{"id":26,"date":"2009-01-18T10:16:46","date_gmt":"2009-01-18T15:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/?p=26"},"modified":"2009-09-02T10:55:56","modified_gmt":"2009-09-02T15:55:56","slug":"biblical-authority-and-freedom-of-conscience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/?p=26","title":{"rendered":"Biblical Authority and Freedom of Conscience"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">What Am I Doing In Church?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">January 18, 2009<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">Baptist Distinctives<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 20pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-size: 16pt; font-family: Tahoma;\">Biblical Authority and Freedom of Conscience<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;\" align=\"center\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;\"><\/h1>\n<h1 style=\"margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; font-family: Arial;\">Introduction<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\">\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The distinctives of Baptists spring from a foundational belief in the final authority of the Bible in all matters of faith and practice.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Although it is understood that other Christians may agree with one or more of the distinctives we hold, Baptists believe all of them.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A distinctive is a trait or a characteristic that distinguishes one thing from another.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Baptist distinctives are those doctrines or practices that distinguish Baptists from other Christian groups or denominations.<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 style=\"margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; font-family: Arial;\">Biblical Authority<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">2 Timothy 3:16<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">16 All scripture <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">is<\/span> given by inspiration of God, and <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">is<\/span> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness<\/span><\/em><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Baptist Declaration of Biblical Authority<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The matter of authority determines whose idea, will or way will decide or prevail.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The final authority for faith and practice is the Bible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">C.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">This truth is found in Baptist articles of faith through out the centuries.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">II.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Baptist Delineation of Biblical Authority<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">This statement has similarities to the Protestant statements made at the time of reformation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Baptist position is different than the Protestants.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">C.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Bible is supernaturally inspired.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">D.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Bible is totally true \u2013 it does not merely contain the truth.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">E.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Bible is God\u2019s complete revelation<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">F.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Bible is the final authority.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">G.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">This is distinct from the Roman Catholic view.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">1.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The Catholics make edicts of councils, statements of popes and traditions of the church equal with the authority of the Bible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">2.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">They believe that their church produced the Bible, so it has authority over the Bible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">3.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">God tells us not to add anything or take away anything from His word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\">\u00a0 <\/span>Revelation 22:18-19<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">H.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Distinct in comparison to the view of many Protestants.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">1.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Many main line Protestant denominations have forsaken the position of Biblical Authority.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">2.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Baptists hold that the New Testament is the full and complete authority for the church.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">3.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">The New Testament church is not a modified synagogue of the inter biblical period.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Distinct in comparison to the view of Pentecostals or Charismatics.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">1.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Pentecostals and Charismatics believe that God still gives special revelation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 117pt; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 117.0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">2.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Baptists challenge this position with the following scripture:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 99pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 99pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">1 Corinthians 13:8-10<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 99pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">8 Charity never faileth: but whether <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">there be<\/span> prophecies, they shall fail; whether <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">there be<\/span> tongues, they shall cease; whether <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">there be<\/span> knowledge, it shall vanish away.<span style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\">\u00a0 <\/span>9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away<\/span><\/em><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">.<span style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\">\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 99pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: large; font-family: Arial;\">Freedom of Conscience<\/span><\/h1>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">I.<span style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\">\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Foundational Distinctive<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 9pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 54.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 54.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Baptists have declared personal and individual responsibility and accountability of each person before God.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 54.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 54.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Worship must be voluntary.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">II.<span style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\">\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>A Biblical Imperative<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 54.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.75pt;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Each soul will be called into accountability.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">Romans 14:12<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">Revelation 20:12<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">the book<\/span> of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">Matthew 12:36<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">36 <span style=\"color: red;\">But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Romans 2:16<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 54.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Christ emphasized individual decisions to obey God.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">Matthew 7:24-27<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">24 <span style=\"color: red;\">Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:<\/span> 25 <span style=\"color: red;\">And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.<\/span> 26 <span style=\"color: red;\">And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:<\/span> 27 <span style=\"color: red;\">And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">Matthew 12:46-50<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">his<\/span> mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, <span style=\"color: red;\">Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?<\/span> 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, <span style=\"color: red;\">Behold my mother and my brethren!<\/span> 50 <span style=\"color: red;\">For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">III.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">An Ecclesiastical Distinctive<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Baptist denial of infant baptism is based in part upon the principle of individual freedom of conscience.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Each believer is a priest with access directly to God through the Lord Jesus.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 9pt 0.75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">1 Timothy 2:5<\/span><\/em><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><em style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\">5 For <span style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: italic;\">there is<\/span> one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus<\/span><\/em><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">; <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">IV.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A Historical Distinctive<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">A.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Early declarations of freedom of conscience \u2013 the Donatists<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">B.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">English Baptists were persecuted for this principle<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt 72.75pt; text-indent: -18.75pt; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.75pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;\"><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">C.<\/span><span style=\"font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Tahoma;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\">American Baptists suffered for this principle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Baptist distinctives are those doctrines or practices that distinguish Baptists from other Christian groups or denominations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sunday-evening-sermons"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=26"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":152,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26\/revisions\/152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=26"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=26"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forum.ebcct.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=26"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}