Changes

Baptists have traditionally held to a set of beliefs that have developed into the Baptist Distinctives. The eight distinctives form the acrostic ''BAPTISTS''.

Baptists have traditionally held to a set of beliefs that have developed into the Baptist Distinctives. The eight distinctives form the acrostic ''BAPTISTS''.

*''Biblical Authority'': The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.

*''Biblical Authority'': The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself.  Baptists generally do not recite or hold to the famous creeds used in many denominations (though they may not necessarily disagree with their content), and although many Baptist denominations publish a doctrinal statement (the Southern Baptist Convention's '''Baptist Faith and Message''' is a notable example), the statement is not binding on individual adherents or congregations.

*''Autonomy of the Local Church'': The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. The church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices.

*''Autonomy of the Local Church'': The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. The church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices.

*''Priesthood of the Believer'': Every believer is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people.

*''Priesthood of the Believer'': Every believer is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people.

*''Two Ordinances'': The local church should practice the ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.  Foot washing is not considered an ordinance to be practiced (though notably within the Free Will Baptists it is practiced).

*''Two Ordinances'': The local church should practice the ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper.  Foot washing is not considered an ordinance to be practiced (though notably within the Free Will Baptists it is practiced).

*''Individual Soul Liberty'': Every person has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. Religious persecution has always been opposed by Baptists. This does not, however, exempt exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.

*''Individual Soul Liberty'': Every person has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. Religious persecution has always been opposed by Baptists. This does not, however, exempt exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.

*''Saved, Baptized Church Membership'': Every member of a Baptist church must be saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have publicly proclaimed their faith through believer's baptism.

*''Saved, Baptized Church Membership'': Every member of a Baptist church must be saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have publicly proclaimed their faith through believer's baptism.  Baptism is always by immersion and is not administered to infants; it is restricted to those old enough to understand what is required for salvation.  However, Baptists oppose the doctrine of [[baptismal regeneration]] as is taught in some denominations.

*''Two Offices'': Baptists believe there are two offices in the church, Pastor and Deacon.

*''Two Offices'': Baptists believe there are two offices in the church, Pastor and Deacon.  The separate office of Elder is not recognized except in very rare instances; usually it is considered another term for Pastor.

*''Separation of Church and State'': God has established both government and the church. They fulfill two separate roles in society. The Church should not control the government, and likewise the government should not control the Church. This does not mean that individual Christians are prohibited from participating and influencing government toward righteousness.

*''Separation of Church and State'': God has established both government and the church. They fulfill two separate roles in society. The Church should not control the government, and likewise the government should not control the Church. This does not mean that individual Christians are prohibited from participating and influencing government toward righteousness, nor does it mean that the government cannot take actions consistent with its role in protecting the lives of citizens, provided it does so non-discriminately (such as determining that a building isn't a hazard to occupants).

== Baptist Music ==

== Baptist Music ==