Baptist Bible Seminary & Institute, Inc.
Statement of Faith
Baptist Distinctives and the Fundamentals of the Faith upheld by Baptist Bible Seminary & Institute, Inc.
Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute affirms the historic Baptist distinctives and the essential doctrines of the Christian faith as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. These convictions define the theological identity of the institution and govern its ministry of training men and women for faithful service in the local church and beyond.
The following statements represent the doctrinal position to which all faculty, staff, and board members subscribe, and upon which the curriculum and institutional life of BBSI are founded.
Section I
Baptist Distinctives
These eight distinctives articulate the convictions that define Baptist identity and the governance of the local church as revealed in the New Testament.
The Bible is the final authority in all matters it speaks of in life, doctrine, and ministry because it is inspired of God.
Scripture References:2 Timothy 3:16
The Local Church is an independent body of genuine believers accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.
Scripture References:Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:40–41; Colossians 1:18
All true believers of Christ are priests of God with the right to directly enter into God’s presence in prayer and worship through our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture References:1 Peter 2:9
The Local Church practices two ordinances: (1) Baptism of Believers by immersion in water and (2) the Lord’s Supper.
Scripture References:Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Every individual has the freedom to choose what he or she believes is right in the religious realm according to his conscience and the Word of God.
Scripture References:Romans 14:6
Local Church is restricted to individuals who profess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by grace through faith, not by works. These individuals have publicly identified themselves with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection unto a new life.
Scripture References:Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 6:4–6
The Bible teaches two offices in the Church: (1) Pastor who is called elder and bishop. The pastor feeds, leads, cares for, counsels, and disciplines – with the church, God’s flock; and (2) Deacon, who is responsible to assist the pastor in material and spiritual ministry of the church.
Scripture References:Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; 1 Timothy 3:8–13
God established both the Church and the government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of polity and ministry. Separation of the believer from sin, worldliness, compromise, and various unbiblical organizations.
Scripture References:Matthew 22:15–22
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Section II
Fundamentals of the Faith
These fundamental doctrines constitute the non-negotiable truths of the Christian faith upon which the ministry and mission of BBSI are established.
The Bible of 66 books is equally, plenary and verbally inspired and binding to both faith and practice. It is infallible and without error in the autographs.
Scripture References:2 Timothy 3:16–17
He is fully God and fully man. He has always existed and always be God possessing eternal divine attributes of deity.
Scripture References:John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8
Jesus was conceived of Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born sinless. He lived a life without sin and performed miracles to validate the fact that He is the one sent by God.
Scripture References:Matthew 1:18–25; John 20:30–31
In his death, Jesus shed His blood as the only acceptable payment for the sin of the whole world but salvation is only effective to those who truly repent from their sins and believe on Him as Savior and Lord.
Scripture References:John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 John 2:2
Jesus arose physically from the grave conquering death and the grave. This is for the believer’s justification and assurance of their future physical resurrection.
Scripture References:Luke 24:1–2; Romans 4:25
Jesus assured His disciples that He would come again to take them after he prepared a dwelling place for them so that wherever he is, there his disciples will be also.
Scripture References:John 14:1–3
“Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
— Jude 1:3