A nice synopsis of what it means to be a Reformed Baptist from the Reformed Baptist Fellowship, other than "We are Reformed but not Presbyterian, we are Baptist but not dispensationalist". The posts are infrequent, but the Reformed Baptist Fellowship articles are always a good read....
The five points of Reformed Baptist Churches
A brief out-line of our distinctive convictions
I REFORMATIONAL
A. Sola Scriptura The Bible is the complete, closed and clear authority in all matters of faith.
B. Solus Christus Our confidence is in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
C. Sola Gratia Grace secured redemption without reference to works.
D. Sola Fide We are declared righteous by God through faith alone[1].
E. Soli Deo Gloria Goal of creation and redemption is God‘s praise.
II CALVINISTIC
A. Total Depravity The fall of Adam affected the totality of man’s person[2].
B. Unconditional Election Election is not based on foreseen faith or works[3].
C. Limited Atonement Redemption was accomplished by Christ for elect[4].
D. Irresistible Grace Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is efficacious for elect.
E. Perseverance of the Saints God will, by grace, complete what He began in regeneration.
III PURITAN
A. Godliness in Worship Regulative Principle of Worship[5], the Lord’s day as a Christian Sabbath.
B. Godliness in Preaching Primacy of preaching. Both exposition and application emphasized.
C. Godliness in Instruction Confessional and catholic. Publishing what we believe the Bible teaches[6].
D. Godliness in Family Parents are to instruct (catechize) and discipline their children in the Lord.
E. Godliness in Behavior Maintaining a good conscience before God and man.
IV COVENANTAL
A. Unity of the Bible Many parts yet one message.
B. Christ-centered interpretation Jesus’ person, work and kingdom is the theme of the Bible.
C. Law / Gospel distinction Law[7] commands and condemns. Gospel saves[8].
D. One way of salvation Christ has saved all the elect throughout all the ages.
E. Optimistic view of history Jesus Christ is now King ruling over all. He will soon come again.
V BAPTIST
A. Biblical Church Practice Ordinances for believers only[9]. Church discipline lovingly exercised.
B. Biblical Church Freedom The state is not to intrude into matters of conscience.
C. Biblical Church Government Elders and deacons. The local congregation chooses its leaders[10].
D. Biblical Church Growth Gospel proclamation to the world. Repentance and Faith demanded of all.
E. Biblical Church Ministry Priesthood of all believers[11].
1 comment:
These is a good summary of beliefs... One of the first things I look at when I am looking at a church or denomination is the doctrinal statement and its language... It is very important as Christians who are trying to be historic to openly profess what is and what is not what the 'primitive' church held to (our interpretation of course)...
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