Baptist History (Part 2)

First Baptist Church of Byram

FIVE beliefs of General Baptists:

1. They believed that man has the freedom to believe in Christ;
2. That whoever will believe may be saved;
3. That none are predestined to damnation;
4. That the saved may renounce their faith and thus lose their salvation;
5. All the local churches make up only one church.

SIX criticisms by John Smyth:

1. Anglican priests are too papist.
2. Infant baptism is on the same level as adultery.
3. Sinners must be rebuked by name from the pulpit.
4. No book is allowed before the eye during times of worship.
5. Churches should be two-fold and “Uniform” in their leadership: Minister and Deacons.
6. Giving is an act of worship, and nonbelievers are no more qualified to participate than they would in the prayer of the Lord’s Supper.

FOUR practices of the first baptist church in England:

1. They applied baptism to believers only, although not yet by immersion.
2. They believed in free will.
3. They believe in falling from grace.
4. They allowed each church to elect its own officers: preaching elders as well as both men and women deacons.