09 Aug '07 17:28>
I would like some input from members of the Southern Baptist denomination. My wife and I are lifetime Nazarenes (N) and have recently started going to a large Southern Baptist (SB) church in our area. We are choosing the church primarily because of its excellent children’s programs. We have a 2 year old girl and a -3 week old girl.
We are struggling with our decision, my wife more than I, because there are many theological differences. Nazarenes are Wesleyan, and SBs are Calvinistic. Although most of these differences are not ones that affect the daily walk of a Christian, we are concerned of our children learning principals that we don’t quite agree with.
Some of these differences are as follows:
Once Saved Always Saved: SB believes that once they are saved, they cannot lose their salvation. N believes that one can accept Christ, then refuse and lose their salvation.
Predestination: SB believes that everything is set in stone and that our salvation is determined before we are born. N believes that we have free will throughout the course of our lives to accept salvation or not.
Sanctification: N believes in sanctification. SB does not.
Baptism: N believes that baptism is a statement of faith, only a ceremony to tell the world that “Hey, I’m a Christian.” I’m not sure what SB believes and would like more clarification. I think SB believes that baptism my be required to enter heaven.
If any would like to comment on these things, especially Baptism, I would greatly appreciate it.
We are struggling with our decision, my wife more than I, because there are many theological differences. Nazarenes are Wesleyan, and SBs are Calvinistic. Although most of these differences are not ones that affect the daily walk of a Christian, we are concerned of our children learning principals that we don’t quite agree with.
Some of these differences are as follows:
Once Saved Always Saved: SB believes that once they are saved, they cannot lose their salvation. N believes that one can accept Christ, then refuse and lose their salvation.
Predestination: SB believes that everything is set in stone and that our salvation is determined before we are born. N believes that we have free will throughout the course of our lives to accept salvation or not.
Sanctification: N believes in sanctification. SB does not.
Baptism: N believes that baptism is a statement of faith, only a ceremony to tell the world that “Hey, I’m a Christian.” I’m not sure what SB believes and would like more clarification. I think SB believes that baptism my be required to enter heaven.
If any would like to comment on these things, especially Baptism, I would greatly appreciate it.