In church circles, the word “Baptist” may be a loaded term. There are some people who would probably never think of going to a church which did not have the word “Baptist” somewhere in its name. There are others who would probably never think of going to one that did! In our church, we have some of both types, with most falling some place in between.
So what does it mean to be a “Baptist”? Most fundamentally, it should mean to be a Christian. More particularly, a Baptist is a Christian who accepts the Bible as the Word of God and as the guide for one’s life. On these two points, there are Christians, through the ages from all denominations, who would agree with Baptists. The distinguishing mark of a Baptist church is its view of baptism. Baptists have historically viewed baptism as a sign and celebration for disciples of Christ as they declare their faith publicly. This conviction came as the result of examining the command of Christ, as well as the New Testament doctrines of the church and baptism. This doctrine is clearly portrayed in the life and practice of the early church (cf. Acts). Baptism is a testimony of God’s grace in someone’s life, of His incorporating them into Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Baptists believe that all believers are commanded by Christ to make this public profession of faith. That, basically, is what it means to be a Baptist.
So, being a Baptist does not mean that you have been to a Baptist school, that your parents were Baptist, that you have a certain voting record, or a certain dress sense. It simply means that you, too, think that Jesus taught that baptism was for believers, a symbolic confession of sin, and a picture of our resurrection to a new life. If that is your understanding, then you, too, are a Baptist.