Naas Baptist Fellowship

As historical Baptists, Christ for Kildare and the Naas Baptist Fellowship hold to various Biblical beliefs. These do not make up a church creed, and are not part of any denominational belief. They are simply reasons why we choose to call ourselves “Baptists.” As independent Baptists, we do not claim allegiance to any of the denominations. Our beliefs can be summarised by using the acronym “Baptists.”

B - A - P - T - I - S - T - S

Biblical authority. (2 Peter chapter 1, verse 21)
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

We believe that the Bible is the absolute authority in all matters of faith, practice, history, science, etc. No council or ruling of man can supersede it.
_______________________________

Autonomy of the local church. (Matthew chapter 18, verse 17)
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

We believe that each local church is independent from any outside authority. We are accountable only to our Lord.
_______________________________

Priesthood of believers (1 Peter chapter 2, verse 9)
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We believe every believer may go directly to the Lord without any human mediator. Jesus Christ is the only mediator.
_______________________________

Two church ordinances. (Acts chapter 2, verse 41 and 1 Corinthians chapter 11, verses 23-25)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

We believe that only two ordinances are taught in scripture: baptism and the Lord’s supper. These are symbolic and without saving grace.
_______________________________

Individual soul liberty (Romans chapter 14 verses 5 and 12)
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

We believe that God gives to every man his own free will. Therefore, no unbeliever can be forced into salvation and no believer can be forced to accept any doctrinal statement or confession of faith.
_______________________________

Salvation by grace though faith alone. (Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 and 9)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We believe that salvation comes only to those who put their faith in the finished work of Christ alone. Man’s works all fall short of salvation.
_______________________________

Two church offices. (Acts chapter 20:, verse 28 and 1 Timothy chapter 3, verse 13)
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

We believe that God only gave two offices to the church: Pastor and Deacon. There is no Biblical basis for any hierarchy of office. All are equal in God’s sight. There is no Biblical basis for a division between “clergy” and “laity”
_______________________________

Separation of church and state. (Matthew chapter 22, verse 21)
They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

We believe that the church and the state are two separate, distinct entities. Neither one can, or should control the other.
_______________________________