The Four Views of Baptist Origin

 

List and summarize the 4 views of Baptist origin. Which view is most convincing? Why? Give specific reasons in your response.

The four views of Baptist origin are:

1.)    The outgrowth of English Separatism.

According to McBeth, Baptists had its beginnings out of English separatism in the 17^th century in England and Holland.[1] There was a distaste for the workings within the Church of England for the Puritans desired to have a pure church and dissenting groups such as the Baptists emerged.[2] They held on to the beliefs of reformers such as Ulrich Zwingli, the Bible, and believed in baptism through the process of immersion for believers only which earned them the name of “Baptist.”[3] There were two prominent groups that derived from the Baptists – General and Particular who views differed when it came to the workings of the church organization and their beliefs concerning the atonement.[4]

2.)    The influence of biblical Anabaptists.

Some scholars have debated rather Anabaptists had any influence on the origins of Baptists. Those who believe that there was such and influence believe that the Anabaptists had more influence on the General Baptists than the Particular Baptists.[5] Scholars such a William R. Estep believed that Anabaptists helped to influence the Baptist’s separatism.[6] There is also the belief that the Anabaptist had an influence on the Baptist’s belief of believer’s baptism.[7]

3.)    The continuation of biblical teachings through the ages.

Many scholars believe that the Baptist teaching and beliefs did not start with the Separatist movement nor the Anabaptists but can be traced back to the teachings of Jesus Christ or at least predates them.[8] Not all scholars agree, however, and they consider Baptists to be a newer belief system that may have in not doubt had a huge influence stemming from both the Separatist movement and the Anabaptists.[9] Some scholars just maintained the view that it was not as important rather the Baptist history could be traced to the apostolic times, but rather the truths of the Bible were being adhered to from Baptist’s beginnings to the present time.[10]

4.)    The succession of organized Baptist churches through the ages.

This view is similar to the previous but was more recognized in the 19^th century and that was regarding the Baptist’s origin being one that began during the New Testament.[11] Many scholars believe that there were various names used throughout the ages that held the beliefs of what came to be known as Baptist which provided a continuity of the faith.[12] This belief system is known as the “Jesus-Jordan-John (JJJ)” view originating when John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.[13]

I believe that there is more evidence to the view that the Baptists came to be as part of the Separatist Movement based on the historical account of what was taking place during the reign of Henry VIII, his son, Charles VI, and the daughters who ruled. There was a lot of persecution that was taking place especially for those who were opposed to the Catholic Church and the Church of England. Many groups formed out of being in opposition to such governmental rule as what took place with Martin Luther and the Reformation era. Such groups such as the Protestants came out of wanting reform. Therefore, I believe that out of wanting change, as with other movements of the day, the Baptist were one of many denominations that came as a result, but aligned their beliefs in Biblical teachings.

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[1] H. Leon McBeth, Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Pub, 2016), 19-21.

[2] Ibid., 19-20.

[3] Ibid., 21.

[4] Ibid., 21-22.

[5] Ibid., 55.

[6] Ibid., 54-55.

[7] Ibid., 52-55.

[8] Ibid., 56.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid., 58.

[11] Ibid., 58.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.

The Judgment Seat of Christ: The Believer’s Final Judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ PART 3

The Believer’s Final Judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ

            The word judgment can raise an array of emotions depending on one’s unique situation. When a plaintiff brings a case before the court such as medical malpractice, the plaintiff’s desire is for the court to declare a judgment in their favor. A judgment for the plaintiff is considered as a win, which means they will receive some type of compensation. On the other hand, if the defendant receives a judgment against them, that judgment is viewed negatively because it means that some type of retribution has to be paid by the defendant. Both parties were the recipients of the same judgment, but with different consequences and end results. Likewise, when Christians think of judgment or the Bema seat of Christ, they do not have to be worried that this judgment will affect them negatively with the exception of losing rewards which Christ would have wanted so much to give to them.[1] Only those who are non-believers will be judged before the Great White Throne of God with negative eternal consequences.[2]

 

            The believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to have his faithfulness to God evaluated to determine his reward.[3] Jesus holds each believer as a valuable commodity because He paid the ultimate price for their sins. Therefore, regardless of how many times a believer falls, their value stays in place.[4] The Bible says, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked” (Proverbs 24:16).[5] God knew that man was predisposed to sin due to his human nature. This is why Jesus was sent to pay the ultimate price because man would constantly fall, but he would not lose his value in the eyes of God for Jesus gained the victory over sin and death. He pays attention to the believer during the earthly training process in preparedness for His return. Every believer has the opportunity to receive rewards based on their faithfulness and endurance to the end.[6]

 

An athlete trains for a marathon before the actual event takes place. Some will receive rewards of first, second, and third place while others will not even though they complete the race. Unlike these types of athletic competitions, everyone can receive a reward from Jesus if they do not give up. The judgment seat of Christ serves as a present motivator for Christians to remain faithful having the knowledge that they will receive rewards when they stand before the Lord rather they did good or bad (good for nothing).[7]

            The judgment seat of Christ is not only motivational, but it serves to reveal the heart and character of the believer.[8] God told the Prophet Samuel when he was in search of Israel’s next king after Saul that man looks at the outward appearance, but God judges the heart.[9] Appearing before the judgment seat of Christ does not mean a physical appearance, but it refers to being made transparent or revealed before Him, for Jesus is able to see inside the hearts of man.[10] The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).[11] Not only will the actions that a believer does be evaluated before the Lord but the motives for the action will be taken into account. Every believer should be mindful of this because one can do the right thing for the wrong reason in which, no reward will be granted.[12]

            Many Christians take pride in doing some type of work in their local church. They serve in various positions such as deacons, ushers, Sunday School teachers, worship art leaders and more. Although serving in such positions are commendable, every believer should ask themselves the question, “Am I rendering a service for the glory and edification of God, or am I seeking the mere approval of man?” If one’s answer is the latter, they have already received their reward and should not expect to receive an eternal one. Once again, a person can do all the right things, but with impure motives, which will be evaluated at the judgment seat of Christ. One should make sure that their motives are pure to avoid forfeiture of kingdom rewards.[13]

            Now is the time where Christians should ensure that they are living pure lives before God.[14] He knows the end from the beginning and He judges the hearts, mind, and soul of every individual. The Apostle Paul wrote that he was striving towards the mark for the prize unto which he was called.[15] What one does on earth matters greatly in Heaven as all believers will have their final exam.[16]  Paul desired to hear Jesus say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant,” for he knew that he had fought a good fight and had completed his race where a great reward was waiting for him.[17] Some believers may have the mindset that they just want to make it in, but that mentality should not be. It would be like going to a 5-star restaurant where one could order filet mignon, instead, they order a serving of Spam. Jesus is giving believers the chance to have His absolute best and all that is required is to remain faithful by living holy and righteous lives as we help others in service to Him. The great payday is quickly approaching.

JOIN US FOR PART 4.

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[1] Hoyt, Judgment Seat, 109-110.

[2] Grant LeMarquand, "The Hell You Say": Salvation and the Final Judgment," Anglican Theological Review 95, no. 1 (Winter 2013): 106-110, http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1284118911?accountid=12085.

[3] Hoyt, Judgment Seat, 13-15.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Prov. 24:16 (New Living Translation).

[6] Dwight Lyman Moody, Heaven: Where It Is, Its Inhabitants, and How to Get There: The Certainty of God's Promise of a Life Beyond the Grave, and the Rewards That Are in Store for Faithful Service (Toronto: Rose-Belford Pub. Co, 1983), 70-75.

[7] 2 Cor. 5:9-10 (New International Version).

[8] Erwin W Lutzer, Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Chicago, Ill: Moody Press, 2015), 17-22.

[9] 1 Sam. 16:7 (New International Version).

[10] Hoyt, Judgment Seat, 33-36.

[11] Heb. 4:13 (New International Version).

[12] Hoyt, Judgment Seat, 135-137.

[13] Lutzer, Your Eternal Reward, 17-22.

[14] Michael E. Maher, Eternal Judgement: We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of himself to God (Foundation doctrines of Christ) (Lulu Independent Publishing, 2017), 570-573.

[15] Phil. 3:14 (New International Version).

[16] John W Schoenheit, The Christian's Hope: The Anchor of the Soul : What the Bible Really Says About Death, Judgment, Rewards, Heaven, and the Future Life on a Restored Earth (Indianapolis, IN: Christian Educational Services, 2001), 182-185.

[17] 2 Tim. 4:7 (New International Version).