What Primitive Baptists Believe
Primitive Baptists, also known as Old School Baptists, are a conservative Christian denomination that traces its roots back to the early 18th century. They hold a distinct set of beliefs that set them apart from other Baptist denominations. This article aims to explore the core principles and doctrines that characterize what primitive Baptists believe.
1. The Authority of the Bible
At the heart of what primitive Baptists believe is the authority of the Bible. They hold the Bible to be the infallible, inerrant Word of God, and consider it to be the ultimate source of spiritual guidance and authority. This belief is foundational to their theology and influences their interpretation of various doctrines.
2. The Trinity
Primitive Baptists believe in the Trinity, which is the belief in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They hold that these three persons are co-eternal, co-equal, and co-existent, and that they work together in the creation, sustenance, and redemption of the world.
3. The Virgin Birth and Deity of Jesus Christ
Primitive Baptists affirm the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and His deity. They believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that He is the Son of God. They emphasize the importance of Jesus’ role in the redemption of humanity and His resurrection from the dead.
4. The Sinfulness of Man
What primitive Baptists believe includes the concept of the sinfulness of man. They hold that all humans are born into sin and are in need of salvation. This belief is rooted in the belief that Adam’s fall into sin corrupted the human race, and that each person is born into a state of spiritual death and separation from God.
5. The Need for Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are central to what primitive Baptists believe. They teach that salvation is only possible through the grace of God, and that individuals must repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. They emphasize the importance of a personal, genuine conversion experience.
6. The Mode of Baptism
One of the distinctive beliefs of primitive Baptists is their stance on the mode of baptism. They practice immersion baptism, which they believe is the biblical method of baptism. They believe that immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that it is an outward expression of an inward change.
7. The Lord’s Supper
Primitive Baptists also hold the Lord’s Supper in high regard. They believe that the Lord’s Supper is a symbolic representation of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and that it is a time of remembrance and worship. They practice the Lord’s Supper with reverence and humility.
In conclusion, what primitive Baptists believe encompasses a conservative, biblical theology that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, the Trinity, the sinfulness of man, the need for repentance and faith, the mode of baptism, and the importance of the Lord’s Supper. These beliefs shape their worship, lifestyle, and mission as they seek to follow Jesus Christ and spread the good news of salvation.
