Back to Baptist Overview Authority

Scripture, believer's priesthood, local church autonomy, and cooperation.

Baptists set Scripture above every human authority, gave the whole congregation a share in Christ's priesthood, and made each local church self-governing. That did not make Baptist authority simple: congregations still cooperate through associations, and they still dispute who speaks for the faith. This page maps the Baptist answer and the evidence readers should test.

Baptist ClaimChrist rules the church by his Word; no bishop, pope, or convention holds infallible authority over a local church.

Main ReceiptsFirst London Confession (1644/46), Second London Confession (1689), Keach's Catechism, Broadmead Records.

Live DisputeBaptists differ over how binding confessions are, how much authority associations may exercise, and how the priesthood of believers shapes ministry and ordination.

Component Map

6 pieces that have to be kept distinct.

Scripture as Supreme RuleThe Bible, not tradition, council, or magistrate, is the final norm for faith and practice; confessions are subordinate summaries.

Believer's PriesthoodEvery believer has direct access to Christ and shares the church's priestly calling; clergy are gifts to the church, not a privileged class.

Local Church AutonomyEach gathered congregation is responsible directly to Christ and governs its own life through the membership.

Associational CooperationChurches voluntarily join associations for counsel, mission, and fellowship without surrendering their independence.

Conscience and LibertyBecause faith is voluntary, neither church nor state may compel belief; conscience answers to God alone.

Testing Inherited AuthorityBaptists began by testing the state church and the practice of infant baptism against Scripture, and they expect every claim to be tested the same way.

Receipt Trail

Start here before drawing conclusions.

First London Confession (1644/46)The earliest Particular Baptist confession, grounding Scripture, church, and baptism.

Second London Confession (1689)The most influential Baptist confession, closely following Westminster while differing on baptism and church polity.

Keach's CatechismBenjamin Keach's catechetical summary from 1689, modeling Baptist doctrine on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.