The Baptist Distinctives, the reason we are Baptists.
The Authority of the Bible
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
Some Churches will run under the authority of a Board, or a Papacy, Bishop, or Conventions may rule there Churches in matters of big expenditures, youth work, missionaries, and evangelists.
They control a varying degree of doctrine from separation, to evangelism, and message content.
The word "inspired" means literally "God-breathed." It is composed of two Greek words—theos=God; and pnein=to breathe.
(Isa 40:8) "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
(Mark 13:31) "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."
(Mat 5:18) "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."
(1 Pet 1:25) "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
WE ARE BAPTISTS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN THE FINAL AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE
This page was updated on 03/23/00