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Six-Principle Baptists
Our denomination, Six-Principle Baptists, sometimes referred to as the Old or General Six-Principle Baptists, traces its origin in America to the ministry of Roger Williams in the 1600's. Its first congregation gathered in 1652 at Providence, Rhode Island and, within a short period of time, Six-Principle churches were planted and conferences arose in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Soon, a General Six-Principle Baptist Association was formed which was the first Baptist association of any kind in America.
Statements of Faith
Six-Principle Baptists have no ecclesiastically binding creed. They hold to the Bible as the supreme written authority for their faith and practice with liberty of conscience in matters of interpretation and worship. This does not mean that they are completely opposed to the use of creeds, but only that they do not require conformity to the exact words of any one theological creed for membership. Therefore, the following Statements of Faith and Principles of the Six-Principle Baptists beliefs are not used as a binding creed, but are summary testimonies of faith and of the spirit in which Six-Principle Baptists interpret the Holy Scriptures and doctrine.
"In essentials, Unity; in non-essentials, Liberty; in all things, Love."
Six-Principle Baptists hold to:
One God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him;
One Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him;
The Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Guide;
The Bible as the supreme written authority in matters of faith and practice;
Liberty of Conscience in matters of interpretation and worship.
The Six Principles of Hebrews 6:1-2 (Repentance, Faith, Baptisms, Laying on of hands, Resurrection, and Judgment) as foundational concepts;
THE SIX PRINCIPLES (Heb. 6:1-2)
(The First Principles of Christ)
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine (teaching) of Christ, let us go on to perfection (maturity); not *laying again (not disrupting) the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal (eonion) judgment."
* Note: Greek kataballo, casting down or overthrow. It means, do not cast down or destroy the foundation already laid of the 6 fundamental principles.
Repentance from dead works
Faith toward God
The teaching of Baptisms (Believer's Baptism: Spiritual and Water)
Resurrection of the dead
Eternal (eonion) Judgment
Therefore, building on these foundational principles (doctrines),
"let us go on to perfection ...
and this will we do, if God permit." (Hebrews 6:1, 3)
Today, the General Association of Six-Principle Baptist Churches, Inc. (denominational headquarters also known as the General Association of Six-Principle Baptists) continues those traditions by establishing and/or assisting ministers and churches to go on to maturity, building on the foundational principles of the teaching of Christ.
Recognizing the unity of the Church of Christ in all the world, and knowing that we are but one branch of Christ's people, while adhering to our particular faith and order, we extend to all believers the hand of Christian fellowship, . . . (Read more)
For more on why we are called "General Six-Principle Baptists," see the article, "Our Denomination."
The General Association of Six-Principle Baptists (GASPB) DOES NOT assume any LEGAL responsibility for its ministers. Neither the GASPB nor the individual minister is an agent for or of the other. However, each minister IS answerable to the GASPB and does come under the Episcopal oversight of the General Council. If an investigation finds serious violations of Christian ethics, morals, and values have indeed been committed, certain sanctions can and may be applied, up to and including, removal and/or revocation of the minister's credentials.
Each Six-Principle Baptist minister, ministry, church, etc. is self-supporting and the General Association of Six-Principle Baptists does not provide funds for such support.
© General Association of Six-Principle Baptist Churches, Inc.