ATKINS COLLEGE

A Comparison of the 1925 Baptist Faith and Message (SBC)

And The Articles of Faith of the Baptist Bible Union of America published in 1923

BAPTIST HISTORY

BY
BRETT JOHNSON
APRIL 18, 2007
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Introduction

This document will cover the similarities and differences between the 1925 Baptist Faith

and Message (SBC) (hereafter referenced as SBC) and The Articles of Faith of the Baptist Bible

Union of America published in 1923 (hereafter referenced as BBUA). The SBC and the BBUA

share 10 articles that are extremely similar in content with minor wording variations and some

additional language that is unique to the organizations that created both documents. Of the 10

articles that are similar, these are the Scriptures, God, the fall of man, justification, the freeness

of salvation, repentance and faith, perseverance, the church, baptism and the Lord's supper, the

righteousness and the wicked. The duration of this paper will compare and contrast the 10

similar articles, and go into detail regarding the 13 unique articles of the SBC and the 7 unique

articles of the BBUA. Of the 13 unique articles to the SBC, 6 address theological issues, for

address the issues of church and government, and three address issues of church governance. Of

the seven unique articles to the BBUA, all seven deal with mostly theological issues.

Similar Articles

The Scriptures:

Both confessions regarding the Scriptures agree that the holy Bible was written by man

supernaturally or divinely inspired free of error in true as the center of Christian Union, and the

supreme standard by which all-human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. The SBC

adds language that states that the Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge man and

an agreement with the BBUA the Bible will remain to the end of the age.

God:

In this article both confessions, while the wording is different; agree entirely on the

nature and being of God. The concepts expressed herein regarding God as the one and only

living true God, and intelligent, spiritual, and personal being; the creator of ruler of the universe,
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holiness, to whom man owes the highest love reverence and obedience. Both confessions hold to

the concept of the Trinity whereby the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have distinct personal

attributes, but are without division of nature, essence, or being. The BBUA adds a sentence that

states that the three persons of the Godhead execute distinct but harmonious offices in the great

work of redemption.

The Fall of Man:

While this article of faith in both confessions is similar in content, much of the wording is

different. The only agreement between the two is that man was created in any sense or state of

holiness under the law of his maker, but through voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and

happy state and became a transgressor. The BBUA states that therefore since man fell in the

transgression he is condemned without defense or excuse. The SBC begins his article by

describing that man was created by special act of God is recorded in Genesis, that man was

created in the image of God, the Lord formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his

nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. Additionally the SBC states that man’s

fall into sin were through an active temptation of Satan, and that this sin becomes inherited

throughout each successive generation. Both confessions agree that the fall of man was by

conscious choice and that prior to the fall man was without sin.

Justification:

The article concerning justification again while not word for word, the main concepts in

both confessions are in agreement. The similarities are the justification is a blessing of God and

a full acquittal upon the principles of righteousness of all centers who believe in Christ.

Additionally, this blessing is bestowed not as a consideration of any works of righteousness, but

through faith in Jesus Christ. The BBUA ads that justification includes pardon of sin, and the
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gift of eternal life on the principles of righteousness, while the SBC states that the justification

brings man into a state of the most Blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other

needed blessing.

The Freeness of Salvation:

This article is similar in content, while wording is slightly different in both confessions.

Both agree that salvation is a blessing that is made free to all by the Gospel, and that it is the duty

of all to accept them by penitent and an obedient faith, and that nothing prevents the salvation of

the greatest except his own voluntary refusal to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Both documents

appear to be rejecting the concept of five-point Calvinism that only the elect receive salvation.

Neither seems to accept the Arminian standpoint that all will eventually come salvation.

Therefore, the concept of salvation is that salvation is offered to all through faith.

Repentance and Faith:

This article is present in both confessions and is similar almost word for word. This

section describes repentance and faith is a sacred duty, and inseparable grace, Rod in the soul of

man by regenerating Spirit of God. Man is convinced of his guilt, anger, and helplessness, and it

the way to salvation is by Christ alone. Man is required to turn to God with contrition,

confession, and supplication for mercy. The main difference between the two confessions is the

SBC's definition of the Lord Jesus Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. Both confessions are in

agreement that man is reliant on Christ alone as the only and sufficient Savior.

Perseverance:

Here again is an article that is almost word for word in both confessions. The basic

concept of perseverance is the only real believers endure to the end. This endurance this thing
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which is the real believer from those who merely profess to believe. A special providence cares

for them, and they are kept by the power of God through faith until salvation.

A Gospel Church:

This article is referred to in the BBUA simply as the church. The beginnings of the

articles in both confessions are extremely similar. Both confessions describe the Church of

Christ as a baptized body of believers associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the

Gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by his laws, and exercising the gifts right

privileges invested by his word, and seeking to extend the Gospel to the end of the earth. Both

define the scriptural officers as pastors or bishops, elders, and deacons. The differences come in

the BBUA where the officers are qualified in their claims and duties as clearly defined the

Scriptures. Additionally the BBUA, in this article, hold that the local church has the absolute

right to self-governance, free from interference from any hierarchy of individuals or

organizations, and that the only superintendent of the church is Christ through the Holy Spirit.

The SBC discusses much of the same under article 18 giving with religious liberty in defining a

free church.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper:

This article is once again, is not almost word for word agreement between the two

confessions. On the subject of baptism, both agree that Christian baptism is the immersion of a

believer and water in the name of the father son and Holy Spirit. That the act is a symbol of faith

in a crucified, buried and risen Savior, as a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and

to the Lord's supper, in which the members of the church, by the use of bread and wine are to

commemorate together the dying love of Christ. The BBUA ads that baptism is the effective

death to sin and resurrection to a new life of the believer.

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The Righteous and the Wicked:

This article in both confessions appears almost word for word. The basis is that both

confessions agree that there is a radical difference between the righteous and the wicked. That

only those who are justified through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is sanctified by the Holy

Spirit are truly righteous in his sight. Those who continue in unbelief or insight wicked and

under condemnation. The distinction between the righteous and the wicked is held both in and

after death, and will be made manifest at the judgment when the final and everlasting awards are

made of all men, both the righteous and lost.

Resurrection and the Return of Christ:

While both confessions discuss these concepts, the SBC addresses the resurrection and

the return of the Lord and article 16 and 17, while the BBUA addresses these concepts and

article 18. The BBUA refers to the Scripture and references to verses for the concept of: the

bodily resurrection, the Ascension, the high priesthood, the second coming, the resurrection of

the righteous dead, the change of the living in Christ, and the throne of David. These concepts

are covered throughout the SBC convention as well as in specific articles such as, the

regeneration, God's purpose and grace, sanctification, and the kingdom.

The Unique Articles

Baptist Bible Union of America:

The BBUA has a collection of seven articles, which are unique to their confession. These

articles cover theological issues regarding the Holy Spirit, Satan, the Genesis account, the virgin

birth, the atonement, of grace in the new creation, and civil government. The BBUA speaks of

the duty of the Holy Spirit as a witness to the truth of the Gospel, the agent of the new birth, and

lists as his duties, seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teachers, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the
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believer. Article 4, deals with Satan, and states that he was once holy but their pride and

ambition fail Andrew after him a host of angels. Satan is now the malignant Prince of power of

the air, the unholy preeminence of this world, the great tempter, the enemy of God and his

Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, and will face a final defeat at the

hands of God's son. Additionally there is a final judgment in eternal justice and held place

prepared for him and his angels. However, the act of creation, the BBUA, establishes that the

Genesis account is not an allegory but is to be accepted literally. Of the virgin birth, Jesus Christ

is begotten of the Holy Spirit, born to marry a virgin, and that he is both the son of God and God

the son. In articles 8 and nine, the subject of the atonement of sin, and of grace in a new creation

or dressed. The most significant concept is that in order to be saved, sinners must be reborn, and

that the new birth is a new creation in Jesus Christ. Finally the concept of civil government. The

BBUA states that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good of the

order of human society, that magistrates are to be prayed for and obeyed except only in the

things oppose the will of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Baptist Faith and Message, 1925:

The SBC has 13 articles that are unique to their confession. Of these six are theological,

for deal with government and the Free Church, and three deals with church governance. Article

4, the way of salvation, status salvation of sinners is wholly embraced through the goodness of

God as a mediator who by the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary. Article 7, regeneration,

discusses a new birth and a change of heart brought by the Holy Spirit whereby man becomes a

partaker of the divine nature and practice of righteousness. It is a work of God's free grace

conditioned upon faith in Christ and made manifest by the fruit which man brings forth to the

glory of God. Article 9, God's purpose of grace, argues that grace is perfectly consistent with
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free agency of man. Article 10, sanctification, is the process by which the regenerate gradually

attains to moral and spiritual perfection through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit

dwelling in their hearts. Article 14, discusses the Lord's Day, as the first day of the week and

that it is an institution for regular observance. Article 18, religious liberty, was addressed above

in the subject of the Gospel Church. Article 19, is the subject of peace and war and states that it

is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. Important

sentence states, "we urge Christian people throughout the world to pray for the reign of the

Prince of peace, and to oppose everything likely to provoke war.” Articles 20, 21, and 22

discuss the importance of the church to provide religious education, religious social service, and

cooperation between churches for the furtherance of the kingdom of God. Article 23 discusses

the importance of evangelism and missions. Article 24, discusses stewardship and states that

man is under obligation to serve the Lord with his time, talents, and material possessions.

Finally, article 25 the kingdom of God shall be complete when every thought and will of man

shall be brought into captivity to the will of Christ.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there is much agreement between the confessions of both the SBC and the

BBUA. Each document addresses issues that are unique to both drafting agents. However, these

confessions are uniquely Baptist in thought, and hold to the concept of Free Church, separate

from government interference, submitting only to the wheel and governance of the Lord.