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Featured What's in a name?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Reformed, Apr 8, 2019.

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  1. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    What makes a Baptist? More specifically, what distinctives do all Baptists hold to? Is believer's baptism sufficient to be a Baptist or is local church autonomy also necessary? How about differing beliefs on eschatology and soteriology? What say you?
     
    #1 Reformed, Apr 8, 2019
  2. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    I think it is:

    1. Believer's baptism by immersion
    2. Local church autonomy
    3. Separation of church and state

    I don't see eschatology involved whatsoever. I see sotoriology involved only to the extent that baptism does not save you, and faith alone is salvific (no good works).
     
    #2 InTheLight, Apr 8, 2019
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  3. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    It seems that most often "baptist" is defined as a distinctive that differentiates "Baptists" from denominations originating from the Reformation. If this is correct, then Baptist theology either existed separate from the Reformers or owes a debt to both Reformed theology and "Anabaptist" theology (the "radical" reformation or the "second wave").

    Soteriology and Eschatology does not come into play (as many Baptists share soteriological and eschatological views with Reformed theology).

    I'd list believer's baptism.
    Local church autonomy.
    Separation of church and State.
    Congregational governance.
     
    #3 JonC, Apr 8, 2019
  4. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    Is anyone familiar with the 19th Century pastor and theologian J.L. Dagg? His "A Treatise on Church Order" is a worthwhile read.
     
    #4 Reformed, Apr 8, 2019
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  5. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    It has been awhile. I disagree in the "Christian Sabbath" being Sunday (I believe the Christian Sabbath is Christ). I am not sure that I can affirm (or dogmatically deny) his " universal church" as I tend to view the church as a local assembly.
     
    #5 JonC, Apr 8, 2019
  6. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    I find Dagg to be an intriguing part of Baptist history. It is far too easy to always cite Spurgeon.
     
    #6 Reformed, Apr 8, 2019
  7. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I agree. Have you studied J.R. Graves and R.B C. Howell (SBC preachers)?
     
    #7 JonC, Apr 8, 2019
  8. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    Scratch #3.
     
    #8 Reynolds, Apr 8, 2019
  9. Rob_BW

    Rob_BW Well-Known Member
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    Has there ever even been a state church that was Baptist?
     
    #9 Rob_BW, Apr 8, 2019
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  10. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    What Are the Eight Baptist Distinctives?
    These teachings may be remembered by associating them with the letters that form the word “BAPTISTS.”

    Biblical Authority
    Autonomy of the Local Church
    Priesthood of the Believer
    Two Ordinances
    Individual Soul Liberty
    Saved, Baptized Church Membership
    Two Offices
    Separation of Church and State

    Scripture given at:
    https://www.garbc.org/about-us/beliefs-constitution/baptist-distinctives/
     
    #10 HankD, Apr 8, 2019
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  11. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    There lies the fallacy. Church can and should dominate State. Church being in state does not mean state should be in church. This damnable attitude is why prayer and the Bible were thrown out of schools. It's why millions of babies were and are murdered. It's why gay marriage is legal.
     
    #11 Reynolds, Apr 8, 2019
  12. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    No, because that would violate the distinctive "Separation of Church and State".

    There may be or has been a Russian Church (i.e.) with the moniker "baptist" but technically it can't be.
     
    #12 HankD, Apr 8, 2019
  13. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    From the late Dr. Richard Weeks, Professor of Baptist Polity and Academic Dean of Maranatha Baptist Bible College. The Baptist Distinctives are
    Bible- The only rule for Faith and Practice.
    Regenerate, Immersed Church Membership
    Autonomy and Independence of the Local Church
    Priesthood of the Believer
    Separation of Church and State.
    Immersion of Believers and Lord's Supper the only Two Ordinances
    Separation Ethical and Ecclesiastical.

    As I've noted in other places, what makes Baptists Baptists Baptists is a matter of Ecclesiology, not Soteriology.
     
    #13 Squire Robertsson, Apr 8, 2019
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  14. Rob_BW

    Rob_BW Well-Known Member
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    Maybe I'm different, but when I hear "church and state" I think about the official state churches, ie. England, Denmark, & etc.
     
    #14 Rob_BW, Apr 9, 2019
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  15. Reformed

    Reformed Well-Known Member
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    There are a minority of Baptists who hold to a theonomic viewpoint. Theonomy is a form of government in which society is ruled by divine law. Theonomy sees human government upholding the law (not Mosaic Law) of God. I do not hold to theonomy (just in case any of you are wondering). Theonomy aside, is the church supposed to be separate from government? I think @Reynolds got it right. The church has every right, nay, it has the responsibility to speak to all issues, including government. The center and motivation for everything the church does must be gospel-centered and to give glory to God, but that does not preclude the church from speaking out against sin and unrighteousness in the public sector. However, secular government has no say in the church. The Establishment Clause in the United States Constitution offers civil protection against the United States setting up a government-sanctioned religion. However, the Constitution is a human document. The rights of Christians are God-given and cannot be rescinded by men, although they can be assailed.
     
    #15 Reformed, Apr 9, 2019
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  16. 37818

    37818 Well-Known Member

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    Premillennial can be considered by some. (Revelation 20:3-5) Since the nnly baptist churches I have ever joined were premillennial in their statement of faith.
     
    #16 37818, Apr 9, 2019
  17. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    That is how I think of it. Unfortunately, many Baptists take it to mean "no political involvement."
     
    #17 Reynolds, Apr 9, 2019
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  18. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    True. What they don't realize is that in America being a church member and a voter are in two different but intersecting spheres of influence. Both having different biblical guidelines.
     
    #18 HankD, Apr 9, 2019
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2019
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  19. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    Believers water baptism
    local church autonomy
    Bible is only inspired source for all doctrines and practices
    Communion and water baptism administered
    separation of church and the State
    Cross of Christ only atonement
    Trinity
    Physical Resurrection of Jesus and us
    Second Coming
    Gospel is saved by Grace alone thru faith alone
     
    #19 Yeshua1, Apr 9, 2019
  20. Van

    Van Well-Known Member
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    What does separation of church and state mean? It means those that govern should not dictate doctrine.
    The only way achieve this goal is to have public education vouchers, such that I can send my kids (now great-grand-kids) to schools that do not teach anti-christian doctrine, such as godless creation.

    As Jefferson might have said, "I am opposed to every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
     
    #20 Van, Apr 9, 2019
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