PRINCIPLES OF BAPTIST FAITH AND PRACTICE
of
First Baptist Church, Athens, Georgia

This statement affirms the position of First Baptist Church of Athens, Georgia, with respect to some basic principles of Baptist faith and practice. Its purpose is to provide a common focus in the search for truth as revealed in the Bible, and to encourage study and discussion of Scripture in an atmosphere of respect and understanding.

• The Sovereignty of God
  We hereby affirm the oneness of God manifested in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God the Father is revealed in the Son, Jesus Christ; and God the Holy Spirit makes the revelation complete and effective.

• Allegiance to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
  We hereby affirm a common allegiance to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His Church, a fellowship of baptized believers. He alone is the norm for our faith and practice. Salvation is by grace through faith in the resurrected Christ.

• The Authority of the Bible
  We hereby affirm the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and as our guide in matters of faith and practice. God speaks to us through the Bible. We, led by His Spirit, respond to its teachings. We also accept an open, critical approach to the study and interpretation of Scripture.

• Competency of the Individual Believer
  We hereby affirm the right of individual believers to approach God for themselves; the right of direct access to God through Christ. All persons are responsible for their own choice and approach to God. Other people may give encouragement and guidance but no one may stand between the individual believer and God. We also hold that all believers, led of God's Sprit, have the duty and responsibility to study, to interpret, and to respond individually to the teachings of Scripture.
  

• The Ordinances
  We hereby affirm the two ordinances of the church baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism symbolizes the confession of believers in Christ as Lord and Savior. The Lord's Supper symbolizes the death of Christ as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
  

• Autonomy of Local Congregation
  We hereby affirm the right of the local congregation to administer its own affairs, and to shape its own mission, policy, and actions without pressure or dictate from other bodies, groups, or individuals. This includes the right to accept members from other Christian churches without rebaptism, and the right to select men or women to serve in leadership positions, including ministers and deacons. A person may be admitted membership (a) upon profession of faith in Jesus Christ and baptism by immersion, or (b) upon transfer of membership from any other Christian church, or (c) under Watch care (temporary membership).
  

• Religious Freedom
  We hereby affirm the historic principle of separation of church and state as the best way to preserve the right of individuals to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.
  

• A Spirit of Cooperation
  We hereby affirm a spirit of cooperation among Baptist churches and individuals that has long characterized the work and mission of Baptists at home and around the world.
  

• Diversity of Fellowship
  We hereby affirm diversity of thought and practice within and among churches. We hold that diversity an important part of our heritage has been a source of strength in the search for truth and understanding among Baptists. We contend that one should value diversity more than regimentation of thought and action.

 --- Adopted Spring 1988