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What's an Independent Baptist?
I'm glad you asked. It is interesting to see how similar independent
Baptist churches are. Especially considering they do not have a single
governing body to unite them. They are, as the title implies, independent
from one another. They do not belong to any denomination. The term
"Baptist" was first used as a nickname of derision. Others called them
"Anabaptists" or, "re-baptizers." As has been noted by impartial authors,
the beliefs held today by independent Baptists have been held by at least a
small group of people throughout the history of Christianity. Even though
there is great diversity in independent Baptist churches, there are certain
unifying factors, though. Historically, an independent Baptist is the
following:
- The Bible is the only rule of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16).
- The qualifications for membership in a New Testament church are
regeneration and immersion, in that specific order (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts
2:41,47).
- The independence of the local church (Matthew 18:17; I Corinthians
5:4-5,13).
- The priesthood of the believer, or the right of the individual to
interpret Scripture privately, and to have direct access to God (I Peter 2:9).
- The right of all people to soul liberty or religious liberty, to freely
worship according to the dictates of his heart.
- The church has only two ordinances, (1) believer's immersion and (2) the
Lord's Supper, and are to be observed only in that order (Matthew 28:19-20;
Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-30).
- The Separation of Church and State, not to exclude Christian involvement
in society, to serve as a moral influence (Matthew 22:21).
- Ecclesiastical separation, or the separation of churches from other
institutions which do not conform to the New Testament pattern for a church.
This by no means is a comprehensive list. May the Lord give you wisdom as you seek the truth.
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