Out of all the denominations, being a former Covenant United Presbyterian Church member, I would think I would identify as a Baptist, but then again, there has been differing theologies within the Baptist denomination and they do not all agree with each other...
I’d like to offer a response to the OP, though I see there are already several replies. This topic has been on my mind.
I’ve been part of the PCA/OPC my entire life, though I’ve visited a range of Reformed churches across various denominations. The term “Baptist” once carried a more specific meaning than it often does today. While distinct from the Anabaptists—who were more radical in certain respects—Baptists share some common theological emphases.
What defines a "real Baptist" can depend on whom you ask. One characteristic is the practice of Believer’s Baptism. It also tends to exclude the idea of rebaptism, as Baptists consider baptism to be a once-for-all act for believers.
Many Particular Baptists, in contrast to General Baptists, hold to a Reformed understanding of salvation, emphasizing God’s sovereign grace in election. While water baptism is seen as important for church membership, it’s not considered necessary for salvation itself.
I had come across one Baptist member that was more from the mindset of Pentecostals & Charismatics with emphasis on the Holy Spirit and believing tongues are for private use which I do not agree with when the Holy Spirit in me and scripture would have me focus on the Bridegroom in living my reconciled relationship with God the Father by, so as to avoid the spirits of the antichrist that is in the world that seeks to visits with signs and lying wonders to take my eyes off of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the assembly or fellowship.
I am a general cessationist. I am uncomfortable with many Pentecostal and charismatic practices, both in worship and elsewhere. But I do believe that many of them are true Christians. Their profession of the gospel and, in some cases, their theology shows this. It depends on the pastor, but I think they are sincere in missions and faith. I just believe they are wrong in ways that have real consequences.
To be honest, I think Methodists often live more upright lives than many Baptists. Yet I strongly disagree with some Methodist teachings. Every group of Christians has its strengths. Every believer does too. But I believe Particular Baptists are right about some key pastoral and theological issues. These are things I wish more people would consider.
Usually I would come across the differing of belief where one insists water baptism is necessary for salvation even though the majority, at least the Baptists I had come across online, says it is not required for salvation but that is what a saved believer does for announcing publicly that they seek to be a follower or a disciples of Jesus Christ of which I can agree with.
Man is saved by grace through faith alone. Water baptism is a command of Christ. Every believer should receive it upon their profession of faith and entrance into the church. It is wrong to neglect it. Yet if you have not done so, repent and obey. God forgives all who repent and believe His Word.
Baptism does not save. Faith in Christ alone saves. Without faith, no one can escape condemnation. With faith, all sins are pardoned.
Then I saw someone on here proclaiming that he is not a strict Calvinist which I assume is to declare his stance as a former Baptist member of the forum that has now returned to the forum.
Calvinism significantly influenced early Baptist theology. Keach and Collins, key figures in Baptist confessions, drew heavily from Reformed theology. They affirm God's sovereignty in salvation and the regulative principle of worship. While Particular Baptists differed from Presbyterians on church governance and baptism, their theology was shaped by Reformation Calvinism.
Baptist history is diverse. General Baptists, though not Calvinistic, have a long history. Some Baptist churches, perhaps unknowingly, incorporate elements from other traditions, including Calvinism.
I am a Calvinist and largely Reformed in theology, aligning with the OPC. I also affirm Strict and Particular Baptist positions on church governance and baptism. I believe creedal Presbyterians are true Christians, despite disagreements on some issues. I attend an OPC church, where my Baptist convictions are known and respected.
Infant baptism is a disagreement, but not one that warrants fellowship separation.
I have other disagreements with General Baptists and Pentecostals. Many are saved by God's grace despite incorrect soteriology. Salvation does not depend on perfect theology, though doctrinal errors can hinder. Those who do not faithfully preach the gospel are not truly evangelizing.
As a Calvinist, I believe in the church's duty to proclaim God's Word to all nations. The gospel is God's power for salvation, and God's will prevails despite human inadequacies. If Baptists who reject Calvinism but affirm the Nicene Creed and preach repentance are willing to tolerate my high Calvinist convictions, I gladly fellowship with them. I would not deny them communion, even though the OPC would restrict it. God's kingdom transcends our divisions, and His purposes are fulfilled despite our imperfections.
Let the Word go forth, for God saves, not man.
I am of that belief that I should not be identified as a follower of Calvin or to preach Calvinism since scriptures does speak against that but to identify as a follower or as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I wouldn’t say I’m exactly a follower of Calvin. I see him as making an intelligent and significant contribution to theology and pastoral practice. I don’t agree with him on everything (he was basically a proto-Presbyterian, after all), but I think the level of hostility some people have toward him is strange. Not saying this about you, but Calvin Derangement Syndrome (CDS) is definitely a thing.
So I guess my question is... can someone that identifies as a Baptist has to agree with Calvinism here to post in the Baptists only sections of the forum or what is it that qualifies a Christian as a Baptist other than being a Christian that follows Jesus Christ by faith in Him as our Good Shepherd & Friend to help us to do that?
While there are foundational beliefs within Calvinism that even General Baptists acknowledge, it’s clear that Calvinist soteriology remains a significant minority among Baptist congregations. You don’t have to subscribe to Calvinism to be a Christian or a Baptist—I'll never argue that point. However, I firmly believe Calvinist doctrine provides a robust framework for understanding Scripture and the nature of God’s sovereignty. Frankly, Calvin would have found a welcoming home within Baptist theology, considering his relentless commitment to biblical fidelity and the doctrines of grace.
I find it disturbing that the forum separates Christians from Baptists when Christians that are abiding in Him speaking the same thing and holding to the same judgment are of that one body of Christ, but then again, I have found that not all Baptists are doing the same thing and so why bother with "Baptist's Only" stuff?
Denominational boundaries hold significant weight, with real-world implications. Keeping discussions within designated areas helps maintain focus for Baptists and reduces contention. You can, I would assume, address the same topics in the general forums—Baptist beliefs are fair game there as well. However, respect for these boundaries fosters more meaningful and respectful conversations within our respective communities.
1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
To take my own side in this same discussion: Presbyterians and those general Baptists, they ain't schismatics. They just got some pretty strong differences when it comes to how they do church, like communion. Makes it tough to really be one administration, at least for now. And this here internet forum, there are plenty of other places online where folks from all kinds of churches can hang out and talk.
I can understand separating Catholics or various non-Baptist members that preach a denominational theology that the majority of Baptists do not ascribe to nor practice, but I am not sure why you would limit those that just call themselves Christians as separate from Baptists when Baptists are Christians?
Many non denominational churches are actually Baptists. But if they're not, there are issues of theology and church government that require separate administration.
Or am I ignorant of some certain aspect of Baptist theology that requires Christians to be Baptists?
Christians should be Baptists, it's regular conduct for a church, but I'm not going to consider people heretics or schismatics just because they're not Baptist.
