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BAPTIST DOCTRINE

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary-Leavell College

Palm Lake Baptist Extension-2004

Dr.Samuel Ray Henry

Baptist Doctrine

INGREDIENTS OF FAITH

• Definition of Faith-See Heb.11:1”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

• First Ingredient: CONTENT OF FAITH• Second Ingredient:ASSENT• Third Ingredient:TRUST

• Illustration: The Chair• Greek Word: pisteou=denotes reliance, trust, belief• Quote:J.Oswald Smith-People’s Church“Many believe who have never trusted.”

Baptist Doctrine

#1 REVELATION

• Textbooks

• THE\BAPTIST FAITH AND MESSAGE-Dr. Hershel Hobbs

• The Baptist Faith and Message –June 14,2000

• Biblical Beliefs-Dr. C. H Benson

• New Testament Theology-Dr.Frank Stagg

The Rock From Which We Are Hewn

• The Distinctive of Baptists according toDr.E.Y. Mullins- “the competency of the soul in

religion.” p.11• They insist upon the Lordship of Christ and the • The authority of Scriptures.• They are under obligation to preach the gospel to all

men as they understand it.• The priesthood of believers grants every Christian

the right to read Bible and interpret as he feels the Holy Spirit leading

Completing Claims To Truth

• ECCLESIATICAL AUTHORITY

• Roman Catholic• Mormon• Jehovah’s Witness• Others

‘HUMAN REASON• Rationalism -- truth

by reason alone• Empiricism -- truth by

observation• Mysticism – Truth by

subjective experience

DIVINE INSPIRATION

BIBLICAL BELIEFS

Inspiration of the Scriptures

God-Breathed

Inspiration-What is It?

• Greek Word-theopneutos=God Breathed

Lit. means “inbreathing of God”• Two Places Used in Bible• Job 32:8 and II Tim.3:16• See Also II Peter 1:21• Jesus had utmost respect for Scriptures

John 5:39-40 Mark 14:49

Luke 24:27

CANON OF SCRIPTURE“a list of books which are reckoned to be

the Holy Scriptures.”• Jesus Authenticated O.T.

• A number of documents were circulating from 50AD-150AD

• Marcion heresy prompted the canon

• Muratorian Fragment-200AD was first list

• Council of Carthage-397AD-first council to list all 27 NT books.

CRITERIA FOR CANON OF SCRIPTURE

• 1ST Criteria- Book was written or endorsed by an apostle.

• 2nd Criteria- Did the early church usethe books as “sacred writings”

• 3rd Criteria- Conformity to the coreof books not questioned.

• 4th Criteria-was the book Christ-Centered.• 5th Criteria- Internal evidence of its’ unique

character as inspired and authoritative

THE EXTENT OF INSPIRATION

FOUR VIEWS• N______________ INSPIRATION• MECHANICAL INSPIRATION• P______________ INSPIRATION

• PLENARY INSPIRATION- “All portions of the Holy Scriptures even beyond the direction of thoughts to the selection of words.”

NATURAL

PARTIAL

CLAIMS OF INSPIRATION• THE OLD TESTAMENT WRITERS

“Thus saith the Lord”-1900 times

“the Lord said”…”the Lord spoke”-3808 times

• THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITERS

a)NT has 280 quotes from OT

b)Paul quotes Luke and Deut. as same

c)Peter classifies Paul’s writing-divine

• JESUS CLAIMS INSPIRATION

The Extent of Inspiration

JESUS AND INSPIRATION

• The________ of His Coming was to bear witness to the truth.(Jn.18:37)

• He regarded them as authentic in their entirety

• He applied the whole scripture to____.• He quoted from a___ scriptures.• He upheld verbal inspiration of scripture.• He accepted m_________ of the Bible.

The Nature of Inspiration

BAPTIST DOCTRINE-Lesson-#2

GOD-MAN

SALVATION-GRACE

DOCTRINE OF GOD• Is there a God or not?• How do we answer an atheist who says there is no

God?– To say there is no God one would have to have all

knowledge. Ask if they have such. No.– Say that you are going to be generous and give that

person the benefit of having half the knowledge in world. Then say to that person could not God exist in that half of knowledge that they know nothing about.

– Have scientists disproved God? “Ninety percent of all astronomers today believe in God.”

– Quote:Pierre Simon de La Place(greatest astronomer) said, “The evidence for God as opposed to the evidence against him as the Creator of this universe was as infinity to one.”

Doctrine of God• There is “one and only on living and true God.”• There are not many different gods in the world.

– Gen.1:1 “In the beginning God created..”

– Isa.45:22 “For I am God, and there is none else”

– Exod.3:14 “God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM (the one that always was and forever will be…the Self-Existing One)

– Ps.19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth forth His handywork.”

– Eph.4:6 “One God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all.”

God-Triune Person• GOD THE FATHER

– 1. A Creative relationship.Ps.68:5/Jerm.31:9– 2. A Redemptive relationship.Jn.1:12/Gal.3:26

• GOD THE SON– Christ is the invisible God made visible.– God came near in Christ. Jn.1:14

• GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT– In the person of the Holy Spirit, God comes even closer

relationship with His children.– The Holy Spirit is the resurrected presence of Christ in

His Body. Christ in you. Gal.2:20

NAMES OF GOD

• ELOHIM- The general name for the true God as opposed to pagan gods.

• ADONAI- Means Lord, a term of respect.

• YAHWEH- The name most often used for God to distinguish Israel’s God from false gods. (Same as Jehovah)– “He will be that He will be and always was.”

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD• SELF-EXISTENCE- Eternal• IMMUTABILITY- Does not change• OMNIPRESENCE- Present at all times all

places.• IMMENSITY-No human concept can contain.• ETERNITY- No beginning or end.• OMNISCIENCE- Has all knowledge• OMNIPOTENCE-Can do anything in keeping

with His Nature or purpose.– MORAL ATTRIBUTES

• HOLINESS• RIGHTEOUSNESS• TRUTH• LOVE

GOD-THE SON• Christ is His official title- “the Anointed One sent

to save; same as Messiah.• Son of Man=identity with man for redemption• His deity-humanity-fully God and fully God• His Virgin Birth-fully recorded in Mt./Luke• His Sinless Life-II Cor.5:21• His Atoning death-Rom.325-26• His Triumphant Resurrection-proves deity• His Mediatorial Reign-He oversees the bringing

together those estranged

GOD-THE HOLY SPIRIT

The word spirit-pnuema= breath or windThe Holy Spirit inspired & illuminates

ScripturesThe Holy Spirit Administered work in churchThe Holy Spirit convicts of lostness of people.The Holy Spirit enables Christians to live the

Christian life and be witnesses.The Holy Spirit points to Jesus, not to itself.

#2- CREATION & THE FALL OF MAN

• The Creation of Man and World Thought

• Evolutionist call man “a cosmic accident”

• Quote:”For something to be its own creation, it would have to be and not to be at the same time.”-Dr.R.C. Sproul

• The odds of spontaneous regeneration

• Fossils tell no tales

Creation of Man

• Man’s Origin –Gen.2;7 and Gen 3:• Man is the highest of creation• The world reverses the order• Man’s character-spirit- soul- body• Man’s body returns to ground• Man’s spirit returns to God.

– Eccles.12:7– II Cor.5;8– Phil.1:21/23– Matt.17:3– John 11:26

God’s Image In Man-Gen.1:27

PERSONALITY

-Body-5 Senses

-Soul-Mind,will, Emotions

-Spirit

MORALS

Conscience

Forfeited at Fall

RATIONAL BEING

VOLITIONAL BEING

AFFECTIONATE

BEING

• God’s Glory is seen in Creation• God’s Glory is seen in the Redeemed• God’s Glory is seen perfectly in Jesus• Redeemed man is still to express God’s Glory

The Plan-Death To SelfThe Perverted Ways to give GloryRoller Coaster Rd

Abnegation AvenueEducation ExpresswayDedication drive

The Purpose of All Creation

God’s Plan for Man to Give Him Glory

• “The resources for the Christian life are just-Jesus.” Charles Trumbull

• Col.1:27 “Christ in you, the hope of Glory.”

• Eph.3:17 “that Christ should dwell in your hearts by faith.”

• Gal.2:20 “it is no longer I, but Christ that liveth in me.”

• “Reckon on the fact and then realize it.”

Man’s Dominion

• His Helpmate• His Authority Over All Creation• His Responsibility• His Failure• Jesus Demonstrated Dominion

– Nature,Animal kingdom,Storms,etc.– Demons,disease,death,devil,Hell,grave,etc– Is Jesus Lord of your life-Lord of Lords

THE FALL OF MAN

1. Did God Test Man in the Garden

2. Satan laid his plans well

• Worked on weakest person

• Made them doubt God’s word

• Made up lies about God and them

• Made sin look good

The Results of Sin

• The sin problem is cosmic not local

• Sin=Greek –Hamartia=means to miss the mark as in archery. Rom.3:23

• Sin Results In Alienation– Alienation Between God and Man– Alienation Between Man and Man– Alienation Between Man and Himself

The Tribunal for Sin

1. They were prosecuted before god2. Their Plea was to make excuses3. Their Punishment was extensive• Satan was doomed-Gen.3;15• Woman was given sorrow and pain in childbirth

and subordinate to man• Man was given painful toil, thorns, and hard

struggles and death

INGREDIENTS OF FAITH

• Definition of Faith-See Heb.11:1”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

• First Ingredient: CONTENT OF FAITH• Second Ingredient:ASSENT• Third Ingredient:TRUST

• Illustration: The Chair• Greek Word: pisteou=denotes reliance, trust, belief• Quote:J.Oswald Smith-People’s Church“Many believe who have never trusted.”

SAVING FAITH-Two Views

ROMAN CATHOLIC• God declares a person

justified when he indeed he is just.

• Infusion of Grace• Grace can come by

Two sacrements

Baptism and Penance

PROTESTANT VIEW• The instrument of

cause of faith alone.• Imputation of Grace• Double Imputation=

Christ’s righteousness and Death put on our Account

• Not Antinomian Faith

Three Types of Faith

• Saving Faith– A recognition of salvation from the penalty of sin

(John 3:16-18)

• Living Faith– A deliverance from the power of sin (James 1:2,3)

• Working Faith– A demonstration of the fruit of regeneration (Eph. 2:10)

LIVING FAITH

• Faith is living, dynamic, life-changing

• Not faith without works/evidence

• We are saved by faith and live by faith:– The Way of Death with Christ-Takes Faith– The Way of Life in Christ-Takes Faith– The Way of Approprriation is faith– True faith will express itself in works

REGENERATION

• Necessity of the New Birth– Deceitful Heart-Jerm.17:9

– Born into Sin-PS.51:5

– Carnal Nature-Rom.7:15

– God’s Holiness

– Certainty of Death-Rom 5:17 “By one man Sin entered into the world and death by sin

And so death passed upon all men for all have sinned.”

NATURE OF NEW BIRTH

• Regeneration is Monergistic-God’s Work• Humans are dead, helpless to pull

themselves out of the mire of sin.Quote: John Blanchard- “Nicodemus was no ordinary

Pharisee; he was a ruler or master of Israel. He was one of the leading teachers of his day and spent his life studying and teaching religion…yet he did not even begin to grasp what Jesus meant! He could not see the truth because he was spiritually blind….a sinner needs not another birth but a new birth…not reformation of life, but formation of a new life.”

NATURE OF NEW BIRTH-pt2

• Ezekiel prophesied about new life.26:26

• Jesus taught new birth

• The apostles taught new birth

• There are three aspects of New Birth:– It is a Mystery-Jn.3:8– It is a Must-must is used 3 times in Jn 3– It is a Miracle

New Birth-What it is Not?

• Not Natural Descent

• Not Mere Human Decision

• Not Human Determination

• Not through the Sacraments-not even baptismal regeneration as some evangelicals believe.

GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

• God’s purpose of grace is man’s redemption• Election never appears in Bible as mechanical• Election seems always to deal with God’s Children• Election never appears as a cancellation or violation of

man’s free will.• God chose us in the sphere of being in Christ. Eph.1:3-13• Perseverance of the saints says all true believers will

endure till the end.• Paul believed God keep Him till the END. God keeps us

saved.• The Christian and Sin-struggle against carnality(Rom.7)• We must agree with what God shows us about sin and

repent and ask Him to help you overwhelm

Baptist Doctrine

Review #1CANON OF SCRIPTURE“a list of books which are reckoned to be

the Holy Scriptures.”

• Jesus Authenticated O.T.





Review#1-CRITERIA FOR CANON OF SCRIPTURE






Review #2- CREATION & THE FALL OF MAN






Review #2-SAVING FAITH-Two Views




Two sacrements

Baptism and Penance





Review #2-God-Triune Person

• GOD THE FATHER– 1. A Creative relationship.Ps.68:5/Jerm.31:9– 2. A Redemptive relationship.Jn.1:12/Gal.3:26





Review #2-GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE• God’s purpose of grace is man’s redemption• Election never appears in Bible as mechanical• Election seems always to deal with God’s Children• Election never appears as a cancellation or violation of





Doctrine of The Church

• A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel,observing the two ordinances of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The Doctrine of The Church-pt2

• The church is an autonomous body,operating through democratic processes under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

• In such a congregation members are equally responsible. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.

Origin of the Church

• Church=Greek word is ecclesia-the called out ones. In secular Greek-the assembly of the citizens of a self-governing Greek city.

• In N.T. denotes always a local body of redeemed.

• It is more than an organization, it is an organism-a spiritual body.

• The plan for the church was from the foundation of the world. Eph.1:4

• The birth of the church was the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.(Acts 2:1-4

JESUS AND THE CHURCH• Jesus first mentions the church upon Peter’s confession

of faith in Him as the predicted Messiah. Matt.16:16-18

• Jesus is the Rock upon which the church is built not Peter.

• Eph.2:20 “chief corner stone”

• I Cor.3:11 “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,which is Jesus.”

• Jesus bought the church with His Blood

• Autonomy-self-governing, but Hobbs said “acting under democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”

• Jesus gave authority to church members to bind and loose. Mt.18:18-20

• Jesus is in the Midst of His Church-Mt.18:20

Purpose of the Church• Church born on Day of Pentecost.Acts 2• Three Classes of people composed church:

– Hebrew Christians-Jews in Palestine– Hellenists Converts-Jews of foreign – Proselytes-Gentile ConvertsThe purpose of Israel in God’s redemptive plan was

the Scriptures come through them; and they are a channel to introduce the Savior. “The church is the true Israel of God.”-H.Hobbs

The purpose of the Church was that were commissioned to be witnesses of God’s Plan of salvation to the world. (Eph.3:10-11)

The Roman Catholics interpret “keys of the kingdom” as the basis of papal authority.

But refers to the authority of believers in mission.

The Church and the Kingdom• No difference between Kingdom of God and

Kingdom of Heaven• The kingdom of God is the reign of God in our

hearts and in universe.• The church is a phase of God’s kingdom charged

with the extension of God’s kingdom.• The church is only institution to be given the keys

of the kingdom.• When one becomes born-again he becomes a part

of the kingdom of God, and becomes a part of thelocal church through believer’s baptism.

General Ministry-The Church• The Body of Christ has work to do here on earth before

Christ comes again-being His Witnesses.• Officers in the church(pastors/teachers) are called to “the

perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the fulness of Christ.” Eph.4:12-13

• The object of the general ministry is the building up of the Body and the increase of it’s membership

• The Bride of Christ (the Church) is to make herself ready for the return of the groom-Christ. Rev.19:7 “for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”

• When the church has been completed, Christ will return

The Growth of the Church• The growth of the church is chronicled in the book

of Acts• The Right Atmosphere-Unity, Oneness, Accord• The Right Appeal• Anointing of the Holy Spirit• Action of Personal Witnessing• Authority of the Word• The Right Response- “What shall se do to be saved?”

• The Message of the Church• Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the OT• Jesus was crucified for our sins• Jesus rose from the dead• Jesus will return

Method and Movement-Church• The World is to be won by the witnessing of

church members

• The Building of the Church is by witnessing,education, discipleship.

• The movement of the church went from 120 in upper room to 3000 to 5000– Pliny-So many Christians that the pagan temples were deserted

– End of the 3rd Century- 5 Million Christians

– End of the 10 Century-50 Million Christians

– End of the 19th Century-200 Million Christians– Gibbons:RISE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

– Four reasons why Christianity grew rapidly:

• Enthusiasm

• Doctrine of Future Life

• Miraculous Power

• Pure Morals

Characteristics of The Early Church

• UNITED- Acts 2:44• STEADFAST-Loyal to the church, right

doctrine and to each other• CHARITABLE-shared their goods• JOYFUL-full of joy and gladness• SUCCESSFUL-Acts 2:47• They turned the world upside down for

Christ. What is the church today doing?

Organization and Officers in the Church

• Paul gives clear instruction for a well organized church fellowship

• Council of Jerusalem indicated established order in the church-Acts 15

• Officers in the Church:– Elders-Acts 11:30”sent it to the elders”Means Older;Came to mean those who maintain order or

rule within the fellowshipPaul told Titus to appoint elders in every city of CreteElders were designated pastors-Eph.4;4/I Pet.5:1-2They were to exhort and shepherd the flock

Officers In The Church-cont.

• DEACONS-(Diakonos-minister,servant)• The word comes from those who labor in the dust• The emphasis is on “service rendered”• They were appointed by the apostles to take care

of a crisis in church-Act 6• Several deacons did the word of evangelizing and

preaching gospel-Stephen and Philip

QUALIFICATIONS OF CHURCH LEADERS

• They were to be blameless(not sinless)• They were to be proven, not a novice• They were to be serious and sober in duty• Quote: THE CHURCH NEEDS LEADERS

– SAVED-”look out from among you”– SELECT-full of faith and the Holy Spirit– Oh,do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be strong men and women.Do not pray for

tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. That the doing of your work will be no miracle; but you shall be a miracle..” –Phillips Brooks

– SINCERE- Sunday self and Weekday Self-same– STEADFAST- Quote:”I don’t care how loud a brother chouts or how high he

jumps, just so he walks straight when he comes down.’ Bud Robinson

– SPIRTUAL Acts 6:3

BAPTISM• “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer

in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.

THE LORD’S SUPPER

• The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His Second coming.

Baptism

• The word ordinance translated in I Cor.11:2 means “traditions” or things handed down.

• Both ordinances are symbolic, not sacramental. They symbolize what Jesus did for one’s salvation.

• The Greek word-baptizo means to dip,plunge, submerge or immerse. The word was used in classical Greek of “dipping of animals” or the sinking of a ship

BAPTISM-pt 2

• The word baptizo used in Mark 7:4/Luke 11:38 for the submerging of the body or hands in water or being overwhelmed in trouble(Matt.20:22-23;Mark 10:38-39)

• The idea of baptismal regeneration did not appear in Christian writings. Only in the 2nd and 3rd century was baptismal regeneration accepted by a group which evolved into the Roman Catholic Church.

BAPTISM-pt.3• “Born of water” in John 3:5 does not refer to

baptism, but physical birth.• Immersion was the original form of Baptism not

sprinkling. It is not until the 13th Century that we see sprinkling as a mode of Roman Catholic baptism. Change of mode and the meaning is lost.

• Illustration: Dante was immersed in a baptistry in Florence, Italy in a Catholic church.

• Catholic churches built prior to the 13th century has murals with Jesus being immersed.

• Baptism is not necessary for the kingdom of God but for admission in a local church.

The Lord’s Supper• The supper is for ‘baptized believers” only.• The elements used were unleavened bread and “the fruit of

the vine.”• Four Views of the Lord’s Supper:

– Roman Catholic=Transubstantiation say the during the Mass the elements become the body and the blood of Jesus.

– Lutherans=Consubstantiation say that the body and blood are present with the elements.

– Sacramentarian=other denominations say that the partaking of the Supper is a means of grace.

– Baptists=believe that the elements are symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus with no saving effect in partaking of them.

Baptist Doctrine





Two sacrements

Baptism and Penance





Review #3-The Doctrine of the Church-Baptism-Lord’s Supper

• “The N.T. church of the Lord Jesus is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel..

• The church is an autonomous-self-governing

• In the N.T. church denotes a local body of redeemed.

• More than an organization-it is a spiritual organism

• Birth of church-the Day of Pentecost

• Jesus bought the church with his blood

• Jesus gave authority to church to bind and loose

Review #3-The Church,Baptism,Lord’s Supper

• The purpose of the church was that were commissioned to be witnesses of God’s Plan of salvation to the world. (Eph.3:10-11)

• The officers of the church were pastors(elders) and pastors– Pastors were chosen to maintain order;exhort;teach and

shepherd the flock

– Deacons were to serve the needs of members and take some of the load off pastors in care of flock.(Acts 6)


• “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

• Both ordinances are symbolic, not sacramental.

• Baptizo= to dip or plunge, submerge,immerse

• The idea of baptismal regeneration did not occur till the 2nd or 3rd century and that by a group that evolved into the Roman Catholic church.

• There are four views of Lord’s Supper:– Catholics-Transubstantiation=Elements become the Body

– Lutherans-Consubstantiation=Christ’s present with elements

– Sacramentarian=partaking of supper is a means of grace

– Baptists-The Lord’s Supper is symbolic;no saving effect in taking

Lesson #4-The Lords Day

• “The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from worldly amusements, and resting from secular employments, work of necessity and mercy only being excepted”

• In the O.T. the seventh day of the week was set apart as the Sabbath. Sabbath means “rest.”

• The number seven came from God resting after His creative work. It was a sacred day.

• In the gospels, Jesus and the disciples observed the seventh day as Sabbath. But Jesus did not agree to the over 1500 rules that Jewish leaders had put on the observance of the Sabbath day. (Example;Jesus disciples pluck corn on Sabbath day-Matt.12;1-4;See Mark 3:2 and Luke 6:1-11and John 6:1-47)

#4-The Lord’s Day-pt.2• Paul went to the synagogues on the Sabbath day

because they found an audience to preach to.• The “Lord’s Day” appears one time in N.T. andWas the first day of the week. • Acts 20:7 “and upon the first day of the week, when the disciples

came together to break bread..”• I Cor.16:2 “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by

him in store..”

• Jesus was raised from the dead on the first day of the week.

• John 20:1 “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.”

• The Sabbath a day of rest from work, while the Lord’s Day memorialized Christ’s resurrection.

Lesson #4-The Kingdom• “The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe

and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of the age.”

• The word kingdom means kingship, royal power or rule.• It refers to God’s sovereign reign in the natural universe and in the

spiritual world and our hearts.– Matt.12:28 “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of

God is come unto you.”– Matt.13;1-47 “the kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a man which sowed

good seed..the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed….the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven…like a treasure hid in a field..”

– Matt.26:29 ‘ I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the wine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

– I Cor.15;50 “flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; niether doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

#4-The Kingdom-pt2

• As Creator, God has the right to be sovereign.• Satan disputed this claim• The incarnation of Christ was to disprove Satan

THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM• Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36)• Jesus demonstrated over natural universe. Nature

obeys Jesus.(wind,waves,fish,food,walk on water)• Jesus said His Reign was “within you.”Lk17:21• It is the reign of God among us. Some see his

kingdom as a literal 1000 yr reign-politically.

#4-Last Things• “God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its

appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in heaven with the Lord.”

• Eschatology means the science of last things.• Theologians speak of realized eschatology and unrealized

eschatology.– Full Preterist view-All things predicted in the OT have been fulfilled with

the destruction of the temple in 70AD Christ came invisibly then in judgment

– Partial Preterist view-All but the coming of Jesus back visibly have been fulfilled.

It is a dual sense that one may understand Christ’s presence now and His promised return.

#4-Last Things-pt 2JESUS TEACHINGS ON LAST THINGS

• Jesus taught His return at the end of the age is clear. (See Matt.16;27-28)

• Jesus most extended teaching on last things is found in Matt.24-25.The events there deal with the destruction of Jerusalem,the Lord’s return and the end of the age.

• See Matt.24:24 “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

• Were many of Jesus prophecies in Matt. 24 fulfilled in the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD?

• Jesus said there would be many false signs of His return. Matt.24:4-7

#4-Last Things-pt3• Jesus said that “wheresoever the carcass is, there will the

eagles be gathered together.”Matt.24:28 The eagles refer to those that devour, vultures. So this is a time of judgment not His Glorious Appearing.

• When Roman ruler came into Jerusalem he set up His own emblems in the temple to be worshipped. (See Matt.24:15)

• Over 1 million Jews were killed in 70AD• Many of the Christians escaped to the caves.• This was the great tribulation.• There is apocalyptic language in Matt.24 that parallels the

prophecies in Daniel 9:24-27• His coming is certain and the fall of Jerusalem was a

certain prophecy by Jesus.

#4-Last Things-pt.4

• Major Views Among Baptists as to Second Coming:PREMILLENIALIST= They believe the next item is

the rapture of saints;seven years of tribulation;Christ comes to set up a literal 1000 yr reign; then the finalConsummation of all with Christ’s return again.

AMILLENIALIST=Millennial time is an infinite period of time beginning at the cross or day of Pentecost till Christ’s returns.

POSTMILLENNIALISTS=There will be a triumph of the gospel culminating in a period of righteousness which will continue for 1000yrs. At the appearing of Christ there will be a resurrection of the dead, both righteous and wicked, followed by the judgment.

#4-Last Things• Quote: K.Barth(Swiss Theologian in the 1940’s said “The

time is come when Christians need to read their Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”

• Some Definite Things About Christ’s Return-Acts 1:10-11– THE RETURN WILL BE PERSONALLY– THE RETURN WILL BE VISUALLY– THE RETURN WILL BE GLORIOUSPaul said in light of His return Christians should live “righteously,

and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ Titus 2:12-13

So certain were the early Christians of Christ’s return, they thought in their lifetime.

“Since the N.T. speaks in broad terms about last things, interpretations will differ. One’s position to details has never been a test of orthodoxy among Baptists.”-Dr. Hershel Hobbs

Baptist Doctrine

Evangelism & Missions“It is the duty and privilege of every follower of

Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations.

The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort and by all other means in harmony with the gospel of Christ.”

Evangelism and Missions

• Missions & Evangelism have their ultimate source in the heart of God.

• It is a privilege and obligation.

• Following His resurrection Jesus gave various commissions to disciples.– Matt.28:19-20

– Luke 24:46-49

– John 20:21-23

– Acts 1:8

Evangelism & Missions• As they worship Jesus, he commands them to go

and make disciples.(Matt.28:17)• The command was to “make disciples.”• Missions/evangelism is the life of the church.• God cannot bless a church neglecting either.• Church History has recorded great periods of

spiritual death when evangelism/missions was at a low ebb.

• Quote:Dr.George Truett (1st-Dallas)- “The churchthat is not missionary in spirit and practice does not deserve the ground upon which its building stands.”

Education• “Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence.In Jesus

Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is therefore a part of our Christian heritage.The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.

• In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.”

Education• Jesus was called a “rabbi” teacher • Jesus commanded his followers to “make disciples” to

“teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”• Most state conventions have one or more colleges that it is

associated with.• The SBC operates six seminaries:

– Southern Seminary-Louisville,KY– New Orleans Seminary-New Orleans,LA– Midwestern Seminary-Kansas City, MO– Golden Gate Seminary-Mill Valley,CA– Southeastern Seminary-Wake Forest,NC– Southwestern Seminary-Fort Worth,TXBaptists help provide the funds for a sound program of Christians

education. Academic freedom and academic responsibility must be in balance. Should there be a violation of Baptist doctrine the trustees and seminary administration should handle these matters.

Stewardship

• “God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others.

• According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully,regularly,systematically,proportionately and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.”

Stewardship• Stewardship =the acceptance from God of personal

responsibility for all of life and life’s affairs.• Proper use of talents is rewarded.Mt.25:15-30• Abuse of gifts is judged by God.• Paul said we have a stewardship of the gospel.(Rom.1:14)• Jesus warned of being a rich fool.(Lk12)• Most of the Sermon on the Mount deals with money.(Mt.6)• Jesus nor Paul specifically commands tithing, but Jesus

does not condemn, and always lifts to higher standards.• Jesus measures the love and sacrifice involved-see the

widows mite. She gave “all her living.” (Mk12)• Paul outlines a system for giving. (I Cor.16:1-4)

Cooperation• “Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such

associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches.

• They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom.

• Christian unity in the New Testament is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ’s people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.”

Cooperation• Representatives from the church at Jerusalem and Antioch meet to

discuss the Judean controversy.• Another cooperative effort in NT was Paul’s trip to Macedonia and

Greece to collect funds for the poor saints in Jerusalem.• The first organized convention of Baptists in America was in

Philadelphia in 1812 that resulted in the Baptist General convention. Meeting every three years-Triennial Convention.

• When it voted that no slaveholder could be appointed a missionary, the southern states withdrew. That group that remained was called the American Baptist Convention.

• The Southern Baptist Convention was organized in Augusta, Georgia in 1845.

• Today it is the largest of all Baptist conventions with many agencies and state conventions cooperating together to take gospel around the world.

Cooperation(2003 Statistics)• Number of SBC churches(2002)- 42,775• Number of IMB missionaries(2002)- 5,376• Number NAMB missionaries(2002)-5,204• Number of State Conventions- 39• Number of SBC Associations-1198• Number of SBC total members=16,247,736• Other Agencies:

– Executive Committee of SBC-Nashville,TN– Annuity Board-SBC-Dallas,TX– IMB-Richmond,VA– NAMB-Alpharetta,GA– Lifeway Christian Resources-Nashville,TN– Seminary Extension-Nashville,TN– The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission– Women’s Missionary Union-Birmingham,AL– Six Seminaries

Baptist Doctrine

The Christian and Social Order• “Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ

supreme in his own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus.

• The Christian should oppose, in the spirit of Christ, ever form of greed,selfishness and vice. He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy,the aged, the helpless, the sick. Every Christian should seek principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love.

• In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.”

The Christian and Social Order• Baptists do not believe in a social gospel or that the kingdom of God

can be established through social reform.• But they do believe that the effect of the gospel on society will bring

social reforms.• Social injustice is rooted in sin and sin must have the gospel for a cure.• Jesus changed people from the inside out.• (Zaccheus and Woman at Samaritan well)• Jesus taught that once Born-again, Christians should be both salt and

light in society.(Mt.5:12-16)• Their influence should be felt in all areas of society.• God has ordained the institution of government-every soul should seek

to obey the law even though not always agreeing with every law.• Baptists have worked with many groups to help society:

– Baptists Hospitals and medical missions– World Hungry Fund(Exam:Russia Missionary took $50,000. To provide

medical supplies in the Chezneya War(1995)– Emergency Relief teams from many states-disasters,hurricanes,etc.

Peace and War

• “It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

• The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love.”

Peace and War• We are to pray for those in authority that we can

all live in peace.(See I Tim.2:1-2)• The angels sang at His birth- “on earth peace to

men..” Lk.2:14• Out of 3,421 recorded history we know of only

268 years of peace.• If it is possible live at peace with all men(Rom.12:18)Reconciliation of man to God must precede

reconciliation of man to man.Jesus gave up His life to make reconciliation for

man.

Peace and War• Was Jesus a pacifist when he said to disciples “put up

again thy sword….for all that take the sword shall perish by the sword.” Mt.26:52

• He made Peter put up the sword at his arrest.• Jesus and the NT also said to render unto Caesar the things

that are Caesar and to God the things of God.• Jesus taught also a law opposite of retaliation. “eye for an

eye.” This dealt with personal relationship and not governments.

• The Christian should do all he can to promote peace and recognize that not all will be person of peace.

• Christians resistance to evil by war should be out of a love for that which is good for humanity.

Religious Liberty• “God alone is the Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from

the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate.

• The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil governments being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God.

• The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual meansalone for the pursuit of its ends.

• The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free state is the c\Christian ideal and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.”

Religious Liberty• Religious liberty is the mother of all liberties.• Religious liberty is “the right of every man to worship God as his

conscience dictates.”• Religious liberty is not necessarily religious toleration, but a right

bestowed by God.• Religious liberty demands responsibility and personal controls.• Christians should be good citizens of the state and lawfully oppose any

statues or laws against the laws of God. There are times when Christians may have to say as Peter did “we ought to obey god rather than man.” Acts 5;29

• The church should not receive tax funds for use in discharging their educational, healing or spiritual responsibility.

• The Church should be free to determine its program of worship(no prayer book), evangelism, and missionary activities.

• History records that a free church in a free state proves a blessing to both.

Baptist Doctrine





Two sacrements

Baptism and Penance





Review #3-The Doctrine of the Church-Baptism-Lord’s Supper

• “The N.T. church of the Lord Jesus is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel..

• The church is an autonomous-self-governing

• In the N.T. church denotes a local body of redeemed.

• More than an organization-it is a spiritual organism

• Birth of church-the Day of Pentecost

• Jesus bought the church with his blood

• Jesus gave authority to church to bind and loose


• The purpose of the church was that were commissioned to be witnesses of God’s Plan of salvation to the world. (Eph.3:10-11)

• The officers of the church were pastors(elders) and pastors– Pastors were chosen to maintain order;exhort;teach and

shepherd the flock

– Deacons were to serve the needs of members and take some of the load off pastors in care of flock.(Acts 6)