What are the beliefs of Free Will Baptists? Historical Background Free Will Baptists trace their formal origins to the early eighteenth century. While Baptist thought and practice can be found in diverse regions, one commonly recognized milestone is the ministry of Paul Palmer in 1727, who formed churches that emphasized the freedom of humanity to respond to God’s grace. Over time, these congregations coalesced into organized associations retaining a distinct focus on individual responsibility and local church autonomy. Although related to the broader Baptist tradition in their emphasis on believers’ baptism by immersion, Free Will Baptists grew out of a conviction that individuals have true moral agency—that they are able to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation. The name “Free Will” reflects this core theological stance and sets them apart from more Calvinistic Baptist fellowships. Core Theological Positions Free Will Baptists hold to many commonly shared evangelical beliefs while specifically stressing free will and conditional security. Their teachings center on the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, the work of Christ, and the responsibility of every person to respond to God’s grace: 1. God as Creator and Sustainer They affirm the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—united as one Eternal Being (Matthew 28:19). God created the universe and imbued humanity with the capacity for relationship and worship. 2. Scripture as Final Authority They uphold the Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). As with other Baptists, Free Will Baptists strongly emphasize Scripture in faith and practice. 3. Salvation through Christ Alone Free Will Baptists stress salvation as a gracious gift offered through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). They believe Christ’s atoning sacrifice is sufficient for all (1 John 2:2) and that any person can freely receive it or reject it. 4. Holy Spirit They maintain the Holy Spirit as the comforter and guide (John 14:16–17). The Spirit convicts of sin, grants spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, and empowers believers for holy living. Free Will and Human Responsibility A distinctive feature of Free Will Baptists is their commitment to the Arminian concept of free will. They emphasize that each individual is accountable for choosing to follow God or turn away (Deuteronomy 30:19). While God calls all to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), Free Will Baptists assert that divine grace does not nullify human choice. Within this framework, believers are invited to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in obedience and spiritual growth. Faith is “active,” meaning believers must continually yield to the transforming work of God in their lives. Conditional Security of the Believer Unlike those who teach “once saved, always saved,” Free Will Baptists traditionally hold that salvation can be forfeited if a person willfully turns away from Christ (Hebrews 6:4–6). While they do not believe a minor infraction causes a permanent loss of salvation, they do teach that apostasy—a deliberate and persistent rejection of God—severs the believer from the grace once received. This view of conditional security underscores a serious call to holiness and vigilance: believers must remain in Christ through faith and persevere in the grace given to them (John 15:4–6). Baptism and the Lord’s Supper Free Will Baptists, in unity with many other Baptists, practice believer’s baptism by immersion upon a credible profession of faith (Romans 6:3–4). They affirm this ordinance as an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality—identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is observed to commemorate Christ’s sacrificial death and celebrate His ongoing life in the believer (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). It is usually offered to all professing Christians who are walking in fellowship with Christ and His church. Footwashing as an Ordinance A special practice within many Free Will Baptist congregations is the observance of footwashing. Drawing from John 13:14–17, they see it as a humble demonstration of Christ-like servanthood. While not universally observed among Baptists, Free Will Baptists consider footwashing an ordinance that powerfully underscores spiritual equality, love, and service within the body of believers. Church Polity and Autonomy Local church autonomy remains a hallmark of Free Will Baptist life. Each congregation governs its own affairs, chooses its own pastoral leadership, and manages its membership under the lordship of Christ and the authority of Scripture. Regional and national associations provide fellowship, cooperative missions support, and doctrinal accountability but do not infringe on local church independence. This polity fosters direct congregational decision-making and encourages every member’s involvement in ministry. Evangelism and Global Missions In line with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), Free Will Baptists stress personal evangelism, missionary outreach, and discipleship. Many historical and contemporary examples exist of Free Will Baptist missionaries serving worldwide. In the spirit of cooperation, these missionaries establish churches, schools, and relief programs designed to address spiritual and humanitarian needs. Their evangelistic ethos is often tied to the belief that every individual has the opportunity and responsibility to respond to the Gospel. These efforts showcase Free Will Baptists’ dedication to proclaiming that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Holiness and Practical Christian Living Free Will Baptists seek to live a holy life, reflecting love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). They stress the importance of moral conduct that honors Christ, often calling believers to abstain from activities inconsistent with biblical principles of purity and righteousness. This commitment is not understood as legalism but rather as cooperation with God’s sanctifying grace. Personal piety—including regular prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship—is considered essential to spiritual growth and mature discipleship. Eschatology and Hope Regarding the end times, Free Will Baptists generally align with the broader evangelical perspective that Christ will return bodily to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11). They anticipate a future resurrection and an eternal inheritance (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). While specifics of millennial views can vary among congregations, there is a shared confidence in Christ’s eventual triumph over all evil. This teaching inspires believers to remain faithful and mission-focused, assured that history is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan. Relation to Other Christian Traditions Free Will Baptists share many beliefs with other evangelical Christians, particularly in doctrines such as the Trinity, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace through faith. Their distinctive emphasis lies in the articulation of human freedom in responding to the Gospel and the cautious stance on eternal security. In worship style and church practices, Free Will Baptist churches often resemble other Baptist churches. However, the practice of footwashing and the holistic Arminian understanding of God’s grace and human responsibility remain defining traits. Summary Free Will Baptists uphold foundational Baptist doctrines, including the lordship of Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture, the need for personal conversion, and believers’ baptism by immersion. They stand out in their active adherence to free will theology, maintaining that humans bear genuine responsibility for responding to God’s grace and living according to His will. Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and footwashing are practiced as physical means to commemorate, demonstrate, and reinforce spiritual realities. Influenced by a heritage of local church autonomy, each congregation retains self-governance while cooperating in broader association efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. Together, these beliefs form a cohesive, distinctive system of Christian faith, encouraging believers to persevere in holiness and service until Christ’s return. |
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