Introduction to Biblical Basis of Baptist Beliefs

Times of rank heresy demand a time to revisit those doctrines and practices that are rooted and grounded in the truth of Holy Scripture. If you are involved with a group that you don't consider to be closest to the biblical pattern you should leave it and support one that is. As Baptists we believe that we are not only the closest to the biblical pattern, but are indeed the Lord's churches. Others may be in the Family of God, but not necessarily in the true churches of God. Many people from various denominations acknowledge that, but will quickly turn to put them in the "Universal Church". That is an odd contradiction to say the least. Baptists have down through the centuries since the days of John the Baptist who's baptism was from heaven have held to the original meaning of church as being a local called out assembly of baptized believers. There are obviously more important teachings such as salvation, but we don't have the liberty or authority to categorize church truth or any other biblical truth as nonessential. That would be a blasphemous position to take. Let us, therefore, search the Scriptures and embrace them no matter what mere man has to say about it.