What Do Baptists Believe?

Baptists trace their ancestry back to the Anabaptists that were active during the Protestant Reformation. In turn, Anabaptists traced their ancestry through several other groups (Donatists, Bogomils, Waldensians, Albigensians) and believe, ultimately, to be able to trace their beliefs back to the first century Christian church.

The acrostic, "BAPTISTS", is used to define what a Baptist believes and practices.

B- Bible is the only rule for faith and practice. The Bible is the revelation given by God to man and is infallible in every sense.

A- Autonomy of the local church. Baptists affirm that every local church is to be self-governing and independent of all other churches. Godly leaders in the church are to seek God directly for wisdom in guiding the affairs of the church.

P- Priesthood of the believer. Every believer today is a Priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ. As priests we can study God's Word, pray for others, and participate in spiritual worship.

T- Two ordinances. Baptists believe in two ordinances that are to be carried out in the local church. These ordinances are baptism by immersion, and the Lord's Supper.

I- Immersed, regenerate church membership. One may not be a member of a Baptist church until he has both made a profession of faith in Christ (necessary for salvation) and been immersed in obedience to Christ (not necessary for salvation). Baptists do not baptize babies.

S- Soul liberty. All believers have the ability and responsibility to privately study and interpret the scriptures. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in his life is all that is necessary for private study. He is responsible to God alone, not to any person, church or writings (aside from the Bible).

T- Two offices: Pastor and Deacon. The offices of Pastor (the Shepherd of the church) and Deacon (the servant leaders of the church) are the only two offices established in Scripture.

S- Separation ethically and ecclesiastically. Christians who are redeemed and sanctified by the blood of Jesus have the responsibility to separate from worldly practices, philosophies and teachings. Baptist churches must also separate from churches who teach doctrine, which in their view, is contrary to Scripture.

Some points of interest:

Baptists do not ordain women to the ministry.

Baptists are social conservatives (pro-traditional family, pro-life, etc.)

Baptists carry out church discipline with backslidden or rebellious church members.

Baptists generally believe in a pre-tribulational rapture of believers prior to the Millennial Reign of Christ.

Though this is not an all-encompassing study on the Baptist faith, I hope it will help you to gain some insight into their beliefs.