Differences Between Reformed Baptist and Evangelical Denomination

Overview

• Evangelicalism:
  • Not a denomination but an overarching collection of multiple denominations.
  • Defines any denomination or individual that preaches an Orthodox Christian Gospel.
  • Key belief: Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Evangelicals vs. Roman Catholics

• Roman Catholics:
  • Do not share the same gospel as Evangelical Christians.
  • Council of Trent anathematized the Evangelical Gospel.
  • Cooperation with Catholics is possible on cultural issues but not on evangelism.

Understanding Evangelicalism

• Considered as a large category under Christianity along with Catholics and other groups.
• Includes various denominations: Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans, etc.

Reformed Baptist vs. Calvinistic Baptist

• Reformed Baptist:

  • Confessional, adhering to historic confessions like the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession.
  • Examples: Voddie Baucham, James White, Joel Webben.

• Calvinistic Baptist:

  • Holds to Calvinist principles but not confessional.
  • Example: John MacArthur.

Doctrinal Differences

• Sabbatarianism:

  • Reformed Baptists hold to Christian Sabbatarianism, viewing the Sabbath as moral law.

• Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism:

  • Reformed Baptists adhere to covenant theology.
  • Calvinistic Baptists like John MacArthur may lean towards dispensationalism.

• Eschatology:

  • Covenant theologians are typically Amillennial or Postmillennial.
  • Dispensationalists are usually Premillennial.

Evangelicalism as an Overarching Banner

• Describes gospel-believing Christians across many denominations.