Preface
For those that claim the name Baptist, it should be their honest and sincere desire to follow the principles practiced by
true Baptists down through the ages or use another name if they are not willing to do so. Jesus referred to John as ‘John
the Baptist’
and was baptized of him in the river Jordan. This in itself adds
special significance to the name Baptist when used to
identify Christ's followers. The mode and manner of water baptism was
established by our Lord as recorded in the scriptures. Matthew 3:16 in
part reads, "And Jesus, when he was baptized (dipped), went up straightway out of the water". Sprinkling
is not
baptism. The word baptize essentially means to dip, so in the practice
of sprinkling the candidate is not properly baptized (dipped). The
scriptures also give the qualifications required before water baptism
should be administered. In Luke 3:7,8, John declared :
"Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him. O
generation of vipers, who hath warned ye to flee from the wrath
to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin
not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say
into you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto
Abraham. The scriptures do not
teach that a person need only
accept the Lord Jesus Christ publicly in order to become a child of God
and be qualified to have water Baptism administered to them.
I want to emphasize
that a name is not what makes a church a true church of Christ. Neither
does it make one a child of
God because they belong to any particular church, no matter the name of
the church. God has a people in every nation, kindred and tongue.
That would indicate that every church (no matter the name) which
sincerely desires to worship Christ has children of God in it; however
because of unscriptural doctrine and practices many of them would not
be considered a true Church of Christ. In this essay when I refer to
the ‘True Church’ or ‘true followers’, I have reference to those that
are most closely following the Lord and the Apostles in
doctrine and practices. The identity of the true church is not
established by the name they use but the true church is identified by
the
doctrine and practices it observes. The true church has been called by
other names over the centuries. The followers of Christ were first
called Christians at Antioch. Not by themselves but by others.
Since then a few of the names the true followers of Christ have been
known by are: Novations, Donatists, Anabaptists, Paulicians,
albigenses, lollards, waldenses and Baptists. This list is not intended
to be a
conclusive list but only to give a brief mention of some of the names
they were called by over the centuries.
For a few hundred
years the name Baptist has been used to identify the true followers of
Christ. However most of the
Baptist family today has strayed far from the teachings of Christ and
the Apostles; and are no longer Baptist in doctrine and practice, but
still claim the name. It reminds you of Isaiah 4:1 in which it was said
" we will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel : only
let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach."
The large majority of those that split off from the true Baptist church
in the early 1800's have turned to the Arminian doctrines of salvation
by works (the need for the dead alien sinner to accept/believe Christ
in order to have eternal life). There are very few Baptists that still
preach that eternal salvation is entirely by God’s Grace.
Since the early
1800’s the only group of Baptists in America which have held to the
doctrines and practices of the
Apostles have been called Primitive Baptists. This came about because
of the great departure from the truth by many Baptists in the early
1800’s. Those that opposed the departures were labeled hardshell or
Primitive Baptists. Of course many Baptists of today would dispute
that as being true; but if they did an honest search of the doctrines
and practices of Baptists before the split of 1800, it would reveal
that the Primitive Baptists held to the principles being practiced at
that time; whereas the majority of the Baptist family accepted new
doctrines and practices. In the apostolic church there were those that
introduced error and carried away many after themselves showing by
their actions that even though they claimed the name they were not the
true followers of Christ. That was true in the Baptist family in the
1800’s. It has also been true concerning the Primitive Baptist, not all
that go by that name today are the true church, only those that
hold to the true principles of the scriptures have right to that name.
Just because the word 'Primitive' is attached to the name Baptist
does not make it a true church of Christ . Around 1900 a group of
Primitive Baptists began to re-introduced some of the
worldly/unscriptural
practices which true Baptists have always opposed. One of the main
things they introduced was musical instruments in the worship services;
they also generally accept man made evangelism/missionary endeavors,
bible studies/Sunday schools, preachers meetings/schools, salaried
ministry, youth camps and programs. This group became known as
Progressive Primitive Baptists. Another group known as Absoluters also
use
the name Primitive Baptist but their extreme view of predestination
separates them from the true scriptural Baptists also. They preach that
God’s predestination extends to all events both good and evil; teaching
that God has predetermined and causes all things that take place.
This has never been the doctrine of the true church of Christ.
Predestination as taught by the true church teaches us that God
predetermined
the destination of his people, not things. Others in the Baptist family
follow John Calvin and his teachings and are sometimes called
Sovereign Grace Baptist. The true followers of Christ and true Baptists
did not come out of the Calvinistic movement. Christ Jesus being the
foundation; the Apostles built on that foundation long before John
Calvin was ever born. The doctrines of Grace and predestination did not
originate with John Calvin, Grace and predestination are Bible
doctrines.
Any Baptists that accept practices in their churches that are not according to scripture, ceases to be a true orderly church
of Christ. Some of these unscriptural practices include but not limited
to: organizing societies such as: Sunday schools (bible study
classes), mission boards, ministerial schools, outreach ministries and
any other society that man may form to assist Christ in his church.
Most damaging to the true church is any society adopted as an outreach
to the world. The vital thing lost when a church does this is discipline.
The reason being is that in order for the outreach to exist or grow,
the church must first lower their standards and not discriminate
against the world but allow some worldly thinking and activity into the
church. Otherwise the outreach will never be successful in
attracting the world.
Rather than the
church separating themselves from those that commit certain sins, as is
instructed in the scriptures,
many Baptist churches of today support monetarily or directly manage,
societies that provide comfort and havens such as: unwed mothers
support groups, alcoholic support groups, and secular counseling of all
types. The apparent hope is that the churches effort will be
instrumental in bringing them to known and accept Christ. If they are
already members it appears they want to reform them in the church
whereby the rolls of the church is not diminished. The truth is that
prior to 1800 the Baptist family, with few exceptions, believed in
salvation by the Grace of God and not by the works of any man or
organization. They disciplined their members after proper labor and if
scripturally called for they recognized an erring members walk by
excluding them from church fellowship. The erring member was expected
to
be reformed outside the church before receiving them back into
fellowship and then only when true repentance was shown. Not to be
misunderstood, I do believe that good works and helping our fellowman
is taught in the scriptures and some societies or agencies outside the
church do merit the support of Godly people on an individual basis but the church should never be the organizational arm for such
societies. To incorporate them into a church makes the church a reformatory which scripturally it was never intended to be.
During this time in
world history (2002) we have witnessed a great departure from Godly
principles in this nation of
America and among all religious groups; the Baptists are no exception.
The most glaring indication of this is that scriptural discipline is
not practiced as it once was by the Baptists and this includes the
Primitive Baptists. Although our spiritual welfare is suffering
greatly,
I find comfort in knowing that the God of heaven who set up his earthly
kingdom (church) also promises that the gates of hell will not
prevail against it. This leads me to believe that somewhere in the
world will be found a people who can be identified by their doctrine
and
practice as the church of the true and living God. False doctrine leads
to false practice and false practice leads to false doctrine. May
God’s people arise out of their sleep!
The contents of this little booklet represent my own
understanding as to what constitutes Essential Principles for any
Baptist to remain in the old Paths, which Christ and the Apostles trod.
They represent what I have endeavored to preach and which I expect
to continue in as long as God blesses me with a sound mind. I
especially desire that my descendants know where I stood and what I
believed
concerning the true and living God I tried to serve.
Essential Baptist Principles
Statements of belief, comments and scriptural proofs compiled and written by Elder Claude Mckee
1. There is only one true and living God.
Comments:
The Godhead is made up of : Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A This trinity of the Godhead is not three
distinct Gods, but is one. B
Scripture Proofs:
A
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
B Deut 6:4
Hear , O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
B Ephes. 4:6
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
B John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
B 1 Cor. 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and
we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and
we by him.
B Ephes. 4:5-6
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
2. God is sovereign, the only creator , is all wise and powerful .
Comments:
God is a sovereign God with all power and did create the heavens and the earth and all things therein. A
God created man from the dust of the ground and made Eve from Adam's
rib. All things were made by him, and without him was not made any
thing which was made. B God is all wise and did foresee all events that would come to pass. C
Because God has perfect foreknowledge doesn’t mean He caused or predetermine all events that come to pass. D
If it were true that He causes all events that come to pass, it would
mean that He both commands his people to obey his commands, but at the
same time causes them to disobey. This is clearly not the teachings of
the scriptures. The scriptures do however, clearly teach us that He
did predestinate an elect people to be conformed to the image of his
Son. Thus God predestinated his people, not things. E
There are some events revealed in scripture which was prophesized would
come to pass at a set time, such as Christ coming into the world to
redeem his people and to set up his earthly Kingdom (Church). All such
events spoken of in the scriptures occurred according to his will and
surely come to pass just as he desires them to. F
Scriptural proofs:
A Genesis Chapter 1
B John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made
C Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
D Jeremiah 7:31
And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley
of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their
daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into
my heart.
E Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
E Romans 11:2
God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what
the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God
against Israel, saying,
F Daniel 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a
kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom
shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and
consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
3. God made choice of a people before the foundation of the world.
These people will never fall from Grace but will be preserved in
Christ Jesus.
Comments:
The scriptures clearly teach that there is a chosen or elect
people and the election was according to God's purpose and Grace. A
Man did not have a vote in this election, it was before his existence.
Only God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit voted and
they were in perfect agreement. The elect people will never fall from
Grace or become separated from God. B
Scripture Proofs:
A Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand,
not of works, but of him that calleth;)
A Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
B Romans 8:38,39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
4. God does not love all mankind without exception.
Comments:
This bible truth is evident when we only apply common
reasoning. The scriptures teach there is a heaven and that there is
a hell. A The scriptures teach that
the wicked will be raised in dishonor and the righteous will be raised
in honor. If it were so, that God loves everybody, as is claimed, then
all would be raised in honor and there would be no everlasting
punishment of the unjust, simply because those whom God loves will never be separated from that love. B
The scriptures also clearly state that Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated. C
For the majority of God's
children, this is a biblical truth that they stumble on , not seeing,
how God is Just in loving one but not another. The Child of God will
never accept this truth until God himself is pleased to open their eyes
to see Christ as he is. No preacher nor any man has the power of his
own, to reveal Christ as he is. D
Scripture Proof:
A Matthew 25:46
[And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ]
B Romans 8:38,39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
C Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
D Matthew 11:27
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the
Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the
Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
5. Man through the fall of Adam became totally Depraved and Dead in his sins
Comments:
God gave Adam a commandment which he could keep but he didn't. A
Eve was deceived by the
serpent but Adam willfully chose to break that commandment and thereby
was separated from God and unable to make an offering or an act that
would reconcile them to God. Thus they became totally depraved and
unable to recover from their fall and was in need of a savior. B
Scripture Proof:
A Genesis 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat
of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely
die.
B Romans 5:12
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
6. Christ redeemed only those God loved before the foundation of the
world, thus redemption is particular and not general
Comments:
Christ paid the ransom for his chosen people. He did not die
for all the human race. Common reasoning should tell anyone
this. If he died for the entire human family, then they will all be
with him in heaven. But that could not be true since some of Adam’s
family will justly be condemned to an everlasting punishment. A
The scriptures tell us that Christ redeemed a
people (his people) out of every kindred, and tongue, and people. His
children are in number as the sand of the seas or the stars of the
sky, a great host that no man can number. By his blood, he removed the
curse of the law for his people. B
Scripture Proof:
A Matthew 25:46
[And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ]
B Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse
for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree:
B Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
B Rev. 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed
us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation;
7. Eternal life (salvation) is the gift of God
Comments:
The salvation of dead alien sinners is entirely dependent upon the work
of God and the sinner has not one action to
perform in order to obtain eternal life. Not even believing, which
would be an action! This work of God is sometimes referred to as being
born again. It pleases God to perform this work on his chosen people
sometime between conception and the grave. Before the new birth the
Child of God is an unborn sheep, not a goat. A
Scripture Proof:
A Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
A John 10:27-28
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I
give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
8. In addition to Eternal Salvation, the scriptures teach us of a
salvation (or deliverance) which God’s children experience here in
time by exercising faith , repentance and obedience.
Comments:
Born again (spiritually alive) sinners have need of daily salvation or deliverance. The sinner by exercising his faith; by
his turning from sin (repentance); by his obedience to God can deliver (save) himself here in time. A
This salvation (deliverance) taught in the scriptures is experienced
right here on earth where the child of God reaps what he sows. A
Scripture
Proof:
A Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
A 1 Cor. 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
A Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, [Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. ]
A Isaiah 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
A 2 Chron. 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and
pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land.
9. The Scriptures of the Old and New testaments are the inspired word of God
Comments:
They are kept by the power of God, hence He will preserve them in the form He see's fit to. A
At present we are blessed to have them in the English language. The
Authorized King James translation being the only true English
translation which was influenced providentially by the Holy spirit. At
present(1996) all others are interpretations only and not
translations. The books known as the apocrypha are not part of the
inspired scriptures.
Scripture Proof:
A Psalm 12:6-7
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of
earth, purified seven times. [7] Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou
shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
A 2 Tim. 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:
10. The true Church of Christ was set up by Christ himself and He is her Head , not man made organizations
Comments:
The government of the Church of Christ is with the local body of baptized believers, whose head is Christ. A
Any organization formed to usurp this is in violation of scripture. Associations used to govern local church business are unscriptural.
Associations used to promote fellowship and common welfare of local churches is scriptural.
Conventions or other organizations setup
to govern local churches are unscriptural. Although the church
government is with the local church this does not imply that she is
without
any influence of sister churches. A local church that ceases to follow
Christ and disregards time honored practices which are clearly taught
in the scriptures should and must be labored with and if not reclaimed,
be withdraw from by sister churches. B
Scripture Proof:
A Ephesians. 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
B 2 Thessalonians. 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh
disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
B 2 Thessalonians. 3:14 And if any man obey not
our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him,
that he may be ashamed.
11. The pattern for church practices is contained in the inspired scriptures. Any thing else is unauthorized and
heretical.
Comments:
The New Testament pattern of worship services include only: singing, A Praying ,Preaching.
and Communion services which includes: taking of unleavened bread and wine as instituted by Christ. B He also
taught us to wash each others feet. C
Other auxiliary practices such as: Any form of entertainment, use of
musical instruments, Study groups and/or Sunday schools ,bible
societies, tract societies, youth programs or any other means that man
uses
in order to build the church membership or propagate the gospel is
unscriptural .
Scripture Proof:
A Ephes. 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
B I Corinthians 11:24,25
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.
C John 13:4-5
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel,
and girded himself. [5] After that he poureth water into a bason,
and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith he was girded.
12. Godly Church discipline is necessary. It glorifies God and promotes peace and unity among his people
Comments:
Discipline by the church must be carried out for the peace and unity of the church. A
Neglect of our duty in this area will surely bring us pain rather than joy.
Scripture Proof:
A Rev. 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
A 1 Tim. 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
A 1 Tim. 3:15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
A 2 Thessalonians. 3:14 And if any man obey not
our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him,
that he may be ashamed.
A 2 Thessalonians. 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh
disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
13. God called only men to the ministry , not women.
Comments:
According to scripture, only male church members in good standing and meeting the qualifications set forth in scripture
should be considered as candidates for ordination to the Ministry. A
The practice of women preaching in
public worship or any other public media such as: Sunday schools,
tracts or other published papers is not, "thus saith the Lord". B
By limiting Women in this manner is in no way degrading to the Godly
woman but where God has called each of us ,is where we best serve and
glorify Him. To see the moral decline in this nation is to see what the
neglecting of the woman's calling will do and it emphasizes the great
calling she has.
Scripture Proof:
A 1 Tim. 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless,
the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to
hospitality, apt to teach;
A Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
B I Corinthians 14:34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them
to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
14. The Gospel is to be preached without charge.
Comments:
The gospel is to be preached without the promise of monetary rewards. A
The Lord fulfilled the law to a
jot and title and the new testament church was build on Christ and the
apostles. Tithing was part of the old law service and is not part of
the New Testament pattern. In the New Testament church we are to be
cheerful givers to support the needs of our church and ministry. B
We are not under the same system of tithing as those under the old law.
Jesus teaches us that his people in his kingdom are not to be taxed
for support of those that preach the gospel. C Thus salaried ministers and large buildings and programs which can
only exist with large sums of money are contrary to the scriptures. Clearly
the scriptures teach the need for some money in the
church and a need to support our ministers but not to the degree that
most Baptist have gone in salaried ministers, large buildings and all
sorts of outreach ministries which require large sums of money. Anytime
you pay a salary for a minister’s services, you have a hireling.
It is just human nature to be swayed by those that hired you. It was
not the intention of Christ and the Apostle to have such a system in
the church. The Apostle Paul is our pattern for the new testament
church and it is clear that although he did receive help from those he
labored among , he also labored with his own hands and was not a
salaried minister. D
Scriptural Proofs:
A I Corinthians 9: 18
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge,
that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
A I peter 5:2
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by
constraint, but willingly; not for
filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
B II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give,; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for
God loveth a cheerful giver.
C Matthew 17:24,26
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money
came to Peter, and said,
Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes, and when he was come
into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon?
Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own
children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, of strangers. Jesus
saith unto him, Then are the children free. Note [indicating that the children in his (Christ’s) kingdom are not to be taxed
either, but be cheerful givers for the necessary things]
D Acts 20:33,34
I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have
ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
15. The Gospel is good news to the burdened sinner. A It is not an invitation to accept Christ as your personal savior,
in exchange for eternal life.
Comments:
The gospel is the power of God ( not the power of preachers ) unto
salvation . It is not an offer or invitation for man to accept Christ
in order to obtain eternal life. It is good news to the burdened
sinner. It is manna from on high. It brings joy to the hungry soul . It
is
food for those that hunger and thirst after righteousness. B
Scripture Proof:
A Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
B Matt 6:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
16. True Gospel Believers in Christ Jesus are believers because of the Work of God, A not because of
man's effort.
Comments:
A true Gospel believer is one that believes with all his heart that
Jesus is the Christ. This is not just an intellectual
belief but it is a spiritual understanding that Jesus is the Savior of
his people, requiring no action on the part of man, this believe is
only revealed by God. Some people say they believe in Grace and that
Christ is their savior but they still are not true Gospel believers.
They show this by saying they accepted Christ and that man must be
obedient in some way in order to be saved eternally. This group of
God's
children can be taught to embrace many Sovereign grace principles but
no man can make them true gospel believers. This is the work of God.
This is clearly illustrated in the bible by Paul's experience. Ananias
was sent by God to Saul and was instructed to lay his hands on him
that he might receive his sight. This scripture has been used as an
illustration of the Gospel minister giving Saul Gospel light and
understanding; after God had given spiritual life to Saul. But Paul
disputes the theory that man enlightened him in Gal. 1:11,12 "But I
certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not
after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I
taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Preaching then saves those believers, which keep it in remembrance.
Scripture Proof:
A John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
A John 6:45
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man
therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
A 1 Peter 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
17. True Gospel Preaching saves only believers, it is not an invitation to save them that will believe it. A
Comments:
Preaching is not intended to save non-believers but saves only those to
whom the Lord gives Gospel light. Preaching
delivers (saves) them from desert places, it puts them on the mountain
top, it instructs them in church practices and how to conduct their
daily lives. By it they grow in grace and knowledge of the truth and it
saves them from error and idolatry. Thus the Gospel is the power of
God unto the saved believer. B
Scripture Proof:
A 1 Cor. 1:21
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them
that believe. not will believe)
B Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek.
18. The preaching of the Gospel and its propagation is dependent on the power and spirit of God, not on man and his devices
Comments:
The Gospel should be preached in every place the Holy Spirit leads a true Gospel minister and when the lead of the Spirit
is followed there will be a hearing ear, prepared by God, to receive it. A
The gospel is the Power of God
unto salvation and therefore is dependent upon the power and spirit of
God to direct its propagation to whomever the Spirit pleases. B,C
It is not dependent upon man or any means of men such as: raising money
for the support of spreading the Gospel, extended or special
meetings, popularity of men to draw a crowd (which is respect of
persons), other auxiliaries added to the church to aid in circulation
of the
gospel (i.e. mission societies, bible study groups or ministers
meetings). All such things are contrived to help the Lord in adding to
the
church. But the Lord is the only one that truly adds to the Church such
as should be saved. Any one entering or bringing in other than
through the door (Christ) is a thief and robber. The Church of Christ
is a place of refuge, a place of comfort, a place for enlightened
obedient children (true believers) , a place for them to worship him in
spirit and in truth; the scriptures indicating that the church is a
remnant of the saved children of Israel.
Scripture Proof:
A Matthew 28:18-20
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 things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world. Amen.
B Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
C Acts 16:6-10
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, [7]
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but
the Spirit suffered them not. [8] And they passing by Mysia came down
to Troas. [9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a
man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia,
and help us. [10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we
endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had
called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
19. Faith is the gift of God. A It is not generated by man. B
Comments:
Faith is a fruit of the spirit, any that possesses it has eternal life already. A
Saving
Faith is not taught or learned by man. There is a difference between
being in possession of Living Faith and being a true gospel believer.
All of God's born again children possess Living Faith but many are not
true gospel believers . A true gospel believer is one who is blessed
to see the truth of salvation by the Grace of God alone.
Scripture Proof:
A Ephes. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
B Isaiah 64:7
And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself
to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast
consumed us, because of our iniquities.
20. Good works, Emanating from a heart of love, A is evidence of spiritual life in the doer B
and brings the blessings of God to him here in time. Heaven is not a reward for them
Comments:
Although men may perform some good works or refrain from some sins, all
have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Man cannot obligate God with good deeds he performs because Works not
mixed with Faith does not profit a man. We cannot generate faith , it
is a gift of God and without it we cannot please God. Therefore works
mixed with (God given) Faith is a benefit and blessing to us here in
time, not hereafter
Scripture Proof:
A Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
B James 3:11-12
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
[12] Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a
vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
21. Conversion. True Conversion always follows regeneration
Comments:
The word conversion can be used in at least three different ways.
When using the word conversion in referring to the
change of a man’s soul from a dead state to a live state ,it’s meaning
refers to the work of God which man has no part in and is utterly
unable to do. Only God himself does this conversion. A
This use of the word conversion is not a turning of
one's beliefs from error to truth but is when a heart is changed or
turned from one that has no propensity to do good, to a heart that
does.
The second way in which the word conversion is sometimes used is the experience that a regenerated person travels through if
the Lord is pleased to draw him to the truth. B
This conversion experience is evidenced by a person being
burden with their sins to the extent that the Preached Gospel is good
news to him. The preaching of the Gospel (the Spirit working on the
hearer as well as the preacher) draws him into the marvelous light of
Jesus Christ.
The third way in which the word conversion is used relates
to man and his own ability to persuade others to be
turned from one belief to another. This turning or converting is by
man’s power of persuasion and does not necessarily mean the individual
has been blessed with either of the first two conversions. Many of
God’s children whom the Lord has not been pleased to enlighten as true
Gospel Believers are susceptible to persuasive men. Those converted in
this manner are the man’s disciples, not the Lord’s true
disciples.
Scripture Proof:
A Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian
change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good,
that are accustomed to do evil.
A Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
A Matthew 13:15
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any
time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I
should heal them.
B Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you,
Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not
enter into the
kingdom of heaven.
22. Repentance follows regeneration and is granted by God.
Comments:
True Repentance is granted by God A and is an evidence one is in possession of saving Faith. A
All of God’s children can and should repent of their sins daily. One
does not have to be a true gospel believer to repent of their daily
sins and receive the benefit of their obedience.
Scripture Proof:
A Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
A Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand
to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and
forgiveness of sins.
A Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
A 2 Tim. 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the
truth;
23. Baptism is commanded of God to all true believers B who bring forth fruits
meet for repentance. A Baptism is dipping or immersion in water
Comments:
Baptism is commanded of all who possess Saving Faith and truly believes that Jesus is the Christ and shows forth
Repentance by their daily walk. A
Baptism is to be administered only by a regularly ordain minister of
the
true Church of Christ and the only mode should be by immersion which is
a type of the death , burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus our
Lord. Baptism is not required for one to be a child of God or have
eternal life.
Scripture Proof:
A Matthew 3:7-8
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you
to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet
for repentance:
B Matthew 3:13-15
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of
him. [14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized
of thee, and comest thou to me? [15] And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
righteousness. Then he suffered him.
24. Communion is to be administered only to those who are true believers and become members of a local body of Baptized
true believers.
Comments:
The communion service the Lord instituted was not an open to the public service. As the scriptures record, the Lord ate the
Passover
supper with his Apostles A and at the close of that supper he instituted the New testament communion
service. B
Faith ,repentance and legal Baptism is required before one is qualified
to partake of the
sacraments. At the close of the communion service our Lord washed his
Apostles feet and said to them ‘ye also ought to wash one another’s
feet’. C Although not all Baptist have practiced feet washing, it is clearly a scripturally practice in that it
is one of the marks of a widow in deed. D
Scripture Proof:
A Luke 22:14,15
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. [15] And he said unto them, With desire I have
desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer
B Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
C John 13:14,15
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you
an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
D I Timothy 5:10 If she have washed the saints’ feet
25. There will be a resurrection of the Body.
Comments:
There will be a resurrection of all of Adams offspring. A
The righteous shall be raised and come forth
changed to an incorruptible spiritual body . The punishment of the
wicked and the Joys of the Righteous will both never end. The righteous
are made righteous by the Blood of Jesus Christ and not by their own
good works.
Scripture Proof:
A John 5:28-29
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are
in the graves shall hear his voice, [29] And shall come forth; they
that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have
done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
26. There will be a General Judgement.
Comments:
There will be a general judgement in which all persons will come before the Judgement seat of Almighty God. Those that
have not the benefit of Christ's saving love will be justly judged guilty and go to everlasting punishment. A
The beloved of God will be judged not guilty because of the cleansing power of the Perfect sacrifice Jesus Christ B
and inherit the Joys of eternal life.
Scripture Proof:
A Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame
and everlasting contempt.
A Matthew 25:46 [And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ]
B Hebrew 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time
without sin unto salvation.
Scriptural Principles set forth in this Essay
|
Statement No. |
Doctrines conveyed
|
|
1 |
One true and living God |
|
2 |
Sovereignty/Foreknowledge/Predestination of God |
|
3,4 |
Election/Preservation of the elect family of God |
|
5 |
Total Depravity |
|
6,7,8 |
Redemption/Salvation |
|
9 |
Scripture/the revealed word of God |
|
10,11,12 |
Gospel Church order and discipline |
|
13 thru 18 |
The Gospel and the preaching of it |
|
19 |
Faith |
|
20 |
Works |
|
21 |
Conversion |
|
22 |
Repentance |
|
23 |
Baptism |
|
24 |
Communion |
|
25 |
Resurrection |
|
26 |
General Judgment |
| |
|
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