Trail Markers
Contributions of Conference Baptists
March 2009
First, the Swedish Baptists of America, as descendants of the “Lasare” Pietists of Sweden, have made the Bible the only and supreme authority in faith and practice. Into whatever city, or hamlet, or rural community in America Swedish Baptists have gone, they have planted the Word of God.
Second, Swedish Baptists in their religious purposes have always aimed at higher goals than the making of mere church members. The great doctrine of the new birth received a central emphasis in all their teaching. “My friend, are you born again?” was the constant, repeated question.
Third, the Swedish Baptists have held a firm conviction regarding the absolute necessity of a holy walk and a life separated from the sinful ways of the world.
Fourth, Swedish Baptists have endeavored faithfully to carry out the Master’s great commission: “Go ye therefore and make disciples among all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Their sons and daughters, in great numbers, have continued to go to the ends of the earth to point the lost to the Lamb of God.
In conclusion, the Bible at the center as the eternally sure and dependable Word of God; the message of redeeming grace and deliverance from the guilt and power of sin by means of the new birth; the glorious possibility of a consecrated and Spirit-filled life; and the privilege and responsibility we have to tell the story of Jesus to all nations—these are the four red strands that run throughout the history of Swedish Baptists in America during the course of “A Century of God’s Grace!” May a merciful and kind God lead His people to even greater victories in coming years.
What Makes Baptists Distinct?
(From My Church by Gordon G. Johnson, Harvest Publications, 1957)
- The New Testament is the sole and sufficient rule of faith and function. We believe the entire Bible to be the inspired, written revelation of God, but it is the New Testament that gives us the authority for faith and activity in the church.
- It is the privilege of each individual to have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This is known as the universal priesthood of believers.
- The church and state are to be completely separate in their respective fields.
- The church’s government is a simple, democratic form. A democratic church government is called the congregational form. This means each member in a Baptist church has as much authority as any other member, including the pastor.
- Baptism is for believers only, and accomplished only by immersion. The qualification for baptism is not a matter of age but of faith. Baptism follows trusting in the Lordship of Christ.
- Church membership is for the regenerate (i.e., “spiritually reborn”) only. An unregenerate church membership soon leads to a weakened church, with the possibility of ungodly practices.
- Jesus Christ is the supreme Head of the Church.
- The evangelization of the world is our task.