BELONGING
- Who are Baptists ?
- What do they believe ?
- Why be baptised ?
- Why join the church ?
These are all important questions, especially if you haven't worshipped in a Baptist church before and so this page is designed to offer some answers together with practical steps you could take if you wish to belong.
Who are Baptists ?
The modern Baptist movement, which stands at the heart of mainstream Christianity, began in the early 17th century. John Smyth and Thomas Helwys, separatist Christians, moved to Amsterdam to escape persecution. They came into contact with a group who baptised believers. Persuaded that this was Biblical they baptised one another and later returned to England to found the first British Baptist Church. Ever since the number of Christians who embrace Baptist principles has been rising. Today it is one of the largest denominations in the world.
What do Baptists believe ?
The Baptist Union of Scotland, to which St Andrews Baptist Church belongs, holds:
- that the Lord Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour, is the sole Authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, and that each church has liberty under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to interpret and administer His laws.
- that Christian baptism is the immersion in water into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.
- that it is the duty of very disciple to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, taking part in the evangelisation of the world.
Why be baptised ?
- Be baptised because Jesus was. The Bible urges us to imitate God. He has set us an example in baptism. He identified with us by being baptised, and baptism is how we identify with Him.
- Be baptised because Jesus commands it. He told His disciples to 'make disciples of all nations, baptising them' [Matthew 28]. Those of us who love Him want to obey His teaching.
- Be baptised because of what it represents. It is a confession of faith in Jesus Christ, a consecration to live for Him, and a symbol of what will be when He consummates His reign.
Why join the church ?
- Because the Christian is born again into the family of God and the local church is an expression of this.
- Because church membership carries with it a level of accountability that every Chistian needs.
- Because vision, strategy and co-operation are vital if we are to fulfill the Great Commission, and church membership helps to facilitate these.
If you want to apply for church membership and/or baptism, please respond via the contact form.
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