What is a Christian?

At its core, a Christian is someone who follows Jesus Christ and believes in His teachings. The word “Christian” appears three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), originally used to describe the early followers of Jesus whose lives reflected His example. In fact, the name itself means “follower of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.”

While many today may call themselves Christians because they attend church, live in a Christian culture, or try to live morally, the Bible presents a much deeper definition. Simply going to church or doing good deeds doesn't make someone a Christian, any more than sitting in a garage makes someone a car.

According to Scripture, becoming a Christian means being spiritually reborn. Titus 3:5 explains that “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” It’s not about earning God’s approval through good works but receiving His grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8 echoes this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

A true Christian believes that Jesus died for their sins, rose again, and offers forgiveness and new life. As John 1:12 puts it: “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” 

A Christian’s life is marked by love for others, obedience to God’s Word (1 John 2:4, 10), and a personal relationship with Christ. They are part of God’s family, saved not by works, but by God’s grace.

What is a Baptist?

A Baptist is a type of Christian who belongs to one of many churches that trace their roots back to the 17th-century Protestant Reformation. Like all Christians, Baptists follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, but they are known for a few distinct beliefs and practices that set them apart from other Christian groups.

One of the key beliefs that defines the Baptist religion is the practice of believer’s baptism. Baptists hold that baptism should only be performed on individuals who personally profess their faith in Jesus, rather than on infants. This act of baptism is seen as a public declaration of one’s commitment to follow Christ.

Another important part of Baptist church beliefs is the strong emphasis on the authority of the Bible. For Baptists, Scripture is the ultimate guide for faith, daily living, and church practice. Baptist churches are also usually independent, meaning that each congregation governs itself without outside control. This is known as local church autonomy.

While all Baptists share certain core beliefs, there are many different groups within the tradition, each with their own specific teachings and organizational structures. For example, many people often wonder about the differences between First Baptist vs Southern Baptist, which refer to different affiliations within the wider Baptist community. We’ll explore these distinctions more in this article.

In short, Baptists are Christians, but they have unique convictions about baptism, church governance, and personal faith that give them a distinct place within the Christian world.

Do Baptists Believe in Jesus?

Yes, absolutely. Baptists fully believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the foundation of their faith. Like other Christians, Baptist beliefs center on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Baptists teach that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. They believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin, was buried, and rose again on the third day, offering eternal life to anyone who trusts in Him. This core belief is based on verses like John 3:16, which says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Baptists also believe that a personal relationship with Jesus is necessary for salvation. It’s not about following rituals or traditions alone, but trusting in Christ’s sacrifice and grace. This is why many Baptist churches strongly emphasize personal faith and a clear profession of belief in Jesus.

Do Baptists Believe In the Trinity?

Yes, Baptists believe in the Trinity. Like most branches of Christianity, Baptist theology teaches that God exists as one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is a key part of Baptist Christian beliefs and aligns with historic Christian doctrine.

Baptists believe that all three persons of the Trinity are fully God, co-equal and co-eternal, yet distinct in their roles. The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and Guide. This belief is rooted in Bible passages such as Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

Do Baptists Believe In the Virgin Mary?

Yes, Baptists believe Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26–38). They honor her role as the mother of the Messiah but do not venerate or pray to her. 

Baptists believe that only God deserves worship (Exodus 20:3–5), and that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary is respected, but she is not seen as divine or as someone who intercedes for believers. This position reflects a key distinction in Baptist Christian beliefs.

Do Baptists Believe Jesus Is God?

Absolutely. Baptists affirm that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. They believe in the deity of Christ based on clear scriptural teachings, such as John 1:1 (“the Word was God”), John 10:30 (“I and the Father are one”), and Colossians 2:9 (“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily”). Believing in Jesus as God and Savior is central to Baptist doctrine and essential for salvation (Romans 10:9).

Do Baptists Get Baptized?

Yes. Baptists believe in believer’s baptism by immersion after personal faith in Jesus Christ. They do not baptize infants, following the New Testament example where baptism follows repentance and faith (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12). 

Baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4). However, baptism itself is not required for salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9); it is an act of obedience and public profession of faith.

Evangelical vs Baptist

Baptists fall within the broader Evangelical tradition. Both groups believe in the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus (John 3:3). 

However, Baptist Christian beliefs include specific practices, such as baptism by immersion and the autonomy of the local church. Not all Evangelicals are Baptists, but most Baptists would be classified as Evangelicals.

First Baptist vs Southern Baptist

The difference between First Baptist vs Southern Baptist often reflects organization, not doctrine. “First Baptist” typically refers to the first Baptist church planted in a location; these churches may or may not be affiliated with a larger denomination.

Southern Baptists are part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Baptist denomination in the U.S., with specific doctrinal positions outlined in the Baptist Faith and Message. The SBC strongly emphasizes biblical authority, evangelism, and missions (Matthew 28:19–20).

How Many Baptist Denominations Are There in the World?

Globally, Baptists are diverse. Here are some major groups:

• Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) – Largest U.S. Baptist group.
• American Baptist Churches USA – More moderate theologically.
• National Baptist Convention – One of the largest historically African-American Baptist bodies.
• Progressive National Baptist Convention – Another large African-American Baptist denomination.
• Independent Baptists – Autonomous churches unaffiliated with larger organizations.
• Missionary Baptists – Emphasize mission work, sometimes linked with SBC.
• Free Will Baptists – Stress free will in salvation (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9).
• Primitive Baptists – More conservative, with a focus on predestination and simple worship.
• Other smaller groups worldwide, especially in Africa, Asia, and Europe, reflecting regional practices but similar Baptist Christian beliefs.

While estimates vary, there are hundreds of Baptist denominations worldwide. Most share a common belief in the Bible as the sole authority, salvation by grace through faith, and the importance of believer’s baptism.

What Is the Difference Between a Baptist and a Christian

Now that we have gone deeper into what Christianity is and what a Baptist believes in, let’s recap the most important things to know about the differences (and similarities) between the two. First, and foremost: all Baptists are Christians, but not all Christians are Baptists.

I’ve created a table that makes it easy to understand the particularities of Baptists:

Learn More About Christian Denominations with Bible Chat 

Understanding the differences between Christian denominations can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Bible Chat can help. Whether you’re curious about Baptists vs. Christians, the Trinity, or any other biblical topic, Bible Chat makes it easy to explore trustworthy explanations grounded in Scripture.

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• Get simple, Bible-based answers to your questions.
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Conclusion

In the end, Baptists are a group within the larger Christian family. All Baptists are Christians, but not all Christians are Baptists. What makes Baptists unique is how they practice their faith, especially their strong focus on the Bible, believer’s baptism, and personal relationship with God. 

While different denominations may have their own traditions and teachings, they all center on Jesus as Lord and Savior. No matter which path you follow, learning more about these differences can deepen your understanding of your own faith and help you respect the beliefs of others within the body of Christ.

References

• What is a Christian?, https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Christian.html, accessed on 2.06.2025;
• Baptist, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Baptist, accessed on 2.06.2025;
• Believer's Baptism, https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220594/Believers_Baptism.aspx, accessed on 2.06.2025.

Source of Images: Freepik.com