This document provides an introduction to a lecture on Baptist history given at Piedmont Baptist College. It explains that studying Baptist history is important for several reasons: it is part of the college's heritage as a Baptist training institution; it provides a balanced history rather than suggesting Baptists have a monopoly on truth; and it gives theological certainty. The document also outlines the key Baptist principles or distinctives, which are scriptural principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christian movements. These principles are summarized with the acronym BRAPSIS, standing for Bible as sole authority, redeemed church membership, autonomy of local churches, priesthood of all believers, soul liberty, immersion and communion as ordinances, and separation of church and

1. Baptist History
Introduction to
Baptist History
(lecture 1)

2. Introduction
As we get started I would like to clarify for you
why we study Baptist History at Piedmont
Baptist College. What is our rationale? First,
we are aware that not all those who study at
PBC are Baptists and that has been true
throughout most of our history. Second, to
study Baptist history is not to suggest that
Baptists have a “corner” on Biblical truth. And
we certainly do not assert that only Baptists are
saved, or that Baptists have some special
dispensation from God. Professor William Thompson

3. Reasons We Study Baptist History
It is our Heritage
We are a Training institution
We are, by conviction, Baptists
Provides a Balanced History
Theological Certainty
(you may have to advance screen manually)

4. Baptist Principles (Distinctives)
The Baptist Distinctives are NOT primarily a
statement of doctrine
They are specific principles, grounded in
Scripture, that distinguish the “free church,”
baptistic movement from other movements.
You can remember them using the acronym
BRAPSIS

5. Baptist Principles (Distinctives)
B – Bible as the only rule for faith and practice
R – Redeemed church membership
A – Autonomy of the Local Church
P – Priesthood of the believer
S – Soul Liberty (for all people everywhere)
I – Immersion and Lord’s Table only ordinances
S – Separation (both personal and church/state
separation)