What distinguishes Baptists?

[Canadian75]

I was wondering what distinguishes Baptists from other denominations (OTHER than believer's baptism)? Secondly, are there any creeds that you adhere to? Finally, are Baptists exclusionary (ie. do you believe only Baptists are saved? Or, do you believe that all Christians regardless of denomination can be saved)?

I've become curious about the Baptist denomination because it is unlike the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches I have attended, and there are some things I find appealing about the simplicity of Baptist worship.

 

[SumTinWong]

Secondly, are there any creeds that you adhere to?

Not any creeds per se but we do have church covenants, and statements of faith and what not that are similar to creeds.

Finally, are Baptists exclusionary (ie. do you believe only Baptists are saved? Or, do you believe that all Christians regardless of denomination can be saved)?

Some are and some are not. I am not one of thsoe who believe there will be any Baptists in Heaven, not any Catholics... Just Christians

I've become curious about the Baptist denomination because it is unlike the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches I have attended, and there are some things I find appealing about the simplicity of Baptist worship.

Yeah I like that part of it as well. I am not a very liturgical person, but I would not mind visiting a church now and again to experience it.

 

[GreenEyedLady]

I was wondering what distinguishes Baptists from other denominations (OTHER than believer's baptism)? Secondly, are there any creeds that you adhere to? Finally, are Baptists exclusionary (ie. do you believe only Baptists are saved? Or, do you believe that all Christians regardless of denomination can be saved)?

I've become curious about the Baptist denomination because it is unlike the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches I have attended, and there are some things I find appealing about the simplicity of Baptist worship.

First I want to say that we belive ANYONE can be saved because our salvation is not based in our church but in Christ Jesus alone.

There are no creeds that I know of that we follow. Usually each church posts a statement of faith which are biblical truths that the church believes in that are strictly from the bible. These statements of faith are not used to edify the church rather to educate outsiders to what that specific church believes.
INMO, Baptist are just plain old saved folks without all the dogma and traditions in the services. I would also add that EATING would be something that distingues us! For sure! We do fast though, but we tend to eat alot!

 

[rural_preacher]

First I want to say that we belive ANYONE can be saved because our salvation is not based in our church but in Christ Jesus alone.

AMEN to that!!

Romans 10:9-13

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 the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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[12volt_man]

I was wondering what distinguishes Baptists from other denominations (OTHER than believer's baptism)?

The "baptist distinctives" are:

Biblical Authority

Autonomy of the Local Church

Priesthood of the Believer

Two Ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper)

Individual Soul Liberty

Saved, Baptized Church Membership

Two Offices (pastor and deacon)

Separation of Church and State

Secondly, are there any creeds that you adhere to?

Yes, we hold to the major creeds and confessions of historic, orthodox Christianity.

These creeds are not authoritative, in and of themselves, but are simply a common way to codify our faith.

Finally, are Baptists exclusionary (ie. do you believe only Baptists are saved?

Absolutely not. It is Christ alone who saves, not religion or denomination.

Or, do you believe that all Christians regardless of denomination can be saved)?

Yes. You can be saved wherever the Gospel of Christ is preached. Being a non-baptist doesn't prohibit you from being saved any more than being a baptist saves you.

I get to work with a lot of other churches and there are wonderful, Godly people in many of them.

In the summertime, I co-lead a chapel service for sailors, fishermen and others who might not be able to get home to their home church or may not feel comfortable in a traditional church setting. It's really nice. We do it outside, on the docks, on the banks of my beautiful Chesapeake.

We do this through a cooperative effort with a Calvary Chapel church and a local Methodist church.

We may have different governing bodies, but we're untied on the essentials.

 

[desert_island_1]

Hi! I would just like to say that Nazarene and Baptist sound alot alike... I just popped in here to check it out because my boyfriend attends a Baptist church because it would take too long to get to a Nazarene chruch...

 

[Matthan]

Canadian75, please remember that we Baptists are (or at least should be) completely Christ-centered. What we find in Scripture, i.e., what He and His apostles told us, is God's inerrant, infallible truth. So, we take it to heart. We follow it alone, because it alone is given us by God. We do not add anything to it, neither do we omit anything we do not agree with.

Furthermore, we firmly believe that anyone who does the same (follows what is found in Scripture) is just as much a God-loved Christian. Jesus did not tell us that that whosoever that is a Baptist and believes in Him shall have everlasting life! Every single person who believes in Him is saved by Him. We may have reasonably strong opinions regarding what "belief" as used in John 3:15, 16, 17-18, 36, and numerous other verses means, but those opinions do not differ from what is found in Scripture. Belief equals Faith.

Romans 10:9-13 was quoted above. If you read those verses carefully, they pretty well sum up what we Baptists believe.

Matthan <J>< (Festina Lente)

 

[Matthan]

Hi, Desert Island 1, and welcome. Please do not be a stranger here. I can almost guarantee you will find more friends than you might even want.... (lol)

Matthan <J>< (Festina Lente)

 

[repoland2]

Interesting. I would love input on this....

What is the difference between ANY different denomination?

Catholics believe certain things should be a certain way, baptists take a quieter approach calm and peaceful, Gospel sings and dances around and falls flat on their faces 'drunk with the spirit' as they put it.

It seems to me that the only difference really, is people's interpretations of the bible and personal preference as to your STYLE of worship. Some people bounce around and scream, some sit quietly and listen to a sermon... while others are very prim and proper and do things by the book.

I wonder, does God look down on any one in particular, worse than the others? Where is the fine line between denomination and a personal relationship (one on one with the Lord and yourself)?

Further, why do people put so much effort in defending their denomination? As if they have something to lose when other people ask them questions. I would imagine that if you have a sturdy base with God, then who could possibly challenge the church?

 

[rural_preacher]

We may have different governing bodies, but we're untied on the essentials.

LOL! I think you meant united, didn't you?



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[SumTinWong]

LOL! I think you meant united, didn't you?



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Great catch!!!

 

[Canadian75]

Thanks for the responses, they have helped me understand your positions a little more. I really appreciate it. Considering I have agreed with some points raised here (especially the part about denomination doesn't necessarily matter), I tend to clash with my denominations historical (not modern) perspective and the views of some conservative Catholics. I don't believe belonging to any particular denomination is necessary for salvation, and if I find out that my church insists I believe that way, it wouldn't be too long before I was looking for another Christian community. You guys have been great in answering questions I've posted in your Congregational forum.

 

[repoland2]

*hugs* It's a real pleasure. I'm THANKING the Lord that you have such an open, objective heart. Seeking answers, that's precious.

I *pray* you find all that you're looking for, and that our Father in Heaven guides you down the perfect path He has planned for you!

God bless your spirit! *smiles*

 

[desert_island_1]

Thanks for the explanations. Thye are kinda helping me understand some of the stuff my boyfriend tells me...

 

[PromiseSeeker]

First I want to say that we belive ANYONE can be saved because our salvation is not based in our church but in Christ Jesus alone.

AMEN GEL! WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!
By Grace through Faith and not of ourselves.......... There's no way we could do it ourselves.........

 

[repoland2]

I am non-denominational and feel the same way. Anyone can be saved through Christ's shed blood, and a heart that seeks the Lord.

 

[BT]

I was wondering what distinguishes Baptists from other denominations (OTHER than believer's baptism)? Secondly, are there any creeds that you adhere to? Finally, are Baptists exclusionary (ie. do you believe only Baptists are saved? Or, do you believe that all Christians regardless of denomination can be saved)?

I've become curious about the Baptist denomination because it is unlike the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches I have attended, and there are some things I find appealing about the simplicity of Baptist worship.

It is our snappy hair-do's that distinguishes us.