receive Jesus:

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

We must believe on Jesus. In today’s world, believing in God means believing he exists, but this is not what it means to believe on Jesus in the bible. To believe in someone means to trust their abilities or their character, For example, If I said I believe in you to pick me up from school, it would mean I have faith in your abilities. In the same way, we must depend on or have faith or believe in Jesus and his ability to save us; this is another reason why good works or being religious cannot save us—we must have faith in Jesus’ ability and not our own. If you are depending upon your own goodness to save you, then by definition you are not believing on Jesus!

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture

John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

You must make a PERSONAL decision to trust in Christ today. The only way you will not be one of those who Jesus says he never knew, is if you make the personal, one-time decision to receive Christ. This is called “repentance unto life” in the bible. Have you done this? I am not asking if you were baptized, were confirmed, are a member of a church, have spoken in tongues, have had a religious experience, if you try to be good, or if you are a good Catholic, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Baptist, Methodist, Buddhist, etc. I am asking if you have personally received Jesus Christ by repenting of your sin and depending upon Christ to save you. Will you receive Christ today?

Romans 10:9,10,13 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....For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Today you can pray to God and ask Christ to save you from your sins, tell him you are sorry, ask him to cleanse you from your sins and give you eternal life. Then, and only then, will Jesus know you.

 

[Goodbook]

Keep it simple I say and don't confuse baptists with RCC.
its completely different. Some of my baptist sisters talked about their experiences visiting a catholic church. They were refused the Lord's supper because they weren't baptised or confirmed in the catholic church. But they call it 'mass'. (even though its similar to our Lord's supper, sharing bread and wine). In a baptist church, nobody is refused, whether you partake is between you and God.

Another thing that is different is catholic (dont' know about orthodox) pray to the dead. Or they ask the dead saints to pray on their behalf.

Baptists don't do this runaround praying. We pray directly to God, in Jesus name.
We may ask our LIVING brothers and sisters to pray for us if we have a prayer need we can't quite handle on our own. But we don't ask Jesus' mum Mary to pray for us.

 

[Goodbook]

We also don't see the need for shrines or pictures or statues of Jesus etc in our homes or churches. These things aren't worshipped or revered.

Most baptist churches have a simple cross as a focal point.

 

[twin1954]

Keep it simple I say and don't confuse baptists with RCC.
its completely different. Some of my baptist sisters talked about their experiences visiting a catholic church. They were refused the Lord's supper because they weren't baptised or confirmed in the catholic church. But they call it 'mass'. (even though its similar to our Lord's supper, sharing bread and wine). In a baptist church, nobody is refused, whether you partake is between you and God.

Another thing that is different is catholic (dont' know about orthodox) pray to the dead. Or they ask the dead saints to pray on their behalf.

Baptists don't do this runaround praying. We pray directly to God, in Jesus name.
We may ask our LIVING brothers and sisters to pray for us if we have a prayer need we can't quite handle on our own. But we don't ask Jesus' mum Mary to pray for us.

They call it Mass because they believe that they crucify Christ again every time they speak the words that change the bread and wine into the actual body and blood of the Lord Jesus. They believe that the bread actually becomes the real body and the wine becomes the real blood.

 

[stevenhorr]

OK, thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate it.
Now, what happens if you've asked Jesus into your life several times... and nothing's really changed? And while I appreciate the view of only needing to 'believe', practically speaking I have found this difficult and unsustainable. How can we force ourselves to believe more, or believe better? What about the need for a pure heart, as Jesus insisted we need? If we only have to be saved by accepting the gift won by Christ for us... and our character isn't transformed by this, thoroughly and in an ongoing way... how can we be any better off than before? It has just never made sense to me. I don't know. Maybe I'm just not 'Reformed' Christian material after all. Thanks.

 

[Goodbook]

Hello again
Asking jesus into your life is a good thing but its only one of the steps.

If you read the bible the way people become a christian with a changed life is to repent AND be baptised. You can ask for this baptism. As baptists we obey God and do it full immersion just like Jesus did when he got baptised in the Jordan river, althought you can do it anywhere where theres water.

 

[Goodbook]

By doing this symbolising his death and burial, and resueection, when you come out of the water its like you have been cleansed and given a new heart and a new life. At least thats how it was for me. And then we continue to work out our salvation by following Him and living a christian life, every day.

 

[stevenhorr]

I have been baptized, full immersion. I am glad you add the 'living a Christian life' everyday part; I agree, even though I come up short. Your way of describing things makes good sense to me. Thanks, Goodbook.

 

[royal priest]

OK, thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate it.
Now, what happens if you've asked Jesus into your life several times... and nothing's really changed? And while I appreciate the view of only needing to 'believe', practically speaking I have found this difficult and unsustainable. How can we force ourselves to believe more, or believe better? What about the need for a pure heart, as Jesus insisted we need? If we only have to be saved by accepting the gift won by Christ for us... and our character isn't transformed by this, thoroughly and in an ongoing way... how can we be any better off than before? It has just never made sense to me. I don't know. Maybe I'm just not 'Reformed' Christian material after all. Thanks.

True conversion is a supernatural act. It requires the Father’s election to choose you(John 17:9), the Spirit’s power to regenerate you(Titus 3:5), and Christ’s work to complete you(1 Corinthians 8:6). Without these you are dead in your trespasses and sins(Ephesians 2:1).

Salvation is of the Lord. Our turning from sin unto God is the result of His workmanship(Ephesians 2:10). The truly converted have been united with Christ in both His burial and resurrection. Any progress we make is the direct result of this union with Christ. This is mysterious, but nonetheless real(Romans 6:4). The resurrection of our bodies is preceded by the resurrection of our naturally dead spirits. In fact, the power which God uses to resurrect our souls is akin to the power used to resurrect Jesus from the dead. (Ephesians 1:16-20), “making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ….that ye may know….what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead”

That is the present reality of those who truly follow Christ. This does not mean there won’t be struggles and tests. There are plenty of those! God tests His people like He tested Abraham(Genesis 22:1) and Hezekiah(2 Chronicles 32:31). God wants to show us what’s in our hearts. In Abraham’s case, we see that God’s grace enabled him to obey God. But God had revealed to Hezekiah his remaining sin and need for God to humble and restore him. There are countless other examples in the Old and New Testaments to show that believers are not exempt from the temptations and trials ordinary to all men.

Jesus is the chief object of the Christian hope. Without Him, there is no hope of redemption or forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14), no righteousness before God(2 Corinthians 5:21), no reconciliation with God(Romans 5:10). Without Him, we can do nothing of lasting value(John 15:5).

So, take your place friend, and lay yourself down at the feet of Jesus. Then, in your weakness, you will find Him to be your sufficient strength(2 Corinthians 12:9). In Christ, we have nothing to fear(Luke 12:32).

 

[aspiring Berean]

only needing to 'believe'

—well, yes, but there’s so much to ‘believing’. Faith involves knowing what the Bible says. Romans 10:14, …how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? Faith also involves agreeing that what God says is true (e.g., Romans 10:9), but true faith goes further. True faith relies on Christ’s atoning work (on his life in lieu of mine), and has so taken God’s Word to heart that sin is hated—in some measure—and is repenting (turning from sin to God). For example, as others have put it: I know and understand the function of this chair is to support me, I believe that if I sit in this chair it would support me, I exercise that belief when I sit in the chair, resting my weight fully on it. Yes, we need a pure heart, too, and believers are given this in two ways: justification (Christ's pure heart is credited to us), and sanctification (our hearts are, in a process from new birth to entering heaven, purified from remaining sin).

If we only have to be saved by accepting the gift won by Christ for us... and our character isn't transformed by this, thoroughly and in an ongoing way... how can we be any better off than before? It has just never made sense to me. I don't know. Maybe I'm just not 'Reformed' Christian material after all. Thanks.

The Reformed perspective would see the lack of thorough and ongoing transformation of character as a sign something is wrong. Maybe the seed of faith is missing. Maybe, like a seed under soil, there are roots digging down for water, but no sprouts of transformation are visible on the surface yet—or we don’t know how to recognize faith’s sprouts among all the weeds that need pulling. (Romans 7:14-23)

In any case—whether a new life or more growth is what's needed—the resolution is not to be found in us. Saving faith is a gift of God (John 6:35-39, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). God has provided everything His people need for salvation from their sins, from the necessary Mediator and Advocate (1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 8:32) to the helps to come to and grow in faith, etc.. Such helps include:

• Scripture. Romans 10:9-17 …so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Confront ignorance, rebellion, and unbelief with more Scripture truth. Confront the conceit of self-righteousness with truth of total depravity (Romans 3:23, James 2:10-11, Isaiah 64:6) and the sure hope of Christ’s righteousness (Hebrews 12:2).

• Prayer. Pray for faith. Lord, I believe, help mine unbelief (Mark 9:24). Pray for transformation (Galatians 5:22). Pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Pray for repentance. Ask (Luke 11:9). Emulate both the importunate widow (Luke 18:1-8) in persevering prayer and the proactive patience of the vinedresser (Luke 13:6-9).

• Pastors and brethren. (Ephesians 4:12-16). A good pastor and wise, mature believers can help us understand and apply God’s Word to our lives. They can show us what the Bible says about a sin, and help us find the Scripture teaching that will help spur our repentance from that sin. (Psalms 141:5)