Introduction: We’ve been going through a series of studies regarding different religions. First, we discussed the teachings of a false religion. Then we covered lessons on the Jehovah’s Witness, the Mormons, the Catholics, Calvinism, and lastly the Charismatics. Today, we would like to do a lesson regarding the Bible Believing Baptist Distinctives. These things can be easily remembered by the acrostic BAPTISTS.
B- Biblical Authority. This is to believe everything in the Bible and to be under its authority in all matters of faith and practice. Other churches have additional books, traditions, papal authority, aside from the Bible, which they use as their doctrine.
Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”. Revelation 22:18-19 we are not to add or take away from the Word of God. All we need is this old King James Bible, which is perfect and without error. Whether we agree or disagree with the Bible, everything in it is true, correct, and the best thing for us. We have to believe and do everything that is in this Bible.
A- Autonomy of the Local Church– This is to be accountable to God only and not an association, cooperation, or any other church. Our church is independent from anyone or anything else. The decisions that are made here have to do with this local church and is to be directly accountable to God. Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence”.
I Peter 5:1-4 “the Chief Shepherd” is Jesus Christ who is ultimately the head of the body of Christ and the local church.
P- Priesthood of the Believer- This means that as believers, we have direct access to God. We don’t have to go through a mediator such as a pope, Mary, or anyone else. Ephesians 2:13-18 “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father”. Ephesians 3:11-12 “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him”. Furthermore, as a priest, we should live a life that is separated from the world unto God- II Corinthians 6:14-18.
T- Two Ordinances– Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We baptize born again believers because they are saved- Acts 16:30-33. The Lord’s Supper pictures what Jesus Christ did for the believer, and is a reminder that He is coming back for His Church- I Corinthians 11:23-30.
I- Individual Soul Liberty– Eternal Security of the Believer. Once a person believes in Jesus Christ by faith, he is eternally secure in Jesus Christ, and nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”- Romans 8:38-39. In I John 5:11-13 “that ye may know that ye have eternal life”.
S- Separation of Church and State– Both the church and state are separate authorities ordained by God. One cannot tell the other what to do or how to do it. Acts 18:12-17 “for I will be no judge of such matters”. Matthew 22:17-21 what belongs to the state is for the state and what is for God is for God.
T- Two Church Offices– Biblically, there are only two offices in the local church, that is the Pastor and Deacon. The Pastor is also known as a Bishop or Elder- I Timothy 3:1. The second office is the office of a Deacon- I Timothy 3:8. Both offices are spiritual offices held in the local church.
S- Saved Church Membership– Only born-again believers can be a member of the Local Church, Acts 2:41-47. II Corinthians 6:14-16 there is a separation that must take place, don’t be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. Righteousness and unrighteousness, Christ and Belial, believer and infidel are all opposite to each other.
Conclusion: These are some of the basic things that make us unique and different from other churches. These are the things that we believe and that we stand for.
Anchor Baptist Church 