The eight doctrines discussed on
this page are commonly known as
"The Biblical Distinctives of Baptists." These doctrines are
arranged in an order
which, interestingly, makes an acrostic that spells "BAPTISTS."
Biblical
Authority -
The Bible is the
final authority for the faith and practice of the church. *
2 Tim 3:16-17
Autonomy
of the Local Church -
Each church is sovereign and cannot be controlled by a board, hierarchical
system
or another church *
Acts 6:1-7
Priesthood
of believers -
Every believer
can go directly to God without human intercession.
*
Heb. 4:14-16
Two
Ordinances of the Local Church
=
Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Table.
Believer's Baptism -
A person is baptized by immersion after he places his faith in Jesus Christ.
* Acts 8:35-39
The
Lord's Table -
The Lord's
Table is a symbol of Christ’s broken body and shed blood.
* 1 Cor. 11:23-24
Individual
Soul Liberty -
Every individual has a right to interpret the
Bible for himself and believe that
interpretation.
*Rom.
14:5-12
Saved,
baptized Church Membership -
Only saved, baptized individuals can join the local church.
*1 Cor. 1:2
Two
Officers of the Local Church -
Pastor and Deacons. *1 Tim. 3:1-13
Separation
of Church and State -
There should not be any organic union of the church with the state.
There should not be a state church or church state.
