[content page from manual-GW]

CONTENTS.

DECLARATION OF FAITH

I. Of the Scriptures,
II. Of the True God,
III. Of the Fall of Man,
IV. Of the Way of Salvation,
V. Of Justification,
VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation,
VII. Of Grace in Regeneration,
VIII. Of Repentance and Faith,
IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace,
X. Of Sanctification,
XI. Of the Perseverance of Saints,
XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and Gospel,
XIII. Of a Gospel Church,
XIV. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
XV. Of the Christian Sabbath,
XVI. Of Civil Government,
XVII. Of the Righteous and the Wicked
XVIII. Of the World to Come

CHURCH COVENANT,
OFFICERS,
RULES OF ORDER,
FORMS OF LETTERS,



SOME CONSIDERATIONS OF BAPTISTS' TEACHINGS

John 5:39 ”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”


During the 60's as a young preacher I was invited to preach a few lessons at a small north Florida Baptist church. I enjoyed their friendliness and reception.   I have found Baptist members in general to be very cordial, courteous and warm.

Over the years I have had friends who were members of the Southern Baptist Church persuasion. Discussions of the Scriptures always ended in a negative way. The main idea suggested by one friend was that the New Testament was from different teachers and each teacher had their own interpretation of what God wanted. But is this true?




NOTE: Scriptures references underlined can be tapped/clicked for access for reading.

FALLACY RESULTING IN THIS CONCLUSION. When we search for the truth of God, we should agree to accept that all Scripture is inspired and is truth 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. --(Underlined passages are accessible by clicking or tapping TWICE--and one time to hide it.).

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works

And, we need to accept that Jesus' Testament is unique and a fulfilment of the Old Testament 2 Peter 1:21.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost

The apostles' writings carry the same inspired weight as the Old Testament prophets had! Ephesians 3:4, 5.
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge [Paul's] in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit

As Jesus promised His chosen apostles: John 16:12, 13
John 16: 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come

  Otherwise, we will be accepting only the parts that please us and thereby distorting the Truth from the Holy Spirit of God, “the Spirit of Truth”.


There is a sobering warning sent by the apostle John to the “elect lady and her children” found in the brief book of II John: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and receive not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 8-11).


In John’s second epistle and in the immediate context you have three phrases: 1) walking in the truth, v.4; 2) walk after his commandments, v.6; and 3) abide in the doctrine, v.9. Therefore, to abide in the doctrine of Christ would involve walking in the truth of God’s Word and keeping the commandments of the Lord. “Whosoever transgresseth” (goeth onward) and “abideth not,” describe the same act, one in a positive way, one in a negative way.


The “doctrine of Christ” is parallel to “the truth” and “his commandments.” The word doctrine simply means teaching. All truth comes from God through Christ and His apostles and the Word they left us in the New Testament ( John 12:48-50;

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
John 17:8,14,17,19,20,21;
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.1 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Eph. 3:3-5
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,1 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit
). Anything outside of the doctrine of Christ (the New Testament) would not be from God or Christ or Holy Spirit. Further, when one goes outside of the doctrine of Christ in his teaching and practice, according to the Spirit in John, he forfeits his relationship with God and Christ, i.e. he “hath not God.” When one abides within the doctrine of Christ, he “hath both the Father and the Son.” Then John gives this stern warning: if someone comes to you, and does not bring “the doctrine of Christ,” we are not to “receive” him into our house nor “bid him God speed.” If we support or endorse any doctrine outside of the doctrine of Christ, we are a “partaker” of the evil deeds of the false teacher.


The Baptist denomination advocates teachings that are clearly in conflict with the doctrine of Christ (the New Testament Scriptures). Here are a few of these doctrines:


      1. The doctrine of heredity total depravity. BAPTIST doctrine*: < TAP for description by AI

        In Baptist theology--especially in traditions influenced by Calvinism--total depravity means that every part of human nature has been affected by sin, so people cannot come to God or choose salvation on their own without the Holy Spirit's enabling grace. In other words: Humanity is thoroughly corrupted by sin and therefore spiritually unable to seek God apart from divine intervention

            Compare with the Spirit's teaching in Ezekiel 18: 4, 5, 9

            Ezekiel 18: 4 “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. 5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, ...v. 9; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
            See also, James 1:13-15;
            13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:4 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
            1 John 3:4.
            4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

      1. The Calvinistic doctrine of irresistible grace < TAP for description

        Irresistible grace in Calvinistic theology means that when God decides to save someone, His inward call is so powerful and effective that the person will come to faith—freely, but certainly. Concise definition Irresistible grace is the belief that the Holy Spirit’s inward work in the elect cannot ultimately be resisted. When God chooses to regenerate a person, He changes their heart so that they willingly and joyfully respond to the gospel. Key elements God initiates salvation — humans, being spiritually dead, cannot choose God on their own. The outward call (preaching) can be resisted, but The inward call (Holy Spirit) is unfailing and effective. Grace does not force the will; it transforms the will so the person freely chooses Christ. All whom God draws will come (often linked to John 6:37, 44).
                     see Eph. 3:3-5;
        3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,1 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit
        Acts 7:51;
        51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
        13:46.
        46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

      2. The doctrine of repentance before faith < TAP for description

        This view teaches that repentance logically precedes believing, even if both occur in the same moment. Preached strongly among Independent Baptists, revivalist Baptists, and some older Southern Baptist evangelists. They emphasize texts like Mark 1:15 --"repent ye, and believe the gospel"--and Acts 20:21--"repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." They argue that turning from sin must come first, then trusting Christ. A representative Baptist voice says: "Notice the order: repentance comes before belief." This group often warns against "easy-believism," insisting that repentance is a necessary condition for salvation and must be preached explicitly.

                     see Rom. 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
        Acts 2:36-38;
        36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. he baptizes a great number that were converted 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
        Rom 10:13-17.
        13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?1 2 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

      1. The doctrine of salvation at the point of faith without further acts of obedience, see Mark 16:16;

        16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

        Acts 2:38;
        38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

        22:16.
        16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

      2. Voting people in and out of the church by its members, see Acts 2:47;

        47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
        8:26-39
        (8:26-29 the angel sends Philip to teach and baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch) 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing

      6. The impossibility of apostasy, see 1 Corinthians 10:12;

    12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
                2 Peter 3:17;
    2 Peter 3: 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
          2:20-22.
    2 Peter 2: 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

      1. Erroneous usage of the terms deacon, elder, and pastor, see Acts 20:17-28;

        17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.3 19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?4 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.5 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.6 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
        Titus 1:5-11;
        5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:2 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;3 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.4 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
        1 Peter 5:1-48.
        The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 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;1 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.2 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

      2. Erroneous millennial doctrines, see Mark 9:1;

        Mark 9: 1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

        1 Cor. 15:24;
        1 Cor. 15: 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

        Col. 1:13.
        Col.1: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

    9. Erroneous doctrines concerning the nature and existence of the church of Christ, see Matt. 16:18;

    18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.1

                Acts 2:47;
    47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

    Eph. 1:22-23;
    22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

    Eph. 4:1-6;
    1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,1 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

    Eph.5:22-32.
    22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. and husbands ought to love their wives 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. even as Christ does his church 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

      1. The corruption of New Testament worship by instrumental music, see Matt. 15:7-9;

        7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

        John 4:24;
        24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth

        Eph. 5:19;
        19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

        Col. 3:16-17.
        16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of **the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

        **Word: name Strong's Greek #G3686 defined in Mickelson's Enhanced Strong's Dictionaries of the Greek and Hebrew Testaments: G3686 onoma (o'-no-ma) noun a “name” (authority, character). Hence, "by the authority of" the Lord Jesus

These are several of the egregious doctrines propagated by the Baptist denomination.

Should a Christian have fellowship with these Baptist doctrines?

1) “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).

2) “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:17).

3) “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins” (Rev. 18:4).

4) “Commandments of men, that turn away from the truth” (Titus 1:14).

     5) “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9).

     6) “ Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).

    APPLICATION:

Let us all heed the admonition of Paul: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me (Paul, selected by Jesus as an apostle and inspired by the Holy Spirit), in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13).



- Adapted by Gaylon West




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