Baptist Distinctives

Rom. 14:5: “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

B – Bible Sole Authority

The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice.

2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Cor. 11:4, 1 Thes 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21

A – Autonomy of the Local Church

Each local church stands alone before God, and is controlled by no external human authority.

Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23

P – Priesthood of the Believer

Every believer has the privilege of going directly to God in prayer, and hearing directly from God through His Word, with no human intermediary.

Matt. 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, Heb. 9:3, 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10, Heb 4:16, 1 Cor 12:13, Gal. 3:28

T – Two Ordinances: Believer’s Baptism by Immersion and the Lord’s Supper

Believer’s Baptism by Immersion: Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 10:47-48
Lord’s Supper: Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

I – Individual Soul Liberty

Each person stands before God alone and individually, to answer for their deeds and beliefs. No man can answer for any other, nor pass his own responsibility off on any other.

Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9

S – Saved Church Membership

As much as humanly possible, the local church should accept into membership only those who have made a credible profession of personal salvation; obeyed the Lord in believer's baptism; and display fruits of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3

T – Two Offices: Pastors and Deacons

Pastor (elder, episcopos, (under)shepherd, bishop): 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Philippians 1:1
Deacon: Acts 20:17-38

S – Separation (Political, Ecclesiastical and Personal)

Political: The church is a distinct organization for a distinct purpose, and is not to be directly involved in government. This does NOT forbid church members from being involved in government. Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29
Ecclesiastical: Each church body is separate and distinct from all others in governance. There is no earthly hierarchy of churches (e.g. Presbyterians, Catholics). In addition, the church has the responsibility to separate itself from members in open sin. Matt 18:15-17; 1 Cor 5:1-5
Personal: Each member is individually responsible for separating himself from sin. 1 Cor 5:11; 2 Tim 2:22; Phil 4:8; 1 Tim 5:22

For additional information, read The Southern Baptist Convention Explanation of the Baptist Faith and Message