The following is based on:
Fred A. Malone, The Baptism of
Disciples Alone: A Covenantal Argument for Credobaptism Versus Paedobaptism (rev
ed.; Cape Coral, Fla.: Founders Press,
2008), 195-99
1.
The New Testament church is
repeatedly called “the disciples” (Acts 6:1-7, 9:26; 11:26). This means that
the local church must be composed of baptized disciples alone who give evidence
of regeneration by their repentance and faith in Christ before their baptism.
2.
The baptism of disciples alone affects
evangelism. It means that candidates (catechumens) for baptism should have
adequate understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ, the gospel of
repentance and faith, and be committed followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus made disciples first, then baptized them (John 4:1-2). A
prerequisite to baptism is Lordship salvation and a disciple’s commitment.
3.
The church as an assembly of
baptized disciples demands that the worship and teaching ministry of the church
on the Lord’s Day be geared toward disciples, people of faith, not “seekers.”
4.
The church as an assembly of
baptized disciples demands that the priority and autonomy of the local church be
emphasized over denominationalism. The local church is the only earthly,
visible organization that has Jesus Christ as its Head, carrying His authority.
Although we believe in the church universal, Baptists do not believe in
ecclesiastical authority beyond the local church.
5.
The church as an assembly of
baptized disciples must recognize the priesthood of the believer as each
disciple approaches God through Christ alone. Every Christian is a disciple of
Christ, not the church. However, this does not mean that people can believe
anything they wish and still be a member of a local Baptist church. The church
must examine the beliefs of potential members and make sure that they believe
the gospel of Jesus Christ as stated in the Scripture and the articles of faith
of that church.
6.
The church as an assembly of
baptized disciples requires the practice of church disciple. Jesus commanded
this of each local church (Matthew 18:15=17), it is obvious that someone who
professes to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, yet who stubbornly refuses to live
by His teachings (Matthew 28:19-20), is not really a disciple and is in
spiritual danger of false conversion (Matthew 7:22-23).
7.
The church as an assembly of baptized
disciples requires the church to practice biblically regulated worship. The
Great Commission of Christ calls the church to teach baptized disciples to do
whatever Jesus commanded His disciples to do. Worship must be in spirit and
truth, not in spirit and creativity. To invent new forms of worship not
instituted by Christ and His apostles in the New Testament is to disobey His
commandments as professed disciples. The approved elements of worship in the
New Testament are reading the Scriptures, preaching and teaching them,
congregational singing (of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs), prayer, baptism,
the Lord’s Supper, and collections. Such additions as drama [etc] are violations
of the biblical and historical regulative principle of worship believed by
historical Baptists.
