The first thing that should be said about these two ordinances is that neither is a requirement for salvation. The only requirement for salvation is accepting the free gift of grace by truly believing in Jesus Christ. It is one thing to believe that Jesus was a man who lived, preached, and was crucified on the cross. It is a totally different thing to believe he was God in the flesh, came down to atone for the world's sins, was raised again the third day, and then give your life totally to Him.
Baptists see the Lord's Supper and Believer's Baptism as ordinances, not Sacraments. Sacrament is defined as "a rite in which God is uniquely active." This meaning that the performance of this rite bestows something from God upon the individual. Baptists, in general, as well as most Protestants, do not believe in Sacraments, but rather follow only these two ordinances. Ordinance being something that was ordained by Jesus Christ, as evidenced in the Bible.
That being said, Believer's Baptism is just that, the full immersion baptism AFTER one has been saved. It is merely a public display of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ. The baptism symbolizes Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. For anyone who thinks that baptism is a requirement for salvation, please recall the thief on the cross in Luke 23:
42. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
He was not baptized, yet Jesus told him "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". It was faith that saved him.
The Lord's Supper account is found in the three synoptic Gospels: Matthew 26, Mark 14, & Luke 22. Baptists typically use 1 Corinthians 11:23~32 for the basis for the Lord's Supper. Again, it is for Believer's only, and one should examine themselves prior to participating to make sure they are right with God, and worthy to partake:
1 Cor. 11
27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
I don't believe this is saying that someone who is saved will be damned for participating if they aren't right in their walk with the Lord, but rather that one who participates, knowing they are not truly saved, blasphemes the Lord to their damnation.
As mentioned, this act does not save us, it is merely us following the ordinance given to us from Jesus:
1 Cor. 11
24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Basically, were are honoring Jesus, as he commanded, and professing our faith and belief in his atoning death, and the promise of resurrection, which was first evidenced through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
P-Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer is to be priest for God. This is, at the very least, a twofold proposition.
As you may recall from the Old Testament, the holy of holies was the place of the presence of God in the temple. It was separated by an extremely heavy curtain, or veil. The high priest only went into the presence of God one day per year, this being on the day of atonement. The veil was torn from top to bottom at the very moment of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. His sacrificial death, having atoned for the sins of the world, meant we no longer needed a priest, or anyone else, to represent us, but rather we could enter directly into the presence of God through faith and prayer. Hebrews 7:22~27 talks about how we do not need a priest to intercede for us, because Jesus has become our eternal priest and paid the price once and for all:
22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Furthermore, after Jesus' resurrection, he gave us what is called "The Great Commission". It is found in Matthew 28:18~20
18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all thing whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This second portion of priesthood is the where we tell others about Jesus Christ, about what he has done for us, and what he can do for others. This does not mean we do not need pastors. We have pastors for congregational leadership and guidance, but they are by no means to be the only people appointed to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every believer had the right, privilege, and duty, to tell others about the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
As you may recall from the Old Testament, the holy of holies was the place of the presence of God in the temple. It was separated by an extremely heavy curtain, or veil. The high priest only went into the presence of God one day per year, this being on the day of atonement. The veil was torn from top to bottom at the very moment of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. His sacrificial death, having atoned for the sins of the world, meant we no longer needed a priest, or anyone else, to represent us, but rather we could enter directly into the presence of God through faith and prayer. Hebrews 7:22~27 talks about how we do not need a priest to intercede for us, because Jesus has become our eternal priest and paid the price once and for all:
22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27. Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Furthermore, after Jesus' resurrection, he gave us what is called "The Great Commission". It is found in Matthew 28:18~20
18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all thing whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This second portion of priesthood is the where we tell others about Jesus Christ, about what he has done for us, and what he can do for others. This does not mean we do not need pastors. We have pastors for congregational leadership and guidance, but they are by no means to be the only people appointed to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every believer had the right, privilege, and duty, to tell others about the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A-Autonomy of the Local Church
Autonomy of the local church is pretty straight-forward. It means that the local congregation is completely self-governed, and completely separate from all other congregations. As previously outlined, the Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and Baptist congregations are accountable to Him alone. It does not report to, and is not governed by, any council, organization or other religious hierarchy. Local congregations may choose to participate in associations, such as The Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA, or in the case of independent Baptist congregations, with other local congregations. However, these affiliations, or other churches, may in no way determine the affairs, beliefs, or practices of the local congregation. This is right reserved for, and by, the autonomous local congregation.
Ephesians 1:20~23 confirms Jesus' role as head of the church:
20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church.
23. Which is his body, the fulness (sic) of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 1:20~23 confirms Jesus' role as head of the church:
20. Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church.
23. Which is his body, the fulness (sic) of him that filleth all in all.
Monday, November 17, 2008
B-Biblical Authority
Biblical authority is a relatively simple idea. It basically means that the Bible is our ultimate authority. When it comes to matters of faith or doctrine, the Bible is the first, last, and only word on the matter. That does not mean we do not look to those who are more knowledgeable to explain what the sacred scriptures say, but rather that the Bible is the final authority on all matters. Creeds, confessions, catechisms, and statements of faith are an attempt to categorize and summarize those doctrines found in the Bible, but are in no way superior to, or equal with, the truths found in the Bible. Neither are any rules or traditions of any church, pastor, or denomination.
The Bible is God's special revelation to mankind. There are two types of revelation: General Revelation and Special Revelation.
General revelation are those things generally seen or experienced by all mankind. For example, creation itself is general revelation. The order of the universe, the complexity of the human body, and the instincts of animals all provide proof that there was creator, as Psalm 19:1 states:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
These things are not scientifically possible through the false pretense of evolution. Even Darwin admitted in his Origins of Species, Chapter 6-Difficulties of the Theory:
"To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree."
The scientific Law of Biogenesis states (in my own words) that life only comes from life. I've already posted more than my intended scope of this topic, but at least this gives you a place to start your own research.
Special revelation comes in many forms, such as the person of Jesus Christ (and the fulfilled prophecies concerning Him), visions, prophets, and the Bible, among many other forms. Baptists, as well as many other denominations, believe the Bible to be the literal, infallible, inerrant Word of God. This does not mean God physically wrote the Bible, but rather used men, though His inspiration, to write what he wanted us to know. II Timothy 3:16 states:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
However, there is some debate among those who hold to this truth. On one hand, some people believe that the Bible we have today is inerrant. Those who believe this use Psalm 12:6-7:
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."
Others believe that the original transcripts were inerrant and infallible, but that the copies, over time, could have elements of human copyist errors.
I will not state my view on this debate, but I will suggest reading my previous post titled "King James Version Only? Yes!!!"
I do believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is my sole authority. The Reformation brought about a Latin phrase, sola scriptura, which means "by Scripture alone". Our source of truth should be found in the Scriptures alone. As mentioned previously, this does not discourage learning from other sources. Rather, it means that when anything is contrary to the Scriptures, or a question arises, the Bible IS the ultimate authority, and has THE final the word on any subject matter.
There's an old saying that states "The Bible says it, I believe it, and that settles it." As cheesy as this cliche may be, it is a basic stance for Baptists, as well as most fundamental Bible-believing Christians.
The Bible is God's special revelation to mankind. There are two types of revelation: General Revelation and Special Revelation.
General revelation are those things generally seen or experienced by all mankind. For example, creation itself is general revelation. The order of the universe, the complexity of the human body, and the instincts of animals all provide proof that there was creator, as Psalm 19:1 states:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
These things are not scientifically possible through the false pretense of evolution. Even Darwin admitted in his Origins of Species, Chapter 6-Difficulties of the Theory:
"To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree."
The scientific Law of Biogenesis states (in my own words) that life only comes from life. I've already posted more than my intended scope of this topic, but at least this gives you a place to start your own research.
Special revelation comes in many forms, such as the person of Jesus Christ (and the fulfilled prophecies concerning Him), visions, prophets, and the Bible, among many other forms. Baptists, as well as many other denominations, believe the Bible to be the literal, infallible, inerrant Word of God. This does not mean God physically wrote the Bible, but rather used men, though His inspiration, to write what he wanted us to know. II Timothy 3:16 states:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
However, there is some debate among those who hold to this truth. On one hand, some people believe that the Bible we have today is inerrant. Those who believe this use Psalm 12:6-7:
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."
Others believe that the original transcripts were inerrant and infallible, but that the copies, over time, could have elements of human copyist errors.
I will not state my view on this debate, but I will suggest reading my previous post titled "King James Version Only? Yes!!!"
I do believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is my sole authority. The Reformation brought about a Latin phrase, sola scriptura, which means "by Scripture alone". Our source of truth should be found in the Scriptures alone. As mentioned previously, this does not discourage learning from other sources. Rather, it means that when anything is contrary to the Scriptures, or a question arises, the Bible IS the ultimate authority, and has THE final the word on any subject matter.
There's an old saying that states "The Bible says it, I believe it, and that settles it." As cheesy as this cliche may be, it is a basic stance for Baptists, as well as most fundamental Bible-believing Christians.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
BAPTIST
I will be posting on a regular basis for my Business Communications class over the next three weeks. The requirement is to post at least twice per week. Four weeks from now I will present my blog to the class. In addition, I will also present information regarding how one can market their blog, or use it to make money.
I have free reign to post about whatever topic I choose. I want this blog topic to be educational, so I will be blogging about the acronym BAPTIST:
Biblical authority
Autonomy of the local church
Priesthood of the believer
Two ordinances (Believer's Baptism and Lord's Supper)
Individual soul liberty
Separation of church and state
Two offices (Pastor and Deacon)
The preceding are something commonly called the "Baptist Distinctives". They are common doctrinal beliefs held by the vast majority of Baptists. Please keep in mind that these doctrinal viewpoints are by no means exclusive to Baptists. Many denominations hold to most, if not all, of these viewpoints, as do many non-denominational congregations.
Please also be aware that there is only one true Church: the Body of Christ. It is made up of people who are true believers in Jesus Christ. The buildings we call churches are actually congregations. A congregation consists of the building and the people who attend that place of worship. The people who attend may or may not be part of the Church. A congregation may or may not be affiliated with a denomination. A denomination is a group of congregations, under a particular religion, who basically believe the same things from doctrinal and traditional standpoints.
Before I get into the acronym, I feel I should first explain why I am a Baptist.
When I first asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior I was not attending any kind of church. I looked into many different denominations, and came to the conclusion that the Baptist faith was most closely related to the non-denominational congregation I attended as I was growing up. As I have mentioned in previous posts, our walk with the Lord is a quest for the truth. I perceive the Baptist faith to be closest to the truth. The emphasis placed on the Bible is one of my main reasons for this conclusion.
There is a plethora of information regarding where the Baptists originated from. Obviously, some of these historical records conflict. It is beyond the scope of this blog topic to delve into this issue. However, if you are curious, as I am, the following link will provide one fairly comprehensive history. Click on the link titled "Who Are Baptists". Then click on "Baptist Beginnings" at the bottom of the page.
http://www.baptisthistory.org/
I have free reign to post about whatever topic I choose. I want this blog topic to be educational, so I will be blogging about the acronym BAPTIST:
Biblical authority
Autonomy of the local church
Priesthood of the believer
Two ordinances (Believer's Baptism and Lord's Supper)
Individual soul liberty
Separation of church and state
Two offices (Pastor and Deacon)
The preceding are something commonly called the "Baptist Distinctives". They are common doctrinal beliefs held by the vast majority of Baptists. Please keep in mind that these doctrinal viewpoints are by no means exclusive to Baptists. Many denominations hold to most, if not all, of these viewpoints, as do many non-denominational congregations.
Please also be aware that there is only one true Church: the Body of Christ. It is made up of people who are true believers in Jesus Christ. The buildings we call churches are actually congregations. A congregation consists of the building and the people who attend that place of worship. The people who attend may or may not be part of the Church. A congregation may or may not be affiliated with a denomination. A denomination is a group of congregations, under a particular religion, who basically believe the same things from doctrinal and traditional standpoints.
Before I get into the acronym, I feel I should first explain why I am a Baptist.
When I first asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior I was not attending any kind of church. I looked into many different denominations, and came to the conclusion that the Baptist faith was most closely related to the non-denominational congregation I attended as I was growing up. As I have mentioned in previous posts, our walk with the Lord is a quest for the truth. I perceive the Baptist faith to be closest to the truth. The emphasis placed on the Bible is one of my main reasons for this conclusion.
There is a plethora of information regarding where the Baptists originated from. Obviously, some of these historical records conflict. It is beyond the scope of this blog topic to delve into this issue. However, if you are curious, as I am, the following link will provide one fairly comprehensive history. Click on the link titled "Who Are Baptists". Then click on "Baptist Beginnings" at the bottom of the page.
http://www.baptisthistory.org/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Business Communications
Yes, it has been a while since I have posted. I'm attending night school, and hunting season is here, so life has been busy. I have never posted on a regular basis, but that may change soon. I am in a Business Communications class, and I will probably blog for my class project. I still need to clarify whether I can blog about whatever I want, or if it needs to be related to Business Communications. I believe it can be about whatever I choose, so I already have a few topics in mind. I just need to decide which topic I want to blog about. I will need to post weekly over the next 6 weeks. If it is a topic of my choosing, then you can assume it will be somehow related to my usual conservative Christian viewpoint. My plan for this project is to be more informative, rather than controversial, so abortion, gay marriage, and other divisional topics are not included in the list. Please stay tuned.
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