Why Are We Reformed Baptist?

The term “Reformed Baptist” is a way of defining our theology and our practice, both being rooted in the ancient tradition of the church and standing in the faith once for all delivered to the saints. The meaning behind these terms are first found in the doctrine of Scripture and then further explained and clarified throughout the history of the church through historic confessions and theological terms.

To be Reformed primarily means to affirm the five core theological principles that arose out of the Protestant Reformation (16th Century). These Five Solas, or Alone Statements (Scripture Alone; Faith Alone; Grace Alone; Christ Alone; God’s Glory Alone) clarify what Scripture teaches about God’s grace in salvation. In other words, we believe that salvation is by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to the Holy Scriptures alone to the glory of God alone.

To be Reformed is to also affirm what is historically known as the doctrines of grace. These doctrines are defined by the theological term “Calvinism,” which may not mean what you think it means. While this term and these doctrines are mostly misunderstood and often offensive, they are consistent with and faithful to the testimony of Scripture and the historic teaching of the church when they are explained correctly. The doctrines of grace teach a high view of God’s sovereignty over all things, specifically in salvation. This confronts the man-centered view that is prevalent in “American Christianity” and more so confronts the pride of individuals who are confronted with its truth. These doctrines teach that sin has inherently reached to the depths of every man’s heart, mind and will; that God is sovereign in his gracious electing of those he predestined for salvation; that Christ’s atoning work is for all who are His; that God’s grace is irresistible to those whom He calls to Himself; and that those whom God saves will persevere in their faith as He preserves them by His grace till the end.

While we agree with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in the historic Reformed tradition, we disagree in our understanding of the New Testament’s teaching on baptism and local church authority.

To be Baptist is to hold to the New Testament’s teaching that baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ in obedience to the command of Christ. It is one’s public declaration of their present faith through their identification with Christ’s death and resurrection as well as Christ’s church. (See “Why is Baptism Required for Membership?)

To be Baptist is to also believe and practice that the authority of the local church is independent and autonomous. Christ is the head of the church and he entrusts his authority to the members of each individual, local church. Baptist churches may cooperate with other churches or gospel initiatives, but they are not under the authority of a higher organization outside of itself. (See “Elder-Led Congregationalism”)

We believe that Reformed theology is the faithful understanding of God’s sovereignty in salvation from all of Scripture. And we believe that Baptist doctrine and practice most faithfully represent the teaching of the New Testament. We gladly stand in the Reformed Baptist tradition.