Doctrinal Beliefs of Baptist Compared to the New Testament
Because of the many different Baptist groups and (churchs) we find there is a variation in there teachings. There are many things on which all Baptist churches agree though. Baptists say one is saved by “Faith Only”.
A false doctrine believed by the Baptist church is believe, that’s all one need do do to be saved or as it is better known as “Faith Only”.
Here’s an excerpt from the Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, written by Edward T. Hiscox,
”that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done,but solely through faith in Christ”, page. 62.
You Are saved By Grace, Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
- 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
- 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For, the Evidence of Things Not Seen, Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
- 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is counted for righteousness, Romans 4:5 (KJV)
- 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Faith Without Works is Dead, James 2:20,24 (KJV)
- 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
- 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
A Baptist doctrine highly noted is the perseverance of the saints or the impossibility of apostasy. Or it is impossible to fall from grace, in other words once saved always saved. The doctrine “once saved, always saved” is not found in the New Testament.
In the Baptist doctrine an inferred belief is found that there will be disobedient people saved in heaven.
It teaches,
“Baptism may not be essential to salvation, but it is essential to obedience” Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches page 87).
Despite arguments and objections raised by Baptists that baptism is not necessary for salvation
1 Peter 3:21 reads:
- 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Note, baptism occurs first then salvation.
In Broadman Church Manual, pp. 44-45 it reads:
“All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end” This is not accepted by all Baptist churches although a good many do.
Salvation by faith only, is in plain opposition to Galatians 5:4 (NASB)
- 4 “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
Our continuance in God’s grace and final salvation is conditional. Peter teaches that we “are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
- 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Another belief held by Baptists that there will be disbelievers in Heaven. Mark 16:15-16 (KJV) reads:
- 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
The only time the Bible says that we “will never stumble,” is when it also adds, “as long as you practice these things”, 2 Peter 1:3-10.
- 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all t:hings that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue
- 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers ofthe divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
- 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
- 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
- 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
- 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
- 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
The doctrine “once saved, always saved” is not of God.