Free Will Baptist Doctrine: Believe It Or Not!

No, this editorial is not about some bizarre feat or outlandish twist of nature. It is about the preservation and adherence to the body of doctrine and biblical convictions upon which Free Will Baptists stand. What we believe is important. Free Will Baptist doctrines are not incidental, but have been carefully forged over time through the leading of the Holy Spirit directly from God’s Word. This is not to say that we believe that we are the only one’s going to heaven or that Free Will Baptists are the only people who have a corner on truth. It is to say, however, that we should have the integrity to uphold our own beliefs and maintain our standards of practice.

Among evangelicals, the most recent trend has been one of broad acceptance and toleration. The trend is to lay aside doctrinal distinctives and “just be Christian.” On certain issues with certain groups I can cautiously associate for a common goal. I am a member of the “Citizens to Protect our Vote” organization in Conway. This is a group of Christians who have united to oppose establishments and organizations that seek alcohol permits in Faulkner County (a dry county). We have Southern Baptists, Assemblies of God, Missionary Baptists, and other denominations represented in our group.

I believe in a certain degree of flexibility within the church. When I pastored, there were people who joined our congregation who came from other denominations. Yet, we agreed on a mutual understanding that when their beliefs conflicted with Free Will Baptist doctrine, they would remain silent and not stand in opposition to our beliefs and practices. To my recollection, I never had a problem with anyone breaking that covenant. Those associated with the churches acted out of integrity.

Also, I have preached in a few churches affiliated with other denominations (conservative evangelicals). There was plenty of Bible to preach that would allow me full reign of spirit without accentuating my differences with them. In fact, for me to have been a guest in their church and to have challenged their doctrine would have been disrespectful and unethical. However, had any opportunity come my way to preach in a church that opposed the cardinal tenets of our faith, I would have had to kindly refused any invitation or association.

From the laying aside of licensing and ordination standards to the allowance and welcomed acceptance of spurious doctrines within our ranks, some are willing to drift from Free Will Baptists tenants. We are not talking about peripheral opinions or matters of taste, but stated beliefs and standards of practice. We are not Calvinist (modified or five point). We are not charismatics or Pentecostals. We do not believe in the modern tongues movement. We have stated qualifications for ordination that address everything from marriage status to the call to the ministry. We believe what we believe because it is in the Bible.

I guess I am on a soap box. But while I’m here I am holding my Bible and shouting it loud and clear. I am a Free Will Baptist not because we are a nice bunch of people or because they give me my paycheck. I am Free Will Baptist because I believe the doctrine. If you are a part of our denomination, you should stand with me. Free Will Baptist doctrine . . . Believe it or not!