Baptists hold to the belief that the Bible and its clear, literal teachings are the final authority for faith and practice.
II Timothy 3:16-17; I Peter 1:23-25

Each individual, local congregation of believers is free to act for and govern itself. Baptist churches are members of alliances, along with state and national conventions.
Revelation 1:11, 20

The Priesthood of the Believer basically means that we have no intermediate authority between us and God. Baptists believe there is no man or church authority one must go through to fellowship with God and likewise that God must go through to fellowship with us. We can go directly to God with our petitions and prayers, and He may make His will known directly to us.
I Timothy 2:5; I Peter 2:5

Acts 8:36-37; I Corinthians 11:23-31
Baptists believe that the Bible only teaches us to observe two ordinances inside the authority of the local church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are not called sacraments and are not necessary for salvation. They are commanded in the Bible to be observed, and we humbly do so.

Baptism is a symbolic act that represents the salvation of an individual. It is often called “Believer’s Baptism” since a testimony of salvation is required before one can be baptized. This baptism is performed by immersion. It has no redemptive or regenerative power that can save a human soul. The Lord’s Supper, sometimes called “communion”, is the partaking of unleavened bread and grape juice. This is done in remembrance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood.
Matthew 16:27; 2 Peter 3:9

Baptists hold that each individual is free to determine their own eternal destiny. With this freedom of choice also comes responsibility as each man will answer to God for their choice. The salvation of an individual is ultimately a choice they must make for themselves.
Matthew 16:27; 2 Peter 3:

Baptists hold that the church and state are two separate entities and are not mix their authorities. Both are ordained by God for different purposes. We believe that no government or authority should press for or require mandatory observance of a sponsored or endorsed religious system. This even applies to Baptists and their beliefs, which they have never attempted to force on anyone through any form of government. This belief does not mean that Baptists are anti-government. Baptists have been and continue to be model citizens and patriots. They simply believe that no governmental authority should govern churches and their practices.
Acts 5:29; Romans 1

The only two offices that the Bible mentions for churches are these: Pastor and Deacon. The Pastor is the “under shepherd” of the church, and the care of its members is his responsibility. He is to be the leader of each congregation, whose responsibility it is to elect them. This office is also called by the names “Bishop” and “Elder” in the New Testament.The Deacon is a servant of the church, and is to assist the Pastor in his duties. These men are elected by the congregation to this office. They are not given authority to rule over the church or pastor, but to aid in the work of the church.
I Timothy 3:2-1

According to the Scriptures, a person’s eternal destiny is based on whether or not they receive the gift of salvation offered by the Lord Jesus Christ. All men are sinners and are in need of salvation, else they will be under judgment in Hell for all eternity. However, Christ has purchased our salvation through His death and resurrection. He now offers this free gift of salvation and the promise of an eternity in Heaven to all men. We receive salvation by believing wholly on Him and trusting in His finished work and the veracity of His offer. There is nothing we can do to merit salvation nor any other means of entrance into Heaven except through accepting Christ’s offer.
John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9