“What Do American Baptists Believe?”

God

We believe that God exists and is evident through creation, scripture and his Son, Jesus Christ. There is one God and only one, who is spirit, self-existent, eternal and infinite in every way and has revealed himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the same in essence, though distinct in personality. We believe that God was in the beginning, is now and forever will be.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is God’s only Son and the second person of the Trinity. Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ came to earth as a man among men to reveal God’s love, to teach, preach and heal; to give his life as payment for our sins. He is our power to live a God centered life. He taught perfectly the truth about God and human destiny and was himself the true manifestation of God in the flesh. Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. The Holy Spirit was given in his fullness on the day of Pentecost to abide with the people of Jesus Christ forever. The Holy Spirit convinces man of sin, regenerates the heart, leads and guides Christians; making clear to them the truth revealed in the Bible. The Holy Spirit sanctifies and sustains believers in trial, temptation and struggle. The whole inner life of the believer is under the influence of the Holy Spirit and subject to his power.

The Bible and Its Uses

We believe that the Bible is the divine revelation of God to man and provides a certainty to truth and Jesus’ ministry to his people. The Bible speaks with divine authority. Each Christian can interpret the Bible by study and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is our final guide to faith and practice in living a Christ-centered life, leading to forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. The Bible should be read and studied daily. It is the basis of preaching and teaching the word of God.

Believers Baptism

Baptism is an ordinance of Jesus Christ established for perpetual observance of his people. First Baptist Church of Puyallup believes in baptism by immersion. Baptism is the immersion in water of the believer in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The truths symbolized in baptism are:

a. Remission of sin. (or: Death to self and sin, rising to live for Christ)

b. Fellowship or union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

c. Cleansing from all unrighteousness and consecration to the service of God.

d. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change.

The Lord’s Supper

We believe that Communion (Lord’s Supper) is an ordinance of Christ’s church where the elements are bread and juice. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ given for the salvation of men and the juice symbolizes his blood shed for the remission of sins. First Baptist Church of Puyallup believes the communion table belongs to God and is open to those who have repented of their sins, believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted him as their personal savior. First Baptist Church of Puyallup serves communion on the first Sunday of each month, Maundy Thursday, at Christmas and on special occasions deemed appropriate.

The Purpose, Place and Mission of the Church

The purpose of First Baptist Church of Puyallup is that the gospel be preached in Puyallup and throughout the world in order to bring people to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. To that end we unite for worship, study, prayer, fellowship, Christian education, evangelistic outreach and service. Our Mission Statement: “Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our mission is to spread the gospel of Christ, to encourage and support our church family and to provide a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.”

Role of the Laity

The laity is the final authority and controlling body of our church. Our by-laws give considerable authority to the Church Council which consists of the pastor and eleven lay persons. Laity works in coordination with the Pastor in all areas. Some of the areas where laity serves are worship leaders, communion service, communion for shut-ins, food baskets, visitations, musical and choir programs, Sunday School Teachers and maintenance of church property.

Soul Liberty

We believe that each Christian should, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, make up their own mind about what they believe. Each Christian has the freedom and responsibility to make decisions, according to their own conscience and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, about what they believe.

Autonomy of the Local Congregation

We believe that the local congregation is autonomous and the membership is the final authority in all matters. All major decisions of the church are subject to the approval of the membership. We do have association with other American Baptist Churches, American Baptist Region and National Associations.

The Priesthood of All Believers

We believe that all Christians are called to be priests and use the talents they have been given to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. We believe that all Christians have a special calling to be ministers for Jesus Christ; that each Christian is capable, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret scripture and make up their own mind as to what they believe. God has given us gifts so we can use them in ways that will be a witness to mankind.

The Associational Principle

We believe that we can accomplish more when working with other congregations in the tasks of evangelism, mission, education and serving God. We therefore believe in and support the American Baptist convention and use their services for education, Sunday school, mission support, publications and ministerial support.