This week, I will continue the conversation about defining our Texas Baptists identity. There has been much discussion online about Southern Baptists, and in some cases, there has also been mention of Texas Baptists. Some confuse the two groups. Others understand the things both conventions have in common and what distinguishes them.

It goes without saying that I cannot speak for the Southern Baptist Convention and, for that matter, I cannot speak for Texas Baptists. We affirm the priesthood of all believers and the autonomy of the local church. Thus, I can speak as a Baptist. I can even speak as the executive director of Texas Baptists, but I cannot speak for all Texas Baptists.

What we can do is to acknowledge the beliefs which we have generally held in common. We are a confessional people, not a creedal people. We can describe who we are and what we have in common. But we do not prescribe what any Baptist ought to believe.

Last week in my update, I mentioned seven characteristics that describe the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Texas Baptists are biblically-faithful, gospel-centered, historically-rooted, future-thinking, beautifully-diverse, servant-hearted and kingdom-collaborating.

Biblically-Faithful: Part I

The first value in this list is foundational to our identity as God’s people. Baptists have been known as “people of the book.” It is no coincidence that in every version of The Baptist Faith and Message, the article on the Scriptures is first.

So what does it mean to be biblically-faithful? What do we believe about the Bible?

In speaking of these seven descriptors, we have previously said: “The Bible is the foundation of our faith, the root of our eternal hope and God’s never-changing truth without any mixture of error. It is the ultimate authority by which we joyfully build our conduct, doctrine and churches.”

Texas Baptists have been consistent in our 140-year history in regard to the Bible. We believe it is a divinely inspired book (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21). God reveals himself and his plan for humanity through its pages. It is authoritative and trustworthy. It is God-breathed!

All versions of The Baptist Faith and Message affirm that the Holy Bible has "truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter." The article on Scripture continues, “It reveals the principles by which God judges us; and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.”

The Bible reveals to us God’s nature and perfect will (Psalm 19). The Scriptures light our way and keep us from sinning (Psalm 119). The Bible instructs us, rebukes us, corrects us and trains us in right living (2 Timothy 3:16). It equips us for ministry (2 Timothy 3:17).

Yet, its most transcendent role is to point us to Jesus for salvation (John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:15; Luke 24:44-46). God’s ultimate revelation is a person, Jesus the Son (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:1-2). Ultimately, our study and understanding of Scripture should lead us to a faith relationship with Christ and to his Lordship over our lives.

Because the Bible is inspired by God and because it leads us to know Jesus as Lord, we approach our reading and study of it with reverence and humility. It deserves a treatment that recognizes our limitations and God’s infinite nature and wisdom.

I will expound more on this idea of reverence and humility in our approach to the Bible in next week’s update. For now, I will say that being biblically-faithful means that we believe in the sacredness of Scripture, we allow the Bible to lead us to a faith relationship with Christ and we rely on the Holy Spirit to give us understanding.

Thank God for the gift of the Scriptures. Thank God for his revelation through the Old and New Testaments. Praise God for his ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh! Thank God for Texas Baptists' commitment to the Bible!

Next Monday, June 29, Texas Baptists celebrate 140 years of cooperation. I encourage you to mark your calendar, pause briefly and celebrate with prayer and thanksgiving!