Analyze the versions of the Baptist Faith & Message since its first adoption (1925), noting important differences and changes in its iterations. This should be provided as a comparison chart of about 1 page. Then include an analysis on the reason or significance of the changes of about to 1 page. Second, students will choose a confession from a group other than SBC since the Reformation and compare/contrast it with the BFM2000. This should be provided as a comparison chart of about 1 page. Then include an analysis on the reason or significance of the changes of about to 1 page.
Instructors may assign different confessions to be compared to reduce overlap.
Confessions and BFM are available online.
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The versions of the Baptist Faith & Message since its first adoption (1925)
Full Answer Section
Analysis of Changes:- Increased Focus on Scripture:The BFM progressively emphasizes Scripture's inerrancy, authority, sufficiency, clarity, and centrality. This reflects a growing commitment to Biblical literalism within the SBC.
- Elaboration on Doctrines:Doctrines like God's attributes, the image of God in humanity, and the details of salvation are explained in more detail over time. This may be due to a need to address theological debates within the denomination.
- Shifting Views on Eschatology:The concept of the Millennial Reign becomes less certain in later versions, reflecting a diversity of interpretations within the SBC.
- Emphasis on Denominational Identity:The later versions highlight the importance of fellowship within the SBC while maintaining local church autonomy. This may be a response to growing theological variations within Baptist churches.
- Focus on Separation from Apostasy:The 2000 version emphasizes separation from churches deemed apostate. This reflects a growing emphasis on doctrinal purity within the SBC.
| Feature | Baptist Faith & Message (2000) | Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) |
| Denomination | Southern Baptist Convention (Baptist) | Presbyterian |
| Historical Context | 20th Century North America | 17th Century England (Post-Reformation) |
| Emphasis | Inerrancy of Scripture, Individual Salvation by Faith Alone | Sovereignty of God, Predestination, Importance of Church Sacraments |
| Church Government | Congregational (Local Church Autonomy) | Presbyterian (Elders & Deacons) |
| Sacraments | Two Ordinances (Baptism & Lord's Supper) | Two Sacraments (Baptism & Lord's Supper) |
| Role of Sacraments | Symbolic Ordinances | Means of Grace |
| Millennial Reign | Uncertain Timing | Premillennial Reign of Christ |
- Scripture:Both confessions affirm Scripture's authority, but the BFM emphasizes inerrancy more.
- Soteriology (Salvation):The BFM focuses on individual salvation by faith alone, while the Westminster Confession incorporates the concept of predestination.
- Church Government:Baptists practice congregationalism, while Presbyterians have a hierarchical structure with elders and deacons.
- Sacraments:Both acknowledge baptism and the Lord's Supper, but the BFM views them as symbolic ordinances, while the Westminster Confession sees them as means of grace.
- Eschatology:The BFM takes a less definitive stance on the timing of the Millennial Reign.
Sample Answer
Comparison of Baptist Faith & Message (BF&M) Versions
| Feature | 1925 | 1963 | 1998 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Articles | 12 | 18 | 21 | 20 |
| Scripture | Inerrancy and Authority | Inerrancy, Authority, and Sufficiency | Inerrancy, Authority, Sufficiency, and Clarity | Inerrancy, Authority, Sufficiency, Clarity, and Centrality |
| God | Trinity | Trinity and Attributes | Trinity, Attributes, and Incommunicable Attributes | Trinity, Attributes, Incommunicable Attributes, and Eternal Covenant of Redemption |
| Man | Fallen Nature | Fallen Nature and Total Depravity | Fallen Nature, Total Depravity, and Inability to Save Self | Fallen Nature, Total Depravity, Inability to Save Self, and Image of God |
| Salvation | Justification by Faith Alone | Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith | Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith in Christ's Work | Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith in Christ's Work on the Cross |
| The Church | Local Church Autonomy | Local Church Autonomy and Importance of Denominational Fellowship | Local Church Autonomy, Importance of Denominational Fellowship, and Separation from Apostasy | Local Church Autonomy, Importance of Denominational Fellowship, Separation from Apostasy, and Two Ordinances (Baptism & Lord's Supper) |
| Last Things | Second Coming and Eternal Judgment | Second Coming, Eternal Judgment, and Millennial Reign | Second Coming, Eternal Judgment, Millennial Reign (uncertain timing) | Second Coming, Eternal Judgment, and Millennial Reign (uncertain timing) |
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