Baptist Distinctives
These are the criteria that identify the Baptists from other religious groups.

Bible – The Bible is our source of faith and practice. It is our standard by which we establish our doctrine and live our lives (II Timothy 3:14,15). The Bible is the Word of God and is beneficial for all in life and godliness (II Timothy 3:16,17).

Autonomy of the local church – The local church is to be self-governing. The head of the church is Christ. (Ephesians 5:23)  There is to be no hierarchy system to determine or influence the course of church polity. These are given in Biblical principles and practices.

Priesthood of all believers – Every believer has direct access to the presence of God through Jesus Christ, who is our high priest. (I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-17)

Two Offices – Pastor and Deacon – Their qualifications are outlined in I Timothy 3:1-13. Both of these offices are to be occupied by men.

Individual Soul Liberty -  Each believer is freed from the bondage of sin and is at liberty to serve Christ in a holy, godly manner (I Corinthians 6:11-20). This does NOT mean we are free to live our life any way we want. (Galatians 4:9; 5:1)

Saved Membership – The church is comprised of individuals who are saved. This means they have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and in Him alone for their salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10).
 
Two Ordinances – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – Baptism is by immersion and identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4). The Lord’s supper is a memorial in remembrance of what the Lord has done for us
(I Corinthians 11:23-26). Neither of these two ordinances has ANY saving merit.
Water cannot save in baptism, neither can partaking of the elements in communion save. Salvation is offered only through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).