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Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Five Points of Reformed Baptist Churches

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 of the elect.

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).

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