Biblical Authority

The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God himself.  (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.)

Autonomy of the Local Church

 The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church.  All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself.  Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing.  No religious hierachy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices.  Autonomy does not mean isolation.  A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests.  (Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,19, 23.)

Priesthood of the Believer

Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.  No other mediator is needed between God and people.  We can study God’s Word, pray for others, offer spiritual worship to God.  (1 Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 5:9,10.)

Two Ordinances

The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immerson in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord’s Supper, commemorating His death for our sins.  (Matthew 28:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32.)

Individual Soul Liberty

Even individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm.  No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will.  Baptist have always opposed religious persecution.  However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.  (Romans 14:5,12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9.)

Baptist Believe in the Justification of Jesus Christ on the Cross

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done; but soley through faith in the Redeemer’s blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.  (Isaiah 53:11; Habakkuk 2:4; Zechariah 13:1; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 4:1; 5:1-9; 8:1; Galatians 3:11; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 10:38.)

The Church Covenant and the 18 Articles of Faith

The New National Baptist Hymnal contains the Church Covenant on page 4, and 18 – Articles of Faith is on page 606.

Separation of Church and State

God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation.  The government’s purposes are outlined in (Romans 13:1-7) and the church’s purposes in (Matthew 28:19 and 20.)  Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two.  Christians in a free society can properly influence government towards righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.  (Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 15:17-29.)

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

Born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18;Luke 1:26-35) He declared His deity among men (John 1:14,18; Matthew 9:6) died on the cross as the only sacrifice for sin (Philippians 2:6-11) arose bodily from the grave (Luke 24:6-7, 24-26; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6) ascended back to the Father (Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19) He is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for believers (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) until He returns to rapture them for the world (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.)