Do Baptists Believe That?

#1 Do Baptists Believe in The Rapture?

Yes, Baptists believe in the Rapture and adhere to the teachings of a pretribulation rapture.

Just some of the religions that commonly understand the end times to include an apocalypse and return of Jesus in the future include:

• Fundamentalist Baptists
• Bible churches
• Pentecostals
• Evangelicals

The Rapture is not explicitly mentioned in the new testament, which leads to a separation in how Christians foresee the Rapture happening.

The three most popular beliefs are:

1. Some believe it will occur on the seventieth week, also referred to as the Great Tribulation
2. Some believe the Rapture will succeed the Great Tribulation, but it will still occur before God destroys the earth with wrathful intent
3. Some believe that the Rapture will be synchronous with the second coming of Jesus Christ

Baptists are the largest Protestant religion in the United States, and Baptist Press reports on a new study that found amongst Protestant Pastors:

• 36% believe in pretribulation 
• 25% believe the Rapture is not to be taken literally
• 18% believe in post-tribulation
• 4% believe in mid-tribulation
• 4% believe in Pre-wrath
• 1% believe in Pre-terism
• 8% believe in none of these

In detail:

“About a third (36 percent) of Protestant senior pastors believe in the kind of pre-tribulation Rapture familiar to pop culture. In that scenario, Christians disappear at the start of the apocalypse. Those left behind suffer great trouble or tribulation.

One in 4 pastors say the Rapture is not literal. Nearly 1 in 5 thinks the Rapture happens after the tribulation (18 percent). A few believe the Rapture already happened (1 percent) or that it will occur during the tribulation (4 percent) or before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth (4 percent). Others don’t agree with any of these views (8 percent) or aren’t sure what will happen (4 percent).”

Related Scripture(s):

• “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth^[a] will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24″ 30
• “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Related Video(s):

• Pretribulation Rapture – Hope Baptist Church; May 6^th, 2014.

#2 Do Baptists Believe in The Holy Spirit?

Yes, Baptists believe in the Holy Spirit, also known as Trinitarians (believers of the doctrine of the Trinity).  

Here are some beliefs from the Baptist Church:

• God dwells in three forms known as three distinct persons – The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
• These hypotheses are one being.
• God also dwells in his disciples.
• When someone is baptized like Jesus and his apostles, they are reborn on earth. The baptism ceremony is said to be the moment that the Holy Spirit regenerates one’s soul renewed.

Baptists feel that no genuine Christian can function without the guidance of the holy Spirit. Ministry leader Paul Chappell writes of Baptists and the Holy Spirit that the main areas the Holy Spirit works in the life of ‘every child of God’ are:

1. The Holy Spirit Exalts Christ
2. The Holy Spirit Comforts Hearts
3. The Holy Spirit Produces Righteousness

The Holy Spirit is vital in the belief systems of Baptists, Dispensationalists, and many Reformed churches. Baptists are firm in the belief that the Father, God, serves at the head of the Trinity. 

Related Scripture(s):

• “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” – John 14:26.
• “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38.
• “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8.

Related Video(s):

• What Do Baptists Believe About the Holy Spirit? Published by Pastor Ingram; January 16^th, 2020.

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#3 Do Baptists Believe in Tongues?

No, Baptists do not speak in tongues anymore. The practice of speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, was banned after the death of Jesus. Seen as a spiritual gift to some and demonic possession to others – glossolalia is a controversial subject in the Christian religion.

There are still a few Baptist churches that promote the practice even though it is less common for Baptists (for example, The First Baptist Church in Lawrence said, “The Pentecost speaking in tongues is what the early Church most needed,  and it is what the Church still needs today. It is this speaking in tongues that will allow us to fully share the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

The religions that most commonly utilize glossolalia to connect with God are:

• Assemblies of God
• Pentecostal Protestants
• Some evangelicals
• The Church of God
• The United Pentecostal Church

In many parts of the world, including Pentecostal churches of Asia, Africa, and South America – glossolalia is a normative practice.

Related Scripture(s):

• “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the Church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the Church may be built up. …” – 1 Corinthians 14:1-40.

Related Video(s):

• The First Baptist Church in Lawrence; Video and Sermon Transcribed; Published May 20^th, 2018.

#4 Do Baptists Drink Alcohol?

Yes, Baptists drink alcohol but have battled with the subject famously since before the days of temperance. Due to this, more than half of Baptists and Protestants avoid alcohol, promoting a lifestyle free of addiction and dependency on substance.

In the 1800s, they were known for producing strong liquor, selling it, and using it during Church sermons. However, by Prohibition, Baptists had embraced their stricter guidelines for living a moral and sober life.

During temperance, the Baptist Church was in great support. When the 18^th amendment was ratified to legalize prohibition, the Southern Baptist Convention referred to this as the ‘greatest victory for moral reform in America since the Declaration of Independence.”

Advancing 100 years, and today, Baptists Health Publishers report on cardiovascular research that wine can be good for heart health. To this, the Baptist nutritional experts encourage ‘everything in moderation,’ but this is quite a progression to occur within a single century. 

The Church still does maintain that addiction and intoxication ruins families, ruins health, and creates a barrier between you and your religious dedication.

Nonetheless, Baptists are the largest Protestant religion in the United States. You can imagine that many of them have a beer every now and again.

In a study conducted by LifeWay Research, Baptist News reports that among Protestant churchgoers:

• 41% drank alcohol in 2017; up 2% from 2007 (39%)
• 59% did not drink alcohol in 2017; down 2% from 2007 (61%)

In a related poll, it was found that:

“About nine in 10 say the Bible teaches against drunkenness, but four in 10 admit to drinking in moderation. Fewer than 25 percent of Protestant churchgoers believe the Bible teaches total abstinence from alcohol, and 55 percent say alcoholic beverages can be consumed without sin.”

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#5 Do Baptists Celebrate Easter?

Yes, you can see many reports and invitations to celebrate Easter Sunday in Baptist Churches, and it is considered a sacred celebration of Jesus Christ’s death, sacrifice, and resurrection.

The religions that most commonly spend Easter celebrating, honoring Jesus Christ, and feasting in community gatherings are:

• Anglicans
• Baptists
• Catholics
• Orthodox Christians
• Pentecostals
• Many other Christian Denominations

John 11:25-26 says:

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”’

It is a popular day for baptisms and the celebration of new life.

NCBaptist.org writes about when to have your baptism and Why Easter is An Ideal Day for Baptisms:

“As we approach Easter this year, I want to encourage all of our North Carolina Baptist churches to include baptism as part of their Easter Sunday worship celebrations on April 12.”

Related Scripture(s):

• “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” – 1 Peter 1:3.

Related Video(s):

• Louisiana Baptists – Checklist for Easter Sunday; Published March 27^th, 2018. 

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#6 Do Baptists Believe in Saints?

Yes, Baptists believe in the existence of saints and do not reject their literal presence in the Bible; however, they do not worship Saints in the same level of esteem and admiration as they worship God. There is even St. John the Baptist and Saints can be seen as angels or disciples of God’s word (with scriptures even referring to all men that God loves as being saints).

Taking literal interpretation of scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:5 , Baptists believe that humanity should only show venerative worship to the Trinity only, (the three entities within God):

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

What could be considered a ‘kind reverence’ for Saints amongst Baptists, many Christian denominations agree that Saints are guides and protectors of God’s light, but not Gods themselves.

Almost seen as shepherds of God’s vision, Saints are seen helping mankind, supporting God, and symbolizing pure light.

Even Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is considered to be a Saint of some kind. However, Baptists do not worship or pray to Mary either. Prayers and worship are only sent in the name of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Related Scripture(s):

• “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 1:7.

Related Video(s):

• St. John The Baptists; Published November 8^th, 2017.

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#7 Do Baptists Believe in Healing?

Yes, Baptists believe in healing but also rely on modern medicine, surgery, pharmaceuticals, and other Western progressions of medicine. In addition to prayer, Baptists feel that the power of humankind can be uplifted through the miracles of God.

Baptists are not the most dedicated believers of faith healing (the principle that prayers alone can incite miraculous healing from God). In Baptist News, they report: 

“Evangelicals in particular are more likely to pray for and believe in miraculous healing than they are to experience it, though this does not appear to affect their belief in its possibility.

Traditionally, Baptists have leaned more on praying for the sick, doctors, and successful treatments while placing more importance on seeking spiritual health, he said.”

In a 2016 survey conducted on these figures, it was found that the Christians that have prayed for someone to be healed supernationally by God are:

• 63% of males answered yes
• 73% of females answered yes
• 95% of Evangelicals answered yes
• 86% of practicing Christians answered yes
• 84% of Protestants answered yes
• 76% of Catholics answered yes
• 73% had a high school education or less
• 60% were college graduates

Most Americans believe in faith-based, supernatural, and divine healing.

Related Scripture(s)/Resource(s):

• FaithLeeSummit.org – Baptist Beliefs: Faith Healing Meetings – Faith Baptist Church believes that believers who are ill may pray for healing and that God can and does heal when it is His will, and it will redound to His glory. We believe we should pray one for another in times of illness, but always praying in the will of God and not putting guilt or lack of faith to the charge of the believer if the healing does not come to pass. We do not believe that physical healing is a part of salvation, or that God desires all believers to be in good health. Paul had an infirmity of the flesh and God refused to remove it, even though Paul prayed in faith for healing. (2 Corinthians 12L7-10) Because we do not believe that physical healing is a part of salvation (the doctrine of healing in the atonement, as held by most Pentecostal groups), we do not conduct or condone the conduction of meetings for the purpose of providing or claiming to provide physical healing. Faith Baptist Church believes that meetings should be conducted for the purposes of evangelism or spiritual edification. We believe that God has given men (such as Dr. Luke) the knowledge to care for our physical bodies. We are to avail ourselves of such assistance in times of need while relying on the Lord to overrule and provide such healing as is beyond the capacity of the doctors caring for us, and within the will of the Lord for us.

Related Video(s):

• Basic Ways to Receive Your Healing – Smyrna Baptist Church; Published June 18^th, 2019.  

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#8 Do Baptists Believe in Purgatory?

Although some Baptists pose the question, ‘will I go to purgatory?’ It is not commonly a Baptist principle. Catholics are the more common believers in Purgatory, whereas  Baptists do not even include Purgatory in their central beliefs. Baptists focus on praying to Jesus and doing things that can bring them salvation.

A mainline Protestant professor from Baptist University wrote about the differences in the Catholic view and how the idea of Purgatory should not be taken so literally. In Professor Walls analysis, he describes a case for purification, not retribution:

“Purgatory exists not to satisfy God’s sense of justice in punishing the unrepentant, but rather to purify believers in preparation for their everlasting home in God’s presence, he explained.

Sin trains fallen humankind a certain way, and sanctification demands dramatic transformation achieved over a lifetime—and beyond, if necessary, he noted.

Total transformation requires radical repentance.”

Fundamentally, Baptists believe Purgatory is an existence that may exist, and they even ponder it’s plausibility sometimes in analytical blogs. But they do not teach or create a central-message surrounding purgatory in their denomination. 

Related Scripture(s):

• “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” – Hebrews 9:27.
• “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28.

Related Video(s):

• Will I Go To Purgatory? South Fork Baptist Church; Published March 1^st, 2020. 

#9 Do Baptists Believe in Original Sin?

Yes and no. Baptists believe in original sin and the concept that the fall of Adam led to all of mankind being born with innate sin and the desire for sin that must be fought. However, influential members of the Church historically (for example, Willaim Hendricks and Pilgram Marpeck) did not believe in original sin.

It would depend on who you ask, but many Baptists do not see original sin as the reason for mankind’s sin, only a story told in the Bible. Others, such as Evangelical Baptists, do make a case for original sin.

There are versatile answers and thought-processes behind original sin.

Some of the variations may include:

• Orthodox churches feel that man dies because of Adam’s original sin.
• Catholic churches feel that original sin reordered the hierarchy of man’s body and soul. The original sin dissolved the purity of the soul, leading man to develop an inclination for sin. They do not view humankind responsible or guilty of Adam’s sin.
• Reformed churches may argue that man is also guilty of Adam’s sin.
• Baptist churches may contest that original sin is not directly stated in the Bible.

Mainstream and fundamentalist Baptists would take an even more intense outlook, seeing God as incredibly unforgiving. Even though the popular vision of God is a light-filled, purity-promoting God of forgiveness – Traditionalist Baptists would argue that God is not that loving, and will readily condemn anyone for sin.

Named after their deeply-rooted practice of baptizing, Baptists do not believe that baptism will fix original sin. Even after being baptized, immersed, and ‘reborn’ from your sins, you are still not considered the ‘remedy’ for original sin.

Related Scripture(s):

• “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” – Romans 5:12.
• “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8-10. 
• “Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.” – Ezekiel 18:4
• “Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. …” – Romans 5:14-21.

Related Video(s):

Was John the Baptist Born Without Original Sin? Published June 24^th, 2018. 

Learn More

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