Paul wrote to Timothy that he might know how to behave himself "in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim. 3:15) Baptists believe a true church to be a local, independent organization, divinely preserved and guided, and as the scripture says, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH.
When did Baptist Associations begin? Armitage's Church History, (page 558) states that the first Baptist Association was in England, in 1653, and "very early, encroached upon the rights of the churches." Baptists had been upholding the truth for over 1600 years before the first Baptist Association was born, and immediately, it became a peril to the churches.
Searching through church history, we find that, though "Baptist" associations began in 1653, these were not the first associations known to Christian churches. Similar organizations among the early churches of the 3rd century A. D, were directly responsible for the formation of the Catholic hierarchy. Dr. John T. Christian, in his history says, "The point of departure probably had its largest expression in baptismal salvation, and the tendency of some churches toward episcopacy, and away from democratic simplicity." (History of Baptists, page 27)
Orchard, in his History of Baptists, says, "Associations of ministers and churches, which at first were formed in Greese, became common thoughout the empire. These mutual unions for management of spiritual affairs, led to the choice of a president (a moderator), which aided in the distinctions amongst ministers of religion.
In these degenerating times, aspiring men saw each other in varied elevations: consequently, jealousy, ambition, and strife ensued, and every evil work followed.
The minister having the largest interest under his superintendence; another whose usefulness in the Christian interest had been evident; and a third, whose popular declaiming talents, had raised him into general approbation; led to distinctions and superior stations, which at last became vested in the metropolitan minister. Places of distinction, to which ministers were eligible, prompted the ambitious to use every device, to gain the ascendant position; and every part of the word of God, with every scriptural example to support such distinction and proceedings, was quoted, enforced and practiced."
This is the setting, out of which, the Roman Catholic hierarchy gradually came forth, and how vividly, it portrays the conditions in both associations and conventions in these present, degenerating times.
Dr. J. M. Carroll, in "The Trail of Blood", places first, among the peculiarities of the apostolic churches, "The separateness and independence of the churches." (Page 15) He admits that not all those separate, independent churches of the early centuries, were doctrinally sound, but shows that it was in separate, independent churches, that the line of faith was preserved.
One can only conclude from these histories, that organizations over churches, at last, always lead to degeneracy in spiritual and Christian character, and mass apostacy, and that the independent churches are the real preservers of the truth.
True, the independent Missionary Baptist Church is ever held up to ridicule. "You can't do anything," they say. But to be an independent Missionary Baptist, means merely, to be independent of those organized creations of men; independent of man's rule or the rule of another church. Such a local church, not having any big Convention or Association, to trust in for protection and defence, is of necessity, made to place the utmost dependence upon God and His Word.
Are they, then, so weak, in doing this? "If God be for us, Who can be against us?" cries Paul. And again, "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." Many sound Baptist preachers today, are pulling out, and taking their stand upon the ancient Baptist doctrines of independence and local church sovereignty; and in so doing, find a blessed life, where they need only, to preach to please God, and may exercise their missionary zeal unhindered, as God's Spirit leads.
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