About Baptists: A Journey of Faith and Convictions

Have you ever wondered who the Baptists are and what they believe? In this article, we will explore the rich history, core beliefs, and values of the Baptist community. Join us on this journey of faith and convictions.

Embracing the Faith: A Covenant in Unity

The journey begins when we, led by the Spirit of God, accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and undergo baptism by immersion, declaring our faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a united body in Christ, we joyfully enter into a solemn covenant before God and our congregation. This covenant expresses our commitment to walk together in Christian love, grow in knowledge and holiness, support the church’s worship, teachings, and ordinances, contribute generously to the ministry, and strive for the salvation of all. Additionally, we promise to care for one another, pray for each other, and foster genuine relationships based on love, forgiveness, and peace.

Exploring Baptist Beliefs: Shared Convictions

Do Baptists share any common beliefs with other Christians? Absolutely! Baptists share a multitude of convictions with their fellow believers. We believe in God as the Creator of all things and our heavenly Father, who calls all people to Himself. We embrace Jesus Christ as the Son of God, our Savior, and the one in whom we place our faith. We recognize the Holy Spirit as our constant guide, leading us to understand God’s will and empowering us to live in Christ daily. We affirm that the church is the body of God’s people, called to worship the Almighty, demonstrate His love, and serve others in the name of Christ. Furthermore, we hold firm to the inspiration and authority of the Bible.

Baptist Identity: What Sets Us Apart?

What distinguishes Baptists as a unique family of Christians? It lies in the following set of convictions we hold dear:

1. Baptists acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, recognizing His supreme authority in heaven and on earth.
2. We believe that each person must reconcile with God through repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Baptists affirm that baptism follows a profession of faith in Christ and signifies entrance into the church.
4. We believe that God endowed every individual with personal dignity and freedom of choice, allowing each person to make their own decisions concerning faith.
5. Baptists uphold the responsibility of every believer to witness for Christ through both words and actions.

The Authority of Jesus Christ: A Baptist Perspective

For Baptists, the highest allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ, not to creeds, traditions, or religious institutions. The gentle will of Jesus is intrinsically linked to every believer. Christ’s authority also means that He is the Lord of the Church. No minister, priest, bishop, or pope has the right to exercise authority as if they were Christ Himself (Matthew 28:18). Every individual has direct access to God and the privilege to rejoice in the Lord’s presence in worship and service. Christ’s authority also encompasses moral values. He satisfies the deepest needs of every person and ignites the highest aspirations in His followers. Throughout history, the teachings of Jesus Christ have proven true, bringing peace, justice, and understanding when He reigns supreme.

Personal Faith: The Essence of Baptist Beliefs

What does personal faith mean to Baptists? Faith holds various meanings for different people. Some view it as a creed or a set of precepts to be obeyed, while others see it as something to believe in despite reason. However, Baptists understand faith as trust and personal commitment. We consider faith a spiritual value that surpasses our individual selves. Humanity is profoundly flawed, as revealed in Scripture, stating that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Our world will not improve until individuals experience an inner transformation through God’s grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8). The Bible tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). A new life is offered to all because God sent “His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us” (Romans 8:3,4). Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. His authority is exercised with mercy. Faith and submission to Christ must be personal; faith cannot be assumed on behalf of others. Humans are not born with faith, nor can it be given to them by another. One may be born into a Christian family or a country considered Christian, but that does not make them a Christian. A person becomes a Christian only through personal faith and submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Baptism: The Symbol of New Life

Why do Baptists practice believer’s baptism? Baptists believe that faith precedes baptism; baptism does not precede faith. Regeneration and salvation are not conferred through the act of baptism itself. Baptism is a symbolic act representing the believer’s transition from a life of sin to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). The symbolism of burying the old self and rising to new life is best illustrated through immersion, which Baptists believe to be the biblical form of baptism. Baptists do not baptize infants who are not yet capable of experiencing personal saving faith.

The Church: A Community of Believers

For Baptists, the authority of Christ is intimately connected with the church. God “placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body” (Ephesians 1:22,23). The universal church comprises all those who consider Jesus Christ as their Lord. Baptists also believe that the church becomes visible in local congregations, where followers of Christ worship together, share the gospel, teach biblical truths, and seek to enhance holiness and stewardship among its members. A local church is an association of Christians who bear witness and serve the community and voluntarily cooperate with other churches worldwide. It operates based on the congregational principle, treating all members as equals in rights and responsibilities. The church is congregationally structured and employs a democratic process in administrative decisions, relying on the ever-present guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Communion: Remembering the Savior

For Baptists, the observance of the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act commemorating the death of Jesus Christ in which all believers participate. The communion service serves as a time for self-examination, revival, and thanksgiving among the members of the church. Baptists do not believe that the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ. Instead, the ceremony focuses solely on the transforming presence of the divine Master in the Spirit.

Collaborating in Unity: Baptist Cooperative Efforts

Baptists believe that local churches should be free to do what they consider best under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the commission of Christ. By fostering fellowship among believers and developing programs beyond their local capabilities, the church is free to associate with other churches with similar objectives. Baptists come together in associations, conferences, conventions, and national unions, culminating in the Baptist World Alliance. However, the local church remains sovereign. Although Baptists share common convictions and basic concepts, individual perspectives may differ from one location to another. What is extraordinary, however, is not the divergence in practices but the level of cohesion achieved through voluntary collaboration.

The Origins of the Baptist Movement: A Story Unfolding

Baptists do not attribute the founding of the Baptist Movement to a single leader. Baptist churches often develop spontaneously from studying the Bible. In the sixteenth century, Anabaptist churches emerged alongside the Reformation movements in Central Europe. In the seventeenth century, Baptist churches were formed in connection with the Puritan movement in England. Persecution befell these nonconformist believers in regions where freedom of conscience was limited or denied, as well as when the official church and the state imposed specific beliefs. The Anabaptist Movement in Continental Europe was brutally suppressed by the official churches. “Separatists” or nonconformists from the Church of England were forced to flee or hide. One such group migrated from England to Amsterdam, led by John Smith. In 1609, they established a new church in the city, where membership was based on a personal, voluntary profession of faith before baptism. Two years later, some members of this church, led by Thomas Helwys, returned to England and became part of the growing Baptist Movement, which spread worldwide through migration. The great missionary movement initiated by William Carey of England in 1792 spread Baptist convictions to the Far East and later across the globe. In some countries, such as Russia in 1867, the Baptist Movement began spontaneously with individuals forming their convictions through reading the New Testament.

The Baptist Commitment: Evangelism and Missions

Why are Baptists passionate about evangelism and missions? Baptists believe that the mission of witnessing (Acts 1:8) and making disciples (Matthew 28:19,20) is the responsibility of every believer. Every Christian is a witness, and our lives and words reveal our faithfulness to Christ. As salt must bring flavor and light must shine, so must believers live out their faith (Matthew 5:13,14). Baptists strive to testify to the love of Christ in every nation. We are deeply committed to making the Bible accessible in every language and engaging in missionary efforts that encompass health and education services, hunger relief, clothing assistance, and shelter. We believe that all of these endeavors should be done in the name of Christ, rather than as mere humanitarian efforts divorced from the Master (John 15:5). Baptists understand that the preaching of the Gospel must go hand in hand with serving others, just as Christ dedicated His earthly ministry to the poor, oppressed, and suffering (Luke 4:8-21). The final judgment of Christ will be based on our compassion towards others, as compassion is an expression of our faith (Matthew 25:31-46).

Advocates of Religious Freedom: The Baptist Standpoint

Why are Baptists interested in religious freedom? God created humans in His image and endowed them with the unalienable right to freedom. God’s moral law demands that humans be free so that they can be held accountable. Baptists believe that every individual should have the freedom to follow their conscience in matters of religion, and that civil or political authorities have no right to dictate religious practices. This freedom goes beyond mere tolerance because mere tolerance raises questions about who has the authority to tolerate others. Baptists seek this freedom not only for themselves but also for all people. Every person should have the privilege of professing and propagating their faith or disbelief in their own way, as long as it does not infringe upon public order or safety or violate the rights of others.

Living Our Convictions

Have Baptists consistently lived according to their convictions? To a certain extent, yes. However, there have been moments when they have done so heroically, even to the point of martyrdom. Baptists must repent for any shortcomings and continue their mission with renewed energy. Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said, “Christianity begins by declaring what the Christian should be, not praising him for what he is.” Furthermore, he wrote, “In grace, there is always forgiveness for the past but never freedom to stop fighting.”

Christ: The Only Hope!

In addition to answering the question, “Who are Baptists?” there is one more aspect to be highlighted. Baptists are a people who hold onto an unwavering hope. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Baptists are convinced that there is no other name but Jesus Christ through which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We firmly believe in the ultimate victory of the Risen Lord (Matthew 25:31; 1 Corinthians 15:24,25; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 11:15). In Christ, we find our source of hope, strength, and eternal life.

Join the Baptist community as we journey together, anchored in faith, guided by God’s Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. May the Lord bless and keep us faithful until the end.