Baptist vs Presbyterian
Baptist and Presbyterian are two religious groups that show good number of differences between them when it comes to their beliefs and customs. Baptists believe that salvation can be attained only through one means, and that is faith in God. In other words, they say that faith in God alone leads one towards salvation or liberation from this world after death. On the other hand, Presbyterians believe firmly that God has already chosen whom to punish and whom to save. Hence, they believe in predetermination. However, some Baptist churches believe in predestination too. That is because even between Baptist churches there are differences in beliefs. This is a significant difference between the two religious groups. Let us find out more about each group.
Who is a Baptist?
Baptists baptize only those who have declared their faith for Christ. They do not baptize children. Baptists do not believe that Jesus died on the cross only for those who are chosen. Baptists say that the soul after the death of a person is torn between heaven and earth. In other words, they do not believe in purgatory.
On the other hand, the Baptists differ from the viewpoint of the Presbyterians. They believe in the means of God’s grace too. Moreover, the Baptist has spoken in favor of faith on God as the highest virtue a Baptist can possess. It is interesting to note that the Baptists do not speak much about the Holy Sacraments. On the other hand, the Baptists solely believe in the offering of prayers to the Christ alone. They do not believe in offering prayers to the Saints or even Mary for that matter.
John the Baptist Church
Who is a Presbyterian?
Presbyterians baptize those who have declared faith in Christ as well as infants born into Christian houses. Presbyterians firmly believe that Jesus died on the cross only for those who are chosen. Although the Gospel of God is accepted by the Baptist, the Presbyterian believes that it is the sole source to prove the glory and the sovereignty of God or the Almighty.
When it comes to the soul, the Presbyterians do not talk much about the soul being torn between heaven and earth. Instead, they say that the Lord’s Supper and the Baptism are but the real symbols of God’s grace. They do not accept the fact that the Lord’s Supper and the Baptism are the actual means of God’s grace.
Further, scriptures are given great importance by the Presbyterians, but they do not say that scriptures alone are the sources of doctrines of Christianity. Instead, they say that along with the scriptures the human reason too plays a vital role in the realization of the doctrines of Christianity. Human reason is as good and effective as the scriptures according to the philosophy of the Presbyterians. In fact, this is one of the main differences between the two religious groups, namely, Baptist and Presbyterian.
Also, Presbyterian does not say that the communion is the actual body and blood of Christ. They say that communion is just the symbols of God’s body and blood. As a matter of fact, Presbyterians do not say that faith in God is the savior of human being. The understanding of the Holy Bible is recommended by the Presbyterian through the study of the Gospel. In fact, they say that the central teaching of the scriptures is nothing but the glory of God.
First Presbyterian Church of Redmond
What is the difference between Baptist and Presbyterian?
• Baptism:
• Baptists are those who believe that only those who have declared faith in Christ should be baptized.
• Presbyterians are those who believe that those who have declared faith in Christ as well as infants born into Christian families should be baptized.
• Salvation:
• Baptists believe that salvation can be attained only through one means, and that is faith in God.
• Presbyterians believe firmly that God has already chosen whom to punish and whom to save.
• Scriptures:
• What is said in the bible is the final acceptance of the Baptist. Baptist does not go against the view of the bible.
• Presbyterian values scriptures but they give importance to human reason as well.
• Church Service:
• During Baptist church service you will not see the congregation reciting anything out loud together.
• In Presbyterian church service, you will see the congregation reciting prayers loud and together.
These are the important differences between the two religious groups, namely, Baptist and Presbyterian.
Images Courtesy:
- John the Baptist Church by Cybjorg~commonswiki (CC BY-SA 2.5)
- First Presbyterian Church of Redmond by Orygun (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Regarding the assertion that “Baptists believe that salvation can be obtained only through one means, and that is belief in God”, this is not correct. The Baptist belief is that, the only way to salvation is the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
That is exactly what I was taught as a Baptist and Jesus is our Salvation,truth and way to eternal Life
Also regarding what you stated about Presbyterians and the sacraments..this is wrong!! Perhaps you need to read the Westminster Confession of Faith. Presbyterians DO NOT believe they are merely symbols..the Baptists teach that. John Calvin taught that although the Bread and Wine do not mystically change into the Body and Blood as in transubstantiation..something is happening. We believe in the REAL PRESENCE and that we spritually partake upon the Body and Blood of Jesus. You also keep reiterating on this Double Predestination, which again is incorrect. And are you aware that even in most mainline Presbyterian churches today we have gone away from the Predestination. Are you also aware that the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination does not believe in it at all and their stance is indentical to Methodist. There are many things that you have written here and on other sites about the differences between Presbyterians and such which is incorrect. Once saved always saves is more of a Baptist belief.
Also regarding what you stated about Presbyterians and the sacraments..this is wrong!! Perhaps you need to read the Westminster Confession of Faith. Presbyterians DO NOT believe they are merely symbols..the Baptists teach that. John Calvin taught that although the Bread and Wine do not mystically change into the Body and Blood as in transubstantiation..something is happening. We believe in the REAL PRESENCE and that we spritually partake upon the Body and Blood of Jesus. You also keep reiterating on this Double Predestination, which again is incorrect. And are you aware that even in most mainline Presbyterian churches today we have gone away from the Predestination. Are you also aware that the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination does not believe in it at all and their stance is indentical to Methodist. There are many things that you have written here and on other sites about the differences between Presbyterians and such which is incorrect. Once saved always saves is more of a Baptist belief.
It is difficult to generalize because there are significant differences between one Baptist or Presbyterian denomination and another, as well as within denominations (especially in, say, the PCUSA or Presbyterian Church in Canada). Some “mainline” Presbyterians believe in predestination, as do the smaller denominations (e.g., Orthodox Presbyterian). Some Baptists also accept predestination. In a number of cases, the main differences are only regarding baptism and church government.
It is false to pit presbyterians over against baptists on the Gospel and salvation by faith in Christ. All Calvinists believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, whether Baptist or Presbyterian. You are contrasting Arminian Baptists with what you think is Presbyterian belief.
This is a great very general difference as a whole. All Baptist and Presbyterian churches I have attended have had congregational readings, prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Also have all believed in predestination! The biggest division is by far infant vs believer baptism.
Absolutely not true that Baptists believe in predestination. We believe that, although of course God already knows who will or will not accept Jesus as Savior, He did not CHOOSE the ones who will be saved. Doing so would completely negate free will.
Yes. I grew up baptist and have attended other churches as well… The church in general has changed over the years actually… But as far as this goes I have also in my church especially during communion we do read out loud some things. Not so much “chanting” as other religions but we do. And yes we are saved by our faith and love in and for Jesus Christ. We believe he does on the cross for our sins and that he is number one who created us. So this belief is what the Baptist’s live on.
And to “Jesus follower not denominations”… We all need to be taught by someone. We all need to learn discernment and Christianity is a religion in itself. And we wouldn’t know what Las of life to follow had we not had different denominations to discern what we should and shouldn’t be doing… But yes, I agree. We should all be following Christ. Who actually loved the church.