Becker Bible Studies LibraryNational Primitive Baptist Convention |
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Introduction The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, is a group of black Primitive Baptists which organized in 1907. Their congregation is also known as the NPBC. They have implemented progressive methods and policies which are different from their historical and theological background. They no longer hold to the strict Calvinistic teachings on Predestination which was always held by other old school black Primitive Baptists. They were also known as the Colored Primitive Baptists. The slave population of the south, throughout the Civil War, worshiped with the white population in their different churches. The Colored Primitive Baptists attended white Primitive Baptist churches until their emancipation. The white Primitive Baptist churches helped them to establish their own church by ordaining their deacons and their ministers. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, is opposed to all forms of church organization. Each of their churches is independent and controls their own membership. They believe in the separation of church and state. They have a congregational policy that all members are equal and are called by Jesus Christ unto Him. Worshippers must be saved before they can hold membership in their Convention. They consider the pastor and deacons as their scriptural officers. Holders of these positions of authority must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and apt to teach. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA believes its mission is getting people saved, getting them baptized, and teaching them the principles of Christ. They are taught to observe all things whatsoever they have been commanded by Christ. History The start of the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA, was July 17, 1907 with the National Meeting of Colored Primitive Baptists of America. They assembled together at the Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church at Huntsville, Alabama. The first pastor was Elder Felix Jordan. The basic difference between the National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA and other religious societies is that they believe in salvation by grace. They practice salvation by grace, and believe that salvation can not be obtained by any other way. They teach there are two schools of thought concerning the idea of salvation. The first principle is that salvation is by grace and the second principle is that salvation is by works. They teach you can not combine the two principles. If a man performs any action of the will of man like repentance, baptism, faith, or hearing the gospel and these are set as a condition for obtaining salvation, then they are practicing salvation by works. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA teach salvation is of the Lord’s grace and there is nothing else needed. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA has followed the same road as the Primitive Baptist Church or the Old School has followed. They do not establish mission boards or Sunday Schools and consider these as being unscriptural. Belief The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA believes the Bible is the only rule of faith and practice. They believe all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and for instruction. They believe the Holy Scriptures includes the Old and New Testament and it is the Word and Mind of God. They believe the Holy Scriptures are able to make men wise unto salvation, through faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. They believe the scriptures were written so the children of God may be furnished unto all good works. They do not believe the Scriptures bring eternal salvation, but rather are able to make believers wise. They believe and teaches there is only one true God, who is God eternal, almighty, unchangeable, infinite and incomprehensible. They believe God is a Spirit and has His being in Himself, and gives being to all creatures, they believe He does as He wills in heaven and on earth. They believe God comes forth as the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit and these three agree in one. They believe Jesus Christ was, in the fullness of time, manifested in the flesh. They believe Jesus was born of a woman, and was perfect in righteousness. They believe Jesus gave Himself for the elect to redeem them to God by His blood. They believe Jesus Christ is the only true King, Priest, and Prophet of the church. They believe Jesus of Nazareth was prophesied in the Old Testament. They believe Jesus is the true Messiah and Savior of men. They believe He died on the cross, was buried, rose again in the same body and suffered and ascended to the right hand of God, and appears in the presence of God to make intercession for mankind. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA believes Jesus Christ did not die for the whole human race. They believe Jesus Christ came into the world to do the Will of His Father. They believe that the LORD God's Will was that He should save all who were given to Him, the elect. They believe Jesus came to save His people from their sins, and He, in fact, did that. They believe Jesus died for His people and no one else. They believe it was through Adam who was created righteous and fell through the temptations of satan, that sin was brought to mankind. They believe they have the nature of the children of wrath and are sinners from the womb. They believe God has predestinated a large number to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. They believe God chose and elected some people to life and salvation, before the foundation of the world. They believe they are called to do His will. They believe the elect was chosen by the free will of God, of His own pleasure, and not for any foreseen works of faith of the chosen. They believe all the Called are justified, so all who are called comes to Jesus as the Father has willed. They believe any man who wants salvation already has it. They teach any man who hungers and thirsts after righteousness is blessed. They believe sinners do not want salvation and they don’t fear God and they don’t love God. The National Primitive Baptist Convention, USA believes Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as well as washing the saints’ feet are its ordinances. These ordinances are to be followed religiously. Baptism is done by Immersion. They believe baptism represents the death, burial and the resurrection of Christ. They believe the dead bodies of all men, just and unjust, shall rise again out of their graves at the appointed time of the Lord. They believe all will receive judgment according to what they have done in their bodies, be it good or evil. |
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MLA Style Citation: About the Author
Joanne B. Holstein is a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She is seeking a second degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology after completing her study of Psychology/Christian and Bible Counseling. She is well-known as a counsleor to Christian faithful who are struggling with tremendous burden in these difficult times. She is a leading authority on the history of development of the Christian churches and the practices and beliefs of world religions and cults. |
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