First Baptist Church of Manteca ©
Baptist:
Why we claim this "denomination"
Why Baptist?
Denominationalism in our time is unquestionable. Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, and Non-
Denominational, to name just a few. To name them all would take lots of space. True Christianity (those who are born
again), prevails and crosses over denominational boundaries as long as the doctrines of salvation are clearly and
unmistakably evident and taught. All Christians should share the joy of Christian fellowship and should never exclude
Christian fellowship as a result of denominational differences as long as the true gospel message and Godly
characteristics exist that promote healthy fellowship.
Christ speaks of “the faith,” and offers detailed instructions how to maintain it without error. The New Testament of
the bible is very specific about the doctrines of “the faith.” In fact, there are over 60 separate occasions in which the
word ‘doctrine’ is used in the NT. On each occasion, the up most urgency is stressed to both follow and maintain
correct doctrine, and warn believers of false doctrine and the need to flee from it as quickly as possible. The doctrines
that make up the framework of the church in the NT are easy to understand and were designed to allow individual
churches to function according to a divine plan. Straying outside these fundamental doctrines changes the makeup of
a perfectly designed plan that was originally intended by Christ. Consider a beautifully created and perfect sculpture.
Through time it will cease to ‘be’ if it is not cared for. What was once perfectly perceived by those who viewed it can no
longer project its original luster and integrity if it is allowed to decay or change in any way. It might exude a level of
beauty and earn some respect, but its full impact has been lost out of neglect and misinterpretation.
“Baptist,” is not a word that should be associated with pride, piety, or tradition. Instead, Baptist should be an identifier
that signifies to the world that a practice of following New Testament doctrine is followed with great importance.
Having success in establishing our Christian medium of understanding requires us to be like the “Bereans” and study
Gods word to defend ‘the faith’ and respond with boldness and confidence.
We should:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth." II Timothy 2:15
(Study, to share an unchanging message for God, doing it diligently and without shame, and because we have studied
and understood it, we do not have to question or be confused about our own beliefs).
So that:
"That we henceforth be no more like children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:14-15
(Because of our fervent study, we cannot be won over by beliefs that ‘sound good’ by those who seem to make sense,
but instead, through recognized truth-based and love-filled teachings, we will grow to be mature Christians as we learn
to understand God's definitions of truth and grace).
Only one tradition should exist. That is the tradition of the gospel message and the doctrines that guide us to
increase our faith and extend the mission of Christ and glorify Him through our actions.
“Baptist,” then, is a simple declaration of doctrinal belief, and a dedication in continuing an understanding of biblically
founded doctrine. Seeing “Baptist” in front of a church is a way to communicate the doctrinal position that is taken
when presenting the gospel of Christ.
Denominationalism in our time is unquestionable. Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, and Non-
Denominational, to name just a few. To name them all would take lots of space. True Christianity (those who are born
again), prevails and crosses over denominational boundaries as long as the doctrines of salvation are clearly and
unmistakably evident and taught. All Christians should share the joy of Christian fellowship and should never exclude
Christian fellowship as a result of denominational differences as long as the true gospel message and Godly
characteristics exist that promote healthy fellowship.
Christ speaks of “the faith,” and offers detailed instructions how to maintain it without error. The New Testament of
the bible is very specific about the doctrines of “the faith.” In fact, there are over 60 separate occasions in which the
word ‘doctrine’ is used in the NT. On each occasion, the up most urgency is stressed to both follow and maintain
correct doctrine, and warn believers of false doctrine and the need to flee from it as quickly as possible. The doctrines
that make up the framework of the church in the NT are easy to understand and were designed to allow individual
churches to function according to a divine plan. Straying outside these fundamental doctrines changes the makeup of
a perfectly designed plan that was originally intended by Christ. Consider a beautifully created and perfect sculpture.
Through time it will cease to ‘be’ if it is not cared for. What was once perfectly perceived by those who viewed it can no
longer project its original luster and integrity if it is allowed to decay or change in any way. It might exude a level of
beauty and earn some respect, but its full impact has been lost out of neglect and misinterpretation.
“Baptist,” is not a word that should be associated with pride, piety, or tradition. Instead, Baptist should be an identifier
that signifies to the world that a practice of following New Testament doctrine is followed with great importance.
Having success in establishing our Christian medium of understanding requires us to be like the “Bereans” and study
Gods word to defend ‘the faith’ and respond with boldness and confidence.
We should:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth." II Timothy 2:15
(Study, to share an unchanging message for God, doing it diligently and without shame, and because we have studied
and understood it, we do not have to question or be confused about our own beliefs).
So that:
"That we henceforth be no more like children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:14-15
(Because of our fervent study, we cannot be won over by beliefs that ‘sound good’ by those who seem to make sense,
but instead, through recognized truth-based and love-filled teachings, we will grow to be mature Christians as we learn
to understand God's definitions of truth and grace).
Only one tradition should exist. That is the tradition of the gospel message and the doctrines that guide us to
increase our faith and extend the mission of Christ and glorify Him through our actions.
“Baptist,” then, is a simple declaration of doctrinal belief, and a dedication in continuing an understanding of biblically
founded doctrine. Seeing “Baptist” in front of a church is a way to communicate the doctrinal position that is taken
when presenting the gospel of Christ.