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There is no
one distinctive Baptist belief! Although probably most people think of
believers' baptism as the primary Baptist distinctive, Baptists are not the
only Christians to practise believers' baptism. Nor are they the only
Christians to believe in congregational church government, the priesthood of
all believers, or the separation of church and state.
It is the
combination of these various beliefs which make Baptists distinctive.
Baptist distinctives may be likened to a set of genes which, because of
their particular arrangement, produce a family likeness wherever they are
found.
The Lordship of
Christ
"Jesus is Lord" is
the distinctive confession of faith. As individuals and as churches,
Baptists seek to make Jesus Lord of every aspect of their lives.
The Authority of
the Bible
Baptists believe that
the Bible shows us God's way for living. As radical believers, Baptists seek
to root their lives in the revelation of God's truth.
Baptism for
Believers
On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for
believers only. Baptism is only for those who are able to declare "Jesus is
Lord." As a symbol of Jesus' claim on their lives, Baptists practise baptism
by 'immersion,' in which candidates symbolise their desire to 'die to self'
and to live for Christ.
A Believers' Church
Baptists understand the church as a community of believers who gather
together for worship, witness and service. In a Baptist model of a
believer's church every member has a role to play, whether in teaching,
faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, pastoring, guiding, serving,
prophetic insight, praying, healing, administration or hospitality.
The Priesthood of
all Believers
In a Baptist church, an illustration of the priesthood of all believers is
the church meeting. This is the occasion when members come together to
understand in prayer God's will for their life together. In Baptist churches
the final authority rests not with the ministers or deacons but with the
members gathered together in church meetings. Local churches will usually
call a minister to serve among them. The minister functions as a church
member with special responsibilities in caring for the members and leading
in the church's mission. Their authority is in the affirmation of the
congregation acting under God's guidance. They are almost invariably
recognised by the wider family of churches.
Interdependence
Baptist churches have always come together in regional, national and
international 'associations' for support and fellowship. On the basis of the
New Testament, Baptist believe that churches should not live in isolation
from one another but rather be inter-dependent.
Sharing the Faith
Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with
others. William Carey was a Baptist who is known as the father of the modern
missionary movement. Along with this emphasis on evangelism, however,
Baptists recognise that mission includes social action and involves
promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education and peace in the
world.
Religious Freedom
Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of the Baptist way.
Within Baptist churches, tolerance for differences of outlook and diversity
of practise is encouraged.’ |
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This text is taken from the Scottish Baptist Union Website. South
Leith is member of the Union and as such adhere to it principals.
www.scottishbaptist.org.uk
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