Are Baptist Protestants?

[bgann4546]

This should bring a few posts, I hope......I need some help on the subject. I need to hear views from all Preachers and anyone familiar with this subject. I'm trying to reach some hispanic people that I am associated with at work and I want to tell them the truth about our Baptist heritage and faith.

I've heard some preachers in our IFB Churches say that the Baptist were here long before the Catholic Reformation. Therefore, the Baptists (or ana-baptist) are not of the Protestants movement of the Catholic Church (Baptist were here approx. 1200 years before the Protestant Reformation). These preachers say the breakoffs of the Catholic church include many denominations, but Baptists aren't one of them. Would like to hear views from members of this board. I have not studied it and would like some reference material (preferably some books).

The next time people ask if you're Protestant, you may have to tell them NO......YOU'RE A BAPTIST !!!

Please see this site - By Dr. Vernon C. Lyons
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/why_baptists_are_not_protestants.htm

Also, this one - By David J. Stewart (this one was shocking, it caught me off guard, makes me wonder about many denominations):
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Doctrines/protestantism.htm

[Wilchbla]

Technically, no, we aren't Protestants. But every Catholic I've ever spoken with only see two things. The true church, which is the Catholic church and every other heretical denomination of wayward sheep called Protestants. You could try to explain it to them till the cows come home and it won't compute. They think it all began with the RCC including the Bible itself. It's not a thing that the RCC eventually came into being. They believe that Christ himself established it in Matthew 16 and that the RCC is superior to even the scriptures for which they are responsible for and can change, via the Pope, at any time they please.

You best bet it to just give your Hispanic friends the gospel and pray for them, be a friend and helping hand if needed. Trying to explaing this other stuff won't help. This is just my humble opinion.

[bgann4546]

Technically, no, we aren't Protestants. But every Catholic I've ever spoken with only see two things. The true church, which is the Catholic church and every other heretical denomination of wayward sheep called Protestants. You could try to explain it to them till the cows come home and it won't compute. They think it all began with the RCC including the Bible itself. It's not a thing that the RCC eventually came into being. They believe that Christ himself established it in Matthew 16 and that the RCC is superior to even the scriptures for which they are responsible for and can change, via the Pope, at any time they please.

You best bet it to just give your Hispanic friends the gospel and pray for them, be a friend and helping hand if needed. Trying to explaing this other stuff won't help. This is just my humble opinion.

Thanks Wilchbla, I agree with you 100 percent, but these Hispanics are in the 7th day Adventest Church (quite frankly, I don't even know myself if they were part of the reformation, but my gut feeling tells me it's one of the youngest movements (maybe organized around the middle of the civil war...early 1860's), I didn't ever hear of the 7th day Adventest until I got older....I never saw a 7 day church when I was a kid, although, I'm sure there were some around). I'm not sure they even know about the reformation (the Hispanics I'm speaking of). The only thing that I told them about us Baptist, is that we give God "the first day of the week, in worship" because it's the "first fruit", but we're to live no different in our walk with God any other day of the week. They are the sweetest people, but I'm not going to even attempt discussing anything with anyone until I have something concrete to show them bibically. That's why I came here to see if anyone could give me some insight to where to look for some good books on the subject to read and study.

[BlessedChristianlady8]

Baptists are Baptist and goes according to the Word of God, also the Bible Believeing churches. There is nothing protestant about these churches LOL.

[bgann4546]

Baptists are Baptist and goes according to the Word of God, also the Bible Believeing churches. There is nothing protestant about these churches LOL.

I was asked recently (by a 7th day Adventist), "why was I a Baptist?", well....my answer was "I've always been a Baptist", but I got to thinking......I really need to know what we Fundmental Independent Baptist stand for, and against. I've learned though, when you stand against something, it has to be in a spirit of LOVE or you're never gonna reach them. I've found, there is a lot to learn how our Baptist faith and doctrine have developed. I've been inspired to know what our forefathers went through to stand FOR the TRUTH. Untold thousands dying for the cause of Christ. But when asked "WHY AM I BAPTIST?", I have to admit, I am seeking to do some real studying. What I've read so far on the internet, confirms my belief, but ultimately, I want the Word of God to direct my paths, let God speak to me through that King James Bible. Some study helps would help me though, should anybody have any. I'm all ears, should anybody care to share some input.

[BlessedChristianlady8]

I am baptist because there are only Baptist Churches in my area and I don't want to go far for a church.

[JerryNumbers]

7th day Adventist were around when I was a child and I'm 62 years of age.
Check this page out, they're a cult.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Seventh-Day%20Adventist/seventh_day_adventist_cult.htm

[bgann4546]

7th day Adventist were around when I was a child and I'm 62 years of age.
Check this page out, they're a cult.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Seventh-Day%20Adventist/seventh_day_adventist_cult.htm

I understand the cult issue and and know they were around, but I didn't see any locally until I was up in age. That tells me that they are reaching many more and starting new churches in remote areas. I'm looking for helps for myself to understand the Baptist beliefs. Why are we Baptists? That's my question. My understanding is we are not protestant and were here long before the Catholic Reformation. When I'm asked by any denomination, "Why are we Baptist", I want to be able to share my Baptist doctrine and belief. Does anyone here believe that we are part of the reformation from the catholic church? I know that we don't agree with the Roman Catholic, and they claim we're "protesters", but that doesn't mean we were part of the reformation. We were around long before that.

[1Timothy115]

I was asked recently (by a 7th day Adventist), "why was I a Baptist?", well....my answer was "I've always been a Baptist", but I got to thinking......I really need to know what we Fundmental Independent Baptist stand for, and against. I've learned though, when you stand against something, it has to be in a spirit of LOVE or you're never gonna reach them. I've found, there is a lot to learn how our Baptist faith and doctrine have developed. I've been inspired to know what our forefathers went through to stand FOR the TRUTH. Untold thousands dying for the cause of Christ. But when asked "WHY AM I BAPTIST?", I have to admit, I am seeking to do some real studying. What I've read so far on the internet, confirms my belief, but ultimately, I want the Word of God to direct my paths, let God speak to me through that King James Bible. Some study helps would help me though, should anybody have any. I'm all ears, should anybody care to share some input.

It's just a thought but, could you try searching through your local church's statemnt of faith and doctrines. Then research each scripture behind those statements. Ask your pastor to help you research the scriptures behind each of those statements. Then study some early church history surrounding each to see how they came about. Afterward, study each in detail...it's way past my Baptist bedtime...:icon_biggrin: good night and good hunting.

[bgann4546]

It's just a thought but, could you try searching through your local church's statemnt of faith and doctrines. Then research each scripture behind those statements. Ask your pastor to help you research the scriptures behind each of those statements. Then study some early church history surrounding each to see how they came about. Afterward, study each in detail...it's way past my Baptist bedtime...:icon_biggrin: good night and good hunting.

Thanks Dave......I was brought up in the Southern Baptist Church and as I child I was a Baptist because my parents were Baptists, and their parents were Baptists, so on and so on......

I never was taught why we were Baptists, just always have been. But I learned that even in the Baptist there were differences. The Southern Baptist are nothing like the IFB. Using every version "except" the 1611AV. Thank God, I've found a local IFB church that tells the truth. I appreciate your input. I've had dinner with my pastor and we've discussed many issues and I know his stand. I'm posting here to learn more and hopefully make others aware that we Baptist have a great heritage and were no part and never have been part of the Catholic Church.

Below from Charles Spurgeon:

"We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians. We did not commence our existence at the reformation, we were reformers before Luther and Calvin were born; we never came from the Church of Rome, for we were never in it, but we have an unbroken line up to the apostles themselves. We have always existed from the days of Christ, and our principles, sometimes veiled and forgotten, like a river which may travel under ground for a little season, have always had honest and holy adherents. Persecuted alike by Romanists and Protestants of almost every sect, yet there has never existed a Government holding Baptist principles which persecuted others; nor, I believe, any body of Baptists ever held it to be right to put the consciences of others under the control of man..."
- Charles H. Spurgeon -

Another good link to look at I've found:

http://www.geocities.com/hbdoctrine/

[elijahruth]

You have work (or I should say God does) ahead of you convincing a 7th dayer. They can't get rid of the sabbath or the meat thing. They can't accep the fact that we are not under the law like Galatians says, and the ceremonial laws (including the sabbath) have been nailed to the cross. We have a higher standard to live by than the Jewish law.

I am IFB not just plain Baptist, because I am led to be by the Holy Spirit. This church I go to follows the bible more closely than any church I have ever been too. Most o their preachers are like the "fire and brimstone" preachers of old and do not apologize for preaching the Word of God and its Truth. They do not sugarcoat or pat people on the back for undeserved righteousness.

In my religious seeking, I have been to about every church you can think of at least a few times; 7th day, Church of God, Assembly of God, Mennonite, Mormon, regular baptist. Have been member at Lutheran(which I grew up as), Wesleyn, Methodist, and IFB.

IFB in my opinion is far stonger in the KJV bible and they are more servants.

[holster]

But when asked "WHY AM I BAPTIST?", I have to admit, I am seeking to do some real studying. What I've read so far on the internet, confirms my belief, but ultimately, I want the Word of God to direct my paths, let God speak to me through that King James Bible.

Why am I Baptist?

Make a list of all the denominations and cults. When it comes to the fundamentals (the Scriptures, Virgin Birth, Way of Salvation [grace vs. works], Deity of Christ, Heaven and Hell, BAPTISM, etc) write down what they believe concerning each fundamental.

When you compare what all others believe on these Bible Truths, verses what Baptists believe, you will see that the Baptist believe what the Bible teaches while the others do not.

The single issue of Baptism alone will eliminate most other systems. (Infant Baptism vs. Believers Baptism) Originally we were called "Ana-Baptists" or "re-baptizers" by our "enemies" because we would not accept the mandated "child baptism" and we would re-baptize upon profession of faith.

Believing the Bible. That is why someone should be a Baptist. A Baptist is a Bible Believer. Others system/denominations follow man and tradition.

And in my view, an INDEPENDENT Baptist is the closest to what the Bible teaches.

[ptwild]

The answer to this question depends on how one defines "protestant." If one defines it as a branch of Christianity with its roots found in the Reformation, then yes, Baptist are protestants. If it is defined as any form of Christianity that is not Roman Catholic, then yes, Baptist are protestants. If one defines it as merely a profession of faith, as in "I believe this way as opposed to the other way" (which is in fact the literal translation of "protestant"; remember the reformers did not intend to start new churches, but rather, they intended to "reform" the existing church), then Baptist are protestants. Given any of the common definitions of "protestant" I don't see how Baptist cannot be classified as such.

A good authority on this subject is Peter Toon's Protestants and Catholics. From a Baptist prospective, he points out the differences between Roman Catholics and the several protestant churches. He also shoots down the idea that there was ever any form of Christianity existing outside of the Roman Church until the Great Schism, followed by the English Reformation.

[holster]

The answer to this question depends on how one defines "protestant." If one defines it as a branch of Christianity with its roots found in the Reformation, then yes, Baptist are protestants.

A good authority on this subject is Peter Toon's Protestants and Catholics. From a Baptist prospective, he points out the differences between Roman Catholics and the several protestant churches. He also shoots down the idea that there was ever any form of Christianity existing outside of the Roman Church until the Great Schism, followed by the English Reformation.

Oh, ptwild... you're just being funny now! Would you expect less from a parish priest? What do you think he was going to say about Baptists?

[trc123]

Sorry ptwild, the Baptists were around before the Protestant Reformation. They are definitely not the same as "Protestants."