There are multiple Baptist churches in Galesburg, IL, and you may be wondering what sets Baptists apart from other denominations. A Baptistgalesburg church church believes in salvation through faith alone, baptism of believers by immersion, and the authority of the Bible. They also tend to emphasize fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the gospel with others and placing church governance in the hands of each local congregation.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: Salvation By Faith & The Core of the Gospelcore of what a baptist church believes

The Bible teaches that anyone who accepts Jesus as his or her savior can be saved from sin. Paul explains in Romans that if we verbally accept Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts in his death and resurrection, our sins will be forgiven (Romans 10:9-10).

This means that the actual process of being saved is quite simple–Christ does all the work. Even a child who is old enough to understand sin, repentance and redemption can receive this free gift. Baptists teach that once a person is saved, they never need to worry about losing that status, since salvation is a permanent state not dependent on works.

This doctrine is part of what sets Baptist theology apart from some other Christian denominations. There are no additional good works or sacraments necessary for someone to earn their way to heaven. Faith and repentance are all that’s needed. However, good works do have a place in the Christian life. Baptists believe in the doctrine of sanctification: that believers will become more and more like Jesus as they grow and mature in their faith.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: Sanctification as Outward Evidence of Inward Transformation

The book of Galatians describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, and other Christian virtues. Baptists believe that when a person is saved, Jesus begins the work of sanctification in their heart. As a believer goes through life, they learn to love the things of God more and their sin less. The believer’s changing affections are reflected in how they treat others and in the moral choices they make. Sanctification does not happen all at once; it’s a gradual process that occurs over a lifetime.

Baptists do not teach that someone can be entirely sanctified while living here on earth. Even Paul stated that the godly things which he wanted to do, he was sometimes unable to do (Romans 7). On the other hand, Paul found himself committing sins that his spiritual nature didn’t want to take part in. Believers have two natures at war within themselves: their new spiritual nature and their old flesh. These two sides will be in conflict until the believer goes to heaven to experience total freedom from their old sinful nature.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: Baptism By Immersion, A Baptist Distinctiveshepherd galesburg church

Baptists practice baptism by immersion, or fully covering a person in water. This differentiates Baptists from other denominations, including some churches in Galesburg, IL, that practice sprinkling and/or baptism of infants. Baptists treat baptism as a spiritual sign of the believer’s decision to follow Christ. However, Baptists agree that baptism doesn’t have any mystical, transformative power to save a person from sin. Rather, being baptized is a choice every new believer should make in obedience to Jesus’ commandment.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: The Lord’s Supper

Along with baptism, Baptists practice the Lord’s Supper as a spiritual sign that they accept God’s free gift of salvation. This involves sharing unleavened bread and the “fruit of the vine” together as a congregation. Baptists do not teach that taking the Lord’s Supper can save a person or lead to the forgiveness of sins. They practice the Lord’s Supper in obedience to Christ’s command, at his last meal on earth, that his followers drink from a cup and break bread together in remembrance of his sacrifice on the cross. Along with baptism, the Lord’s Supper is one of only two ordinances practiced by Baptists.

church galesburg autonomyWhat Does a Baptist Church Believe: The Great Commission

Baptist churches agree that in order for a person to be saved, they must hear the gospel as explained in God’s Word and freely choose to receive it for themselves. Jesus told his followers to go into the whole world and preach the gospel to everyone. Baptists take this “great commission” seriously and incorporate it as a major focus of their spiritual practice. Most Baptists see it as their personal duty to share the good news with those around them, and also to support the spread of the gospel around the world. This could involve taking part in community outreach, talking to friends and family members about the gospel, donating funds to foreign missionaries, or participating in short-term mission trips.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: The Bible as Sole Authorityauthority what a baptist church believes

Baptists believe that the Bible itself is our ultimate authority in matters of faith, doctrine and practice. Baptists also teach that each believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to understand and interpret the Bible for themselves. If any religious leader preaches doctrine that is contrary to scripture, Baptist believers are encouraged to confront and reject such teachings. This sets Baptists apart from Christian groups that claim their religious authorities are always to be trusted in matters of doctrinal interpretation.

What Does a Baptist Church Believe: Autonomy in Baptist Local Churchesbible what a baptist church believes

As a denomination, Baptists emphasize the importance of local church autonomy. This means that each particular group of believers is directly involved in church governance and decision-making. Whereas some other Christian sects are governed by complex hierarchical systems, Baptist church leadership tends to be uncomplicated and local.

Some Baptist churches are associated with a larger organization, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, although they do still maintain a large degree of autonomy. Harmony Baptist Church in Galesburg, IL, however, is Independent Baptist. This means we are not connected with a larger governing organization, and we decide on important matters as a local congregation.

Harmony Baptist Church: What We Believe

If you’re looking for a Galesburg, IL church, Harmony Baptist Church will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Our “Our Beliefs” page has more details about our doctrinal positions, and on our “Contact” page, you’ll find ways to reach out to us for more information!