Inherent in the worth of each person is also the ability of the soul to have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Baptists believe that no group has the right to force others to believe or worship as it does. Our denomination has championed the cause of religious liberty because we believe that God has given all people freedom of choice.
Baptists share many beliefs in common with other Christians, including the belief in one God who is represented in three personage.
The Father is characterized as a God of love, truth and justice.
The Son is found in the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ, who always existed and whose death and resurrection make a way of reconciliation between individuals and God the Father.
The Holy Spirit, who is eternal, is currently at work convicting the hearts and illuminates the minds of people to understand their sin and the forgiveness found in Jesus. He empowers Christians with gifts of service to build up the church of Christ.
Baptists emerged historically out of a desire to follow New Testament teaching as they understood it. The following beliefs have come to be known as Baptist Distinctives:
We practice believers’ baptism by immersion. Baptism is one of the first significant public acts that a follower of Jesus takes. It announces their personal faith in Jesus Christ and involves them more fully in church life and ministry.
Baptism is: