Baptist Basics

More than 43 million Baptists around the world share a common tradition begun in the early 17th century. That tradition has emphasized the Lordship and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers’ baptism, the competency of all believers to be in direct relationship with God and to interpret Scripture, the importance of the local church, the assurance of freedom in worship and opinion, and the need to be Christ’s witnesses within society.

The following 10 facts are representative of the historical Baptist traditions and practices embraced by Cornerstone Baptist Church.

1]  Baptists believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and that the Bible, as the divinely inspired word of God serves as the supreme and sole written authority for living out the Christian faith.

Baptists celebrate the fact that belief in Jesus Christ assures salvation and eternal fellowship with a loving God. The events of that first Easter week are the “cornerstones” of our faith: the death of Christ, in which He took upon Himself the sin of the world, and the Resurrection, which gave proof of His triumph over sin and death. Holy Scripture must always be for Baptists the authoritative and trustworthy guide for knowing and serving the God who is revealed as Creator, Savior and Advocate.

2]  Baptists believe that the local church is the fundamental unit of mission in denominational life.

Baptist roots date back four centuries to a people seeking the opportunity to worship God as individual members of freely organized and freely functioning local churches. Baptists always have maintained the need for autonomous congregations, responsible for articulating their own doctrine, style of worship and mission.

3]  Baptists partake of the ordinances of: believers’ baptism and The Lord’s Supper.

Baptism, an act of full immersion following Christ’s example, is to be undertaken by those spiritually mature
enough to understand its profound, symbolic significance: resurrection to new life in Christ. Through The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, the bread and cup that symbolize the broken body and shed blood offered by Christ
recall God’s great love for us—just as they did for the disciples on the eve of Christ’s crucifixion.

4]  Baptists believe that the committed individual Christian can and should approach God directly, and that
individual gifts of ministry should be shared.

Baptists hold that all who truly seek God are both competent and called to develop in that relationship. They have
historically questioned creeds or other statements that might compromise each believer’s obligation to interpret Scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and within the community of faith. Baptists also celebrate the special gifts of all believers, testifying that God can use each of us in ministry.

5]  Baptists take seriously the call to evangelism and missionary work.

Baptist’s local and worldwide mission work is a response to Christ’s call to “make disciples of all nations.” Through the efforts of missionaries in partnership with others involved in ministries of evangelism, healing, education and development Christ’s love is made known throughout the U.S. and around the world.

 

6]  Baptists support religious freedom and respect the expressions of faith of others.

As a people whose forbears came together in response to intolerance and persecution, Baptists have cherished freedom and pursued it for millions around the world. Manifestations of that ideal include supporting separation of church and state, advocating for people everywhere to be guaranteed the right to worship free from discrimination, and lifting up respectful dialog as a healthy means to understanding.

7]  Baptists acknowledge that God’s family extends beyond our local churches, and that God calls us to
cooperative ministries.

Early Baptists recognized that the effectiveness of their ministries would be greater through cooperation with other believers. Today Baptist churches working with each other and with inter-denominational entities and in local and regional ecumenical arenas are able to increase the vitality and scope of their respective ministries. That outreach extends worldwide through relationships with organizations such as the Baptist World Alliance, the National Council of the Churches of Christ, the World Council of Churches and other groups.

8]  Baptists have been called to be Christ’s witnesses for justice and wholeness within a broken society.

Baptists have been led by the Gospel mandates to promote holistic change within society, as witnessed by their advocacy of freed African Americans following the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, women in church and
societal leadership, ecological responsibility, and many other issues. While not all of one mind as to how to deal with the challenges facing our world, Baptists do affirm the need to follow Christ’s example by being actively involved in changing society.

9]  Baptist churches celebrate the racial, cultural and theological diversity witnessed within their memberships.

Baptist churches today are among the most racially inclusive of Protestant bodies. Represented in our churches are equally diverse worship styles, cultural mores and approaches to Scriptural interpretation. While there is significant progress yet to be achieved, the resulting challenges and opportunities have made Baptists stronger — through fellowship, respect, mutual support and dialog, all based on the belief that unity in Christ involves growth and understanding.

10]  Baptists heed the biblical call to renewal and the need for a vital witness in a new millennium.

As people of faith, Baptists seek continual reformation, renewal and revitalization. Informed by their history and tradition, motivated by contemporary needs and challenges, and strengthened by God’s leading and the example and sacrifice of their Savior, Baptists seek to bring a transforming witness to an uncharted future.