The Five Points of Reformed Baptist Churches

A brief out-line of our distinctive convictions

I REFORMATIONAL

A. Sola Scriptura  -  The Bible is the complete, closed and clear authority in all matters of faith.

B. Solus Christus  -  Our confidence is in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

C. Sola Gratia  -  Grace secured redemption without reference to works.

D. Sola Fide  -  We are declared righteous by God through faith alone.

E. Soli Deo Gloria  -  Goal of creation and redemption is God‘s praise.

II CALVINISTIC

A. Total Depravity  -  The fall of Adam affected the totality of man’s person.

B. Unconditional Election  -  Election is not based on foreseen faith or works.

C. Limited Atonement  -  Redemption was accomplished by Christ for elect.

D. Irresistible Grace  -  Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is efficacious for elect.

E. Perseverance of the Saints  -  God will, by grace, complete what He began in regeneration of the elect.

III PURITAN

A. Godliness in Worship  -  Regulative Principle of Worship, the Lord’s Day as a Christian Sabbath.

B. Godliness in Preaching  -  Primacy of preaching. Both exposition and application emphasized.

C. Godliness in Instruction  -  Confessional and catholic. Publishing what we believe the Bible teaches.

D. Godliness in Family  -  Parents are to instruct (catechize) and discipline their children in the Lord.

E. Godliness in Behavior  -  Maintaining a good conscience before God and man.

IV COVENANTAL

A. Unity of the Bible  -  Many parts yet one message.

B. Christ-centered interpretation  -  Jesus’ person, work and kingdom is the theme of the Bible.

C. Law / Gospel distinction  -  Law commands and condemns. Gospel saves.

D. One way of salvation  -  Christ has saved all the elect throughout all the ages.

E. Optimistic view of history  -  Jesus Christ is now King ruling over all. He will soon come again.

V BAPTIST

A. Biblical Church Practice  -  Ordinances for believers only. Church discipline lovingly exercised.

B. Biblical Church Freedom  -  The state is not to intrude into matters of conscience.

C. Biblical Church Government  -  Elders and deacons. The local congregation chooses its leaders.

D. Biblical Church Growth  -  Gospel proclamation to the world. Repentance and Faith demanded of all.

E. Biblical Church Ministry  -  Priesthood of all believers.

HT:  Reformed Baptist Fellowship