There is no one distinctive Baptist belief! Although probably most people think of Believer's Baptism as the distinguishing feature of Baptists, they are not the only Christians to practice it. Nor are they the only Christians to believe in congregational church government, the priesthood of all believers, or the separation of church and state. It is the combination of these various beliefs which make Baptists distinctive.
The Lordship of Christ
Jesus Christ is Lord is the distinctive confession of the Christian faith. As individuals and as churches, Baptists seek to make Jesus Lord of every aspect of their lives.
The Authority of the Bible
Baptists believe the Bible is the Word of God in written form and that the Holy Spirit shows us God's way for living through the Bible's words. As radical believers, Baptists seek to root their lives in the revelation of God's truth.
Baptism for Believers
On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for believers only. Baptism is only for those who are able to declare Jesus is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus' claim on their lives, Baptists practice baptism by immersion, in which candidates symbolize their desire to “die” to self and sin, and to be “raised” to live with and for Christ. However, those who are physically infirm or who are of advanced age can be baptized by sprinkling or pouring if immersion is not an option for them. Baptists do not practice infant baptism.
A Believers Church
Baptists understand the church as a community of believers gathered by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service. Central to Baptist worship is prayer and praise, listening to God's word in preaching and a gathering around the Lord's Table (the Lord’s Supper).
The Priesthood of all Believers
In the Baptist model of a believer's church, every member has a role to play, whether in teaching, faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, pastoring, guiding, serving, prophetic insight, praying, administration or hospitality. Another illustration of the priesthood of all believers is found in church governance. In a Baptist church the final authority rests not with the ministers or the deacons, but with the members of the church. The church ordains and appoints ministers, it ordains and appoints deacons, and and it selects those who exercise various forms of leadership within a local congregation. The church body also adopts budgets, agrees on church policies and determines a general strategy for mission and ministry.
Interdependence
Baptist churches have always come together in regional, national and international associations for support and fellowship, and for the purpose of accomplishing the larger tasks of church life such as world missions and the development of educational resources. On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another, but rather be inter-dependent. Thus, BBC is affiliated with the Highlands Baptist Association of Southwest VA, the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and nationally and internationally with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Baptist World Alliance. Likewise, we also cooperate and serve with the Ecumenical Fellowship of Churches in downtown Blacksburg, VA, with the Willow Creek Network and the Saddleback Network.
Sharing the Faith
Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with others. The basis of this belief is found in the Great Commission of Jesus found in Matthew 28:19-20. Along with this emphasis on evangelism, Baptists recognize that Christ’s mission includes social action and promoting justice, social welfare, personal and emotional healing, Christian education and peace in the world.
Religious Freedom
As Baptists we believe in a free church in a free state. Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of the Baptist way. Within Baptist churches, tolerance for differences of outlook and diversity of practice is encouraged.
How are Baptists different from other Christians?
In other Christian traditions, church membership is not always clearly defined. In a Baptist context, baptism involves not only commitment to Christ, but also commitment to Christ's Church. For Baptists, church membership involves a commitment not only to work together to extend Christ's Kingdom, but also to love one another and stand by one another whatever the cost.