A friend recently joined a Landmark Baptist church in another state. Does this denomination subscribe to Calvinism as to the security of the believer? (once saved, always saved) Are modern translations of the Bible recommended? Thank you.
Nancy Nowel
In the 1840’s & 50’s the Landmarkers were all known as Missionary Baptists, who had one belief and were of one mind and one accord for the most part. As a matter of fact the Landmark movement was first recognized at this time because of the desire of the Baptist people to preserve our ways of worship that at that time had stretched over 18 centuries. There was however two divisions that appeared when the movement gained steam.
- Those who believed that “all” were totally lost and on a one way trip to hell, unless they gave heed to the call of the Holy Spirit and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This is the original belief: 2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- Those who believed that “only a select few” would receive Salvation through Gods Sovereign Grace because He choose (Predestined) them to be saved. This was a teaching of a man named John Calvin (1509-1564). Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Because of this division there was a separation of fellowship. The Group #1 had held their beliefs were the original remained Missionary Baptists by association. Many of them formed the Southern Baptist Conference. Group #2 formed the American Baptist Association. Group #1 still believes that “All” can be saved. I myself am one of the original group (Group #1) and you can most likely tell this by reading the Parsons Corner! Group #2 still takes the Calvinistic view of predestination, but both groups believe in the Eternal Security of our Salvation as a majority. That is to say, Once saved, always saved!
This is the kicker, Group #1 are the ones allowing other bible versions to be used in their churches and Group #2 holds tenaciously to the King James Version, as you no doubt realize that I do too!
B.T.W. The associations I just mentioned are simply for the coordinating of funds to our missionaries and are not a governing body over the individual churches. By definition, it is impossible for a group to be a Baptist Congregation unless they are internally governed and totally independent with Jesus Christ “only” as their head!