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Major Protestant Churches Major Protestant Churches TodayToday
LutheransLutherans BaptistsBaptists MethodistsMethodists
Lutheran OriginLutheran Origin
Lutheranism is a major branch of Lutheranism is a major branch of
Protestant Christianity that identifies Protestant Christianity that identifies
with the teachings of the sixteenth-with the teachings of the sixteenth-
century German reformer Martin century German reformer Martin
Luther. Luther.
Lutheran OriginLutheran Origin
Unlike the Reformed Churches, Lutherans Unlike the Reformed Churches, Lutherans
have retained many of the sacramental have retained many of the sacramental
understandings and liturgical practices of understandings and liturgical practices of
the pre-Reformation Church. the pre-Reformation Church.
Lutheran theology differs considerably from Lutheran theology differs considerably from
Reformed theology in its understanding of Reformed theology in its understanding of
divine grace and predestination to eternity divine grace and predestination to eternity
after death.after death.
Lutheran OriginLutheran Origin
Today, nearly 70 million Christians belong to Today, nearly 70 million Christians belong to
Lutheran churches worldwide; furthermore, Lutheran churches worldwide; furthermore,
the world's 400 million Protestant Christians the world's 400 million Protestant Christians
can trace their tradition, at least in part, can trace their tradition, at least in part,
back to Luther's reforming work.back to Luther's reforming work.
The Evangelical-Lutheran church is or was The Evangelical-Lutheran church is or was
the state church of several countries in the state church of several countries in
northern Europe.northern Europe.
Lutheran BeliefsLutheran Beliefs
Infant baptism is practicedInfant baptism is practiced
Baptism and Communion are the only two Baptism and Communion are the only two
sacramentssacraments
Belief in Monergism – Salvation is by God's Belief in Monergism – Salvation is by God's
act aloneact alone
Some Lutherans reject the term “Eucharist”Some Lutherans reject the term “Eucharist”
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
In its simplest form Monergism states that In its simplest form Monergism states that
salvation is all from God, as opposed to salvation is all from God, as opposed to
synergism, which, in its simplest form, insists synergism, which, in its simplest form, insists
that God performs some action(s) leaving that God performs some action(s) leaving
salvation incomplete until man performs salvation incomplete until man performs
some action(s) to complete salvation. some action(s) to complete salvation.
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
According to Monergism, a sinner is given According to Monergism, a sinner is given
pardon for sin by the death of Jesus, acceptance pardon for sin by the death of Jesus, acceptance
with God by the imputed righteousness of Jesus, with God by the imputed righteousness of Jesus,
and faith in Jesus by the Holy Spirit. and faith in Jesus by the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification then begins either instantaneously Sanctification then begins either instantaneously
according to some, or as an ongoing progressive according to some, or as an ongoing progressive
process according to others. But to remain process according to others. But to remain
consistent to Monergism, justification must be consistent to Monergism, justification must be
entirely of God.entirely of God.
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
Lutherans reject the doctrine that humans in Lutherans reject the doctrine that humans in
their fallen state have a free will concerning their fallen state have a free will concerning
spiritual matters. spiritual matters.
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
They believe that although humans have They believe that although humans have
free will concerning civil righteousness, they free will concerning civil righteousness, they
cannot work spiritual righteousness without cannot work spiritual righteousness without
the Holy Spirit, since righteousness in the the Holy Spirit, since righteousness in the
heart cannot be wrought in the absence of heart cannot be wrought in the absence of
the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit.
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
Lutherans believe that the elect are Lutherans believe that the elect are
predestined to salvation and that Christians predestined to salvation and that Christians
should be assured that they are among the should be assured that they are among the
predestined. predestined.
However, they disagree with those that However, they disagree with those that
make predestination the source of salvation make predestination the source of salvation
rather than Christ's suffering, death, and rather than Christ's suffering, death, and
resurrection. resurrection.
Lutheran Beliefs: MonergismLutheran Beliefs: Monergism
Unlike some in Calvinism, Lutherans do not Unlike some in Calvinism, Lutherans do not
believe in a predestination to damnation. believe in a predestination to damnation.
Instead, Lutherans teach damnation is a Instead, Lutherans teach damnation is a
result of the unbeliever's rejection of the result of the unbeliever's rejection of the
Holy Spirit.Holy Spirit.
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
Some Lutherans use the term Eucharist to Some Lutherans use the term Eucharist to
refer to Communion; however, others reject refer to Communion; however, others reject
the term on the basis that the word the term on the basis that the word
Eucharist ("thanksgiving") puts the emphasis Eucharist ("thanksgiving") puts the emphasis
on the human response to the sacrament, on the human response to the sacrament,
which is contrary to the Lutheran emphasis which is contrary to the Lutheran emphasis
on God's omnipotence and human on God's omnipotence and human
powerlessness. powerlessness.
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
Lutherans believe that the Body and Blood of Lutherans believe that the Body and Blood of
Christ are "truly and substantially present in, Christ are "truly and substantially present in,
with and under the forms" of the with and under the forms" of the
consecrated bread and wine (the elements), consecrated bread and wine (the elements),
so that communicants eat and drink both the so that communicants eat and drink both the
elements and the true Body and Blood of elements and the true Body and Blood of
Christ Himself Christ Himself
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
Lutherans use the terms "in, with and under Lutherans use the terms "in, with and under
the forms of [consecrated] bread and wine" the forms of [consecrated] bread and wine"
and "sacramental union" to distinguish their and "sacramental union" to distinguish their
understanding of the Lord's Supper from understanding of the Lord's Supper from
those of the Reformed and other traditions. those of the Reformed and other traditions.
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
More liberal Lutheran churches tend to More liberal Lutheran churches tend to
practice open communion, inviting all who practice open communion, inviting all who
are baptized to participate. are baptized to participate.
Conservative Lutheran churches are more Conservative Lutheran churches are more
likely to practice closed communion (or likely to practice closed communion (or
"close communion"), restricting participation "close communion"), restricting participation
to those who are in doctrinal agreement with to those who are in doctrinal agreement with
them. them.
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
This might involve the formal declaration of This might involve the formal declaration of
"altar and pulpit fellowship", another term "altar and pulpit fellowship", another term
for Eucharistic sharing coupled with the for Eucharistic sharing coupled with the
acceptance of the ministrations of one acceptance of the ministrations of one
another's clergy. another's clergy.
Lutheran Beliefs: EucharistLutheran Beliefs: Eucharist
Open communion is a thoroughly modern Open communion is a thoroughly modern
practice, as most Lutheran bodies as late as practice, as most Lutheran bodies as late as
the 20th century would often preclude their the 20th century would often preclude their
own members from partaking in communion, own members from partaking in communion,
such as divorcees and men and women who such as divorcees and men and women who
lived together outside of marriage; this was lived together outside of marriage; this was
a carryover from the church's roots in a carryover from the church's roots in
Catholicism.Catholicism.
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
Baptists today are the third largest Baptists today are the third largest
Protestant group in the world. Their history Protestant group in the world. Their history
can be traced back to the early days of the can be traced back to the early days of the
Protestant Reformation - specifically, the Protestant Reformation - specifically, the
radical wing of the Reformation which was radical wing of the Reformation which was
rejected by major Protestant leaders like rejected by major Protestant leaders like
Luther and Zwingli.Luther and Zwingli.
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
Baptists were originally nicknamed Baptists were originally nicknamed
"Anabaptists," which means "re-baptists," "Anabaptists," which means "re-baptists,"
because the baptism of mature church because the baptism of mature church
members rather than children is one of the members rather than children is one of the
original defining marks of this denomination original defining marks of this denomination
- when they first appeared in the United - when they first appeared in the United
States, this was a particularly radical States, this was a particularly radical
position to take. position to take.
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
Baptists number over 110 million worldwide Baptists number over 110 million worldwide
in more than 170,000 congregations, and in more than 170,000 congregations, and
are considered the largest world communion are considered the largest world communion
of evangelical Protestants, with an estimated of evangelical Protestants, with an estimated
22 million members in the North America. 22 million members in the North America.
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
Other large populations of Baptists also exist Other large populations of Baptists also exist
in Asia, Africa and Latin America, notably in in Asia, Africa and Latin America, notably in
India (2.4 million), Nigeria (2.5 million), India (2.4 million), Nigeria (2.5 million),
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (1.9 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (1.9
million) and Brazil (1.7 million).million) and Brazil (1.7 million).
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
According to a poll in the 1990s, about one According to a poll in the 1990s, about one
in five Christians in the United States claims in five Christians in the United States claims
to be a Baptist. U.S. Baptists are represented to be a Baptist. U.S. Baptists are represented
in more than fifty separate groups. in more than fifty separate groups.
Baptist OriginBaptist Origin
Ninety-two percent of Baptists are found Ninety-two percent of Baptists are found
in five of those bodies:in five of those bodies:– The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
– National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC)National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBC)
– National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.
(NBCA)(NBCA)
– American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC)American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABC)
– Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI)Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI)
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
Eternal security is a controversial Christian Eternal security is a controversial Christian
doctrine which maintains that none who are doctrine which maintains that none who are
truly saved can be condemned for their sins or truly saved can be condemned for their sins or
finally fall away from the faith. finally fall away from the faith.
The doctrine appears in two different forms: The doctrine appears in two different forms:
(1) the traditional Calvinist doctrine found in (1) the traditional Calvinist doctrine found in
the Reformed Christian confessions of faith, the Reformed Christian confessions of faith,
and (2) the non-traditional doctrine found in and (2) the non-traditional doctrine found in
some Baptist and other evangelical churches. some Baptist and other evangelical churches.
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
In a sense, both can describe Christian In a sense, both can describe Christian
believers as "once saved, always saved", but believers as "once saved, always saved", but
the two forms attach a different meaning to the two forms attach a different meaning to
the word saved — namely, whether or not it the word saved — namely, whether or not it
necessarily involves sanctification, the necessarily involves sanctification, the
process of becoming holy by rejecting sin.process of becoming holy by rejecting sin.
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
Baptists hold the non-traditional view of Baptists hold the non-traditional view of
eternal security and has been espoused by eternal security and has been espoused by
Charles Stanley, Norman Geisler, Zane C. Charles Stanley, Norman Geisler, Zane C.
Hodges, Bill Bright, and others. This view, like Hodges, Bill Bright, and others. This view, like
the traditional Calvinist view, emphasizes that the traditional Calvinist view, emphasizes that
people are saved purely by an act of divine people are saved purely by an act of divine
grace that does not depend at all on the deeds grace that does not depend at all on the deeds
of the individual, and for that reason, of the individual, and for that reason,
advocates insist that nothing the person can advocates insist that nothing the person can
do can affect his or her salvation. do can affect his or her salvation.
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
The non-traditional doctrine views the The non-traditional doctrine views the
person's character and life after receiving the person's character and life after receiving the
gift of salvation as independent from the gift gift of salvation as independent from the gift
itself, which is the main point of itself, which is the main point of
differentiation from the traditional view, or, in differentiation from the traditional view, or, in
other words, it asserts that justification (that other words, it asserts that justification (that
is, being declared righteous before God on is, being declared righteous before God on
account of Christ) does not necessarily result account of Christ) does not necessarily result
in sanctification (that is, a progressively more in sanctification (that is, a progressively more
righteous life).righteous life).
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
The doctrine sees the work of salvation as The doctrine sees the work of salvation as
wholly monergistic, which is to say that God wholly monergistic, which is to say that God
alone performs it and man has no part in the alone performs it and man has no part in the
process beyond receiving it, and therefore, process beyond receiving it, and therefore,
proponents argue that man cannot undo proponents argue that man cannot undo
what they believe God has done, even by what they believe God has done, even by
denying the very existence of that God. denying the very existence of that God.
Baptist Beliefs: Eternal Baptist Beliefs: Eternal SecuritySecurity
The traditional doctrine teaches that a The traditional doctrine teaches that a
person is secure in salvation because he or person is secure in salvation because he or
she was predestined by God, whereas in the she was predestined by God, whereas in the
non-traditional view, a person is secure non-traditional view, a person is secure
because he or she has believed the Gospel because he or she has believed the Gospel
message.message.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Baptism, commonly referred to as believer's Baptism, commonly referred to as believer's
baptism among Baptists and some other baptism among Baptists and some other
groups, is administered by full immersion in groups, is administered by full immersion in
water after a person professes Jesus Christ water after a person professes Jesus Christ
to be Savior. to be Savior.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
It is seen as an act of obedience to the It is seen as an act of obedience to the
example and command of Jesus given in the example and command of Jesus given in the
Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It is Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It is
an outward expression that is symbolic of an outward expression that is symbolic of
the inward cleansing or remission of their the inward cleansing or remission of their
sins that has already taken place. It is also a sins that has already taken place. It is also a
public identification of that person with public identification of that person with
Christianity and with that particular local Christianity and with that particular local
church.church.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Most Protestants do not practice infant Most Protestants do not practice infant
baptism because they believe parents baptism because they believe parents
cannot make a decision of salvation for an cannot make a decision of salvation for an
infant. Related to this doctrine is the infant. Related to this doctrine is the
disputed concept of an "age of disputed concept of an "age of
accountability" when God determines that a accountability" when God determines that a
mentally capable person is accountable for mentally capable person is accountable for
their sins and eligible for baptism. their sins and eligible for baptism.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
This is not a specific age, but is based on This is not a specific age, but is based on
whether or not the person is mentally whether or not the person is mentally
capable of knowing right from wrong. capable of knowing right from wrong.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Thus, a person with severe mental Thus, a person with severe mental
retardation may never reach this age, and retardation may never reach this age, and
therefore would not be held accountable for therefore would not be held accountable for
sins. The book of Isaiah mentions an age at sins. The book of Isaiah mentions an age at
which a child "shall know to refuse the evil, which a child "shall know to refuse the evil,
and choose the good."and choose the good."
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Baptists insist upon baptism by full Baptists insist upon baptism by full
immersion, the mode Baptists believe Jesus immersion, the mode Baptists believe Jesus
received when he was baptized by John the received when he was baptized by John the
Baptist. Baptist.
Baptist theology considers that no saving Baptist theology considers that no saving
grace is conveyed during baptism and that grace is conveyed during baptism and that
original sin is not washed away. Baptists original sin is not washed away. Baptists
have traditionally believed that baptism is a have traditionally believed that baptism is a
symbol.symbol.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
The candidate is lowered in water backwards The candidate is lowered in water backwards
while the baptizer (a pastor or any baptized while the baptizer (a pastor or any baptized
believer under the authority of the local believer under the authority of the local
Baptist church) invokes the Trinitarian Baptist church) invokes the Trinitarian
phrase found in Matthew 28:19 or other phrase found in Matthew 28:19 or other
words concerning a profession of faith. words concerning a profession of faith.
Baptism by immersion is a representation of Baptism by immersion is a representation of
the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Some Baptist churches will recognize "age of Some Baptist churches will recognize "age of
accountability" baptisms by immersion accountability" baptisms by immersion
performed in other Christian churches of performed in other Christian churches of
"like faith and order," while others only "like faith and order," while others only
recognize baptisms performed in Baptist recognize baptisms performed in Baptist
churches. churches.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism
Baptists are known for re-baptizing converts Baptists are known for re-baptizing converts
to their faith who were previously baptized to their faith who were previously baptized
as infants or small children. Because of this, as infants or small children. Because of this,
the first Baptist congregations were dubbed the first Baptist congregations were dubbed
"Anabaptists", which means re-baptizers."Anabaptists", which means re-baptizers.
Baptist Beliefs: BaptismBaptist Beliefs: Baptism Baptist churches will not accept:Baptist churches will not accept:
– Prior baptisms by any means other than Prior baptisms by any means other than
immersion immersion
– Baptisms performed as an infant or child too Baptisms performed as an infant or child too
young to make a personal decision to accept young to make a personal decision to accept
Christ Christ
– Baptisms performed by any means, including Baptisms performed by any means, including
immersion, if administered by a church not immersion, if administered by a church not
considered to be of "like faith and order" by considered to be of "like faith and order" by
the Baptist congregation.the Baptist congregation.
Methodist OriginMethodist Origin
The Methodist movement traces its origin to The Methodist movement traces its origin to
the evangelistic teachings of John Wesley, the evangelistic teachings of John Wesley,
who was an Anglican priest. who was an Anglican priest.
It originated in 18th century Great Britain, It originated in 18th century Great Britain,
and through vigorous missionary activity, and through vigorous missionary activity,
spread throughout the British Empire, the spread throughout the British Empire, the
United States, and beyond. United States, and beyond.
Methodist OriginMethodist Origin
Originally it appealed especially to workers, Originally it appealed especially to workers,
agricultural workers, and slaves. agricultural workers, and slaves.
Stereologically, most Methodists are Stereologically, most Methodists are
Arminian or on rare occasions moderately Arminian or on rare occasions moderately
Calvinist, emphasizing that Christ Calvinist, emphasizing that Christ
accomplished salvation for every human accomplished salvation for every human
being, and that humans must exercise an being, and that humans must exercise an
act of the will to receive it (as opposed to the act of the will to receive it (as opposed to the
traditional Calvinist doctrine of monergism). traditional Calvinist doctrine of monergism).
Methodist OriginMethodist Origin
Methodism is traditionally a low Methodism is traditionally a low
(contemporary) church in liturgy (although (contemporary) church in liturgy (although
this varies greatly between individual this varies greatly between individual
congregations; the Wesleys themselves congregations; the Wesleys themselves
greatly valued the Anglican liturgy and greatly valued the Anglican liturgy and
tradition). tradition).
In 2006, Methodism claimed some seventy-In 2006, Methodism claimed some seventy-
five million members worldwide.five million members worldwide.
Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs
Christian Perfection:Christian Perfection: Though the Methodists never Though the Methodists never
claimed that a perfect, sinless life was ever attained, claimed that a perfect, sinless life was ever attained,
they taught that it was attainable. The Methodists they taught that it was attainable. The Methodists
taught that every Christian must strive for perfection taught that every Christian must strive for perfection
and should evidence some progress in that direction.and should evidence some progress in that direction.
Universal Redemption:Universal Redemption: The universal redemption The universal redemption
proclaims that Jesus Christ died for all people and proclaims that Jesus Christ died for all people and
that all people can be saved - not just a select few. It that all people can be saved - not just a select few. It
also declares that acceptance by Jesus Christ has also declares that acceptance by Jesus Christ has
nothing to do with one's status in life or with one's nothing to do with one's status in life or with one's
position or possessions.position or possessions.
Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs Justification by Faith:Justification by Faith: The belief that one is saved by faith The belief that one is saved by faith
in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone is central to in the saving grace of Jesus Christ alone is central to
Methodist Doctrine. The service of the Christian life is an Methodist Doctrine. The service of the Christian life is an
expression of one's faith - not the faith. It is because of the expression of one's faith - not the faith. It is because of the
grace, the unmerited love of God in Jesus Christ, that men grace, the unmerited love of God in Jesus Christ, that men
and women are saved - not because of anything they do.and women are saved - not because of anything they do.
The Witness of the Holy Spirit:The Witness of the Holy Spirit: The inner certainty which The inner certainty which
each Christian can have that he/she is a child of God as well each Christian can have that he/she is a child of God as well
as the conviction that God is at work in the world and in the as the conviction that God is at work in the world and in the
life of the believer bringing about His Kingdom gives life of the believer bringing about His Kingdom gives
credence to the witness of the Holy Spirit in the believer's credence to the witness of the Holy Spirit in the believer's
life.life.
Methodist BeliefsMethodist Beliefs
Falling from Grace:Falling from Grace: Emphasis upon the real Emphasis upon the real
possibility that a Christian can live in such a possibility that a Christian can live in such a
way that he/she will reject God's grace even way that he/she will reject God's grace even
though it was once accepted.though it was once accepted.
The Sacraments:The Sacraments: Methodists believe that a Methodists believe that a
sacrament is a "visible sign of an inward and sacrament is a "visible sign of an inward and
spiritual grace" instituted by Jesus Christ. spiritual grace" instituted by Jesus Christ.
There are two sacraments observed by There are two sacraments observed by
Methodists: Baptism and The Lord's Supper. Methodists: Baptism and The Lord's Supper.