Baptists do not attribute their origin to any man, as do other denominations. Although the name “Baptists” is only a few centuries old, the principles to which Baptists hold has lived from New Testament times. Because they believe that one must first repent of his sins; accept Jesus Christ, God’s Son as his Savior; and then be baptized as a profession of that faith, they were originally referred to as “Anabaptists,” which means “re-baptizers” because they re-baptized those previously sprinkled as infants. The name originally applied in derision, remains today in the shortened form of “Baptists.”

Kenneth Scott Latourette, a most respected church historian, wrote in summary that “Anabaptists were manifestations of a continuing strain in Christianity which had been present from the very beginning and which, before and since the Reformation, has expressed itself in many forms.”

Spiritual Baptist forefathers were sanctified and denominated by their convictions that one must be faithful to the teachings of His Holy Word, the Bible. These individuals and churches never yielded allegiance to or were identified which any church/state hierarchy. Because of their zealous resistance to the religious and political powers of their times, and their opposition to doctrines not aligned with Biblical teachings and principles, countless were persecuted in the severest manner. Many, after suffering, forfeited their lives for the principles set forth in the scriptures they held so dear.

Baptist of the past and present embrace the following truths:

1. The Bible, the inspired Word of God is the ONLY authority in matters of faith and practice.
2. ONLY personal faith in Christ secures salvation, therefore, rejecting infant baptism.
3. The church is composed of believers only who have been baptized on a personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Each church is autonomous with decisions being made by the local congregation, not by bishops of potentates.
5. Salvation from sin and the ability to live a life committed to Jesus Christ is dependent on the Holy Spirit – God in action.
6. The Holy Spirit, through study of the Bible, provides direction for each individual.