Reformed Baptists
A “Reformed Baptists church” is distinct from other Baptist churches.
Reformed Baptist churches arose primarily during the protestant reformation in England during the 1640’s and hold to the fundamental tenants of historic, orthodox Christianity. Reformed Baptist identity is marked by “Trinitarian orthodoxy and Calvinistic evangelicalism” that “supported the New Testament witness to a believers’ church practicing the immersion of only those who have faith in the righteousness of Christ and manifest the marks of the new birth” (The Baptists: Volume One by Tom Nettles, p. 15). What defines a Reformed Baptist Church?
Reformed Baptist churches arose primarily during the protestant reformation in England during the 1640’s and hold to the fundamental tenants of historic, orthodox Christianity. Reformed Baptist identity is marked by “Trinitarian orthodoxy and Calvinistic evangelicalism” that “supported the New Testament witness to a believers’ church practicing the immersion of only those who have faith in the righteousness of Christ and manifest the marks of the new birth” (The Baptists: Volume One by Tom Nettles, p. 15). What defines a Reformed Baptist Church?
Mission Statement
The mission of Cornerstone Baptist Church is “Making Disciples for the Glory of God.” It is a mission that has been given to us by our Lord in Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. The first observation you might make from this text is that Jesus Christ Himself has given us this mission and He has done so with absolute sovereign authority. As Lord, Jesus not only has the right to command, but it is both the humble duty and great JOY of every genuine Christian to submit to His Lordship and to obey His commands from the heart by faith
(1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3, Luke 9:23-26, John 15:9-17).
The next point you might observe would be that the primary command given here is to “go” and “make disciples.” The making of disciples is then further explained by “baptizing them” and “teaching them to observe” Christ’s commands. A disciple here is someone who has repented (turned from a life of sin) and believed the gospel (placed their faith, trust, and reliance in Jesus Christ alone to save them from sin and the wrath of God). It is those believers, saved by grace alone, that are then baptized into the church and taught to obey Christ. This commission, therefore, must involve a right understanding of the gospel including the biblical response of repentance and faith. By definition it must also involve faithfulness in evangelism, biblical discipleship, preaching the whole counsel of God, a biblical view of church membership, the faithful practice of church discipline, and so on.
Finally, we have the gracious promise of Christ’s own enduring presence and power for the effective fulfillment of this mission! None of this would be possible apart from His working in us and through us for His ultimate glory.
We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). And because Christ has saved us, it is our joy and wonderful privilege to serve Him in
“Making Disciples for the Glory of God.”
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
This passage is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. The first observation you might make from this text is that Jesus Christ Himself has given us this mission and He has done so with absolute sovereign authority. As Lord, Jesus not only has the right to command, but it is both the humble duty and great JOY of every genuine Christian to submit to His Lordship and to obey His commands from the heart by faith
(1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3, Luke 9:23-26, John 15:9-17).
The next point you might observe would be that the primary command given here is to “go” and “make disciples.” The making of disciples is then further explained by “baptizing them” and “teaching them to observe” Christ’s commands. A disciple here is someone who has repented (turned from a life of sin) and believed the gospel (placed their faith, trust, and reliance in Jesus Christ alone to save them from sin and the wrath of God). It is those believers, saved by grace alone, that are then baptized into the church and taught to obey Christ. This commission, therefore, must involve a right understanding of the gospel including the biblical response of repentance and faith. By definition it must also involve faithfulness in evangelism, biblical discipleship, preaching the whole counsel of God, a biblical view of church membership, the faithful practice of church discipline, and so on.
Finally, we have the gracious promise of Christ’s own enduring presence and power for the effective fulfillment of this mission! None of this would be possible apart from His working in us and through us for His ultimate glory.
We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). And because Christ has saved us, it is our joy and wonderful privilege to serve Him in
“Making Disciples for the Glory of God.”
Confession of Faith
In 1677 Reformed Baptists first published the Second London Confession of Faith. In 1689 the Second London Confession was republished. Today it is called The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, or The Second London Confession and summarily contains the doctrinal beliefs of Reformed Baptists.
Doctrinal Positions
The church must stand counter to the course of this world. In our doctrinal convictions and practice we seek the glory of God and the good of our neighbors in every sphere of life.
