The five points of Reformed Baptist Churches
A brief out-line of our distinctive convictions
I REFORMATIONAL
| A. Sola Scriptura B. Solus Christus C. Sola Gratia D. Sola Fide E. Soli Deo Gloria |
The Bible is the complete, closed and clear authority in all matters of faith. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Grace secured redemption without reference to works. We are declared righteous by God through faith alone (1). Goal of creation and redemption is God‘s praise. |
II CALVINISTIC
| A. Total Depravity B. Unconditional Election C. Limited Atonement D. Irresistible Grace E. Perseverance of the Saints |
The fall of Adam affected the totality of man’s person (2). Election is not based on foreseen faith or works (3). Redemption was accomplished by Christ for elect (4) . Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is efficacious for elect. God will, by grace, complete what He began in regeneration of the elect. |
III PURITAN
| A. Godliness in Worship B. Godliness in Preaching C. Godliness in Instruction D. Godliness in Family E. Godliness in Behavior |
Regulative Principle of Worship(5), the Lord’s Day as a Christian Sabbath. Primacy of preaching. Both exposition and application emphasized. Confessional and catholic. Publishing what we believe the Bible teaches (6). Parents are to instruct (catechize) and discipline their children in the Lord. Maintaining a good conscience before God and man. |
IV COVENANTAL
| A. Unity of the Bible B. Christ-centered interpretation C. Law / Gospel distinction D. One way of salvation E. Optimistic view of history |
Many parts yet one message. Jesus’ person, work and kingdom is the theme of the Bible. Law (7) commands and condemns. Gospel saves (8). Christ has saved all the elect throughout all the ages. Jesus Christ is now King ruling over all. He will soon come again. |
V BAPTIST
| A. Biblical Church Practice B. Biblical Church Freedom C. Biblical Church Government D. Biblical Church Growth E. Biblical Church Ministry |
Ordinances for believers only (9). Church discipline lovingly exercised. The state is not to intrude into matters of conscience. Elders and deacons. The local congregation chooses its leaders (10). Gospel proclamation to the world. Repentance and Faith demanded of all. Priesthood of all believers (11). |
(1) This is an imputed alien righteousness. Justification is perfect, neither waxing nor waning.
(2) We agree with Martin Luther that man‘s “will comes from the devil and from Adam.”
(3) A Calvinistic understanding of Salvation: We reject all man centered understanding of salvation.
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21 cf. John 10:11,14-18,24-29; Acts 20:28; Isa. 53
(5) As opposed to the “Normative principle” which states that what is not forbidden is allowed. Our worship service is built around the Scriptures read, preached and sang.
(6) We hold to the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689. Additionally the Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian and Chalcedonian creeds express our understanding of orthodoxy.
(7) We recognize the “Three uses of the law.” First, the law serves as a guide to society in promoting civic righteousness. Secondly, the law convicts sinners and drives them to Christ. Thirdly, the law directs Christians in holy living.
(8) Law and Gospel are in both Old and New Testaments. The gospel is the promises of God to His elect.
(9) Infant baptism is alien to the practice of the New Testament. Likewise, immersion is the proper mode of baptism.
(10) “A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church.” We recognize no greater authority than the local church.
(11) The local church is a spiritual family where relationships are to be open and honest. All matters are handled in charity and patience. Only through every-member participation can individuals grow in grace and love.
Adapted and Developed by Pastor David Charles
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