Our beliefs

We are a member of the Singapore Baptist Convention and subscribe to her Statement of Faith (p.14-22, Baptist Guidebook, 2013).

Baptists have long been recognised as “a people of the Book” and “a people on the go,” and QBC continues to grow in that rich spiritual heritage.

Being “a people of the Book” means that whenever we face challenges, consider key beliefs, or seek direction for our personal lives or the life of our church, we begin by asking, “What does Scripture teach?” We hold to the conviction that the Bible is our primary and trustworthy guide for faith and practice.

Being “a people on the go” reflects our commitment to the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus calls the church to go and make disciples of all nations. This includes sharing the gospel and teaching others to follow all that Jesus has revealed.

At QBC, as we stay rooted in God’s Word and faithful to God’s Commission, we also recognise that we are to be fuelled by the Great Commandment. Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Because of this, we continually remind one another that we are people who are deeply loved by God each day, learning to respond in love because “He first loved us.” Our desire at QBC is to keep growing in our love for Jesus Christ and, in doing so, to become more like Him.

Baptist Distinctives

  • The Bible is our supreme authority in faith and practice.​
  • Church tradition, though it may be helpful, is not equal to Scripture.​

and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

  • The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the church. The local church is autonomous (self-governing).​
  • The Singapore Baptist Convention is not a governing authority, but a fellowship. This is unlike other denominations (e.g. Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, etc.) where the governing body has authority over individual churches.​

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Colossians 1:18

  • All believers are priests of God and have direct access to God’s presence through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and His people. We all have equal access to God.​
  • Every believer is useful in God’s kingdom and has a part to play.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

  • The two ordinances given by Christ to the Church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.​
  • Baptists practice baptism by immersion.​
  • Baptists view the Lord’s Supper as a memorial, where the bread and wine are symbols. They do not contain the actual body and blood of Jesus, and they do not have power in themselves to convey grace or effect change.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

  • Every individual has the liberty to choose his belief of God. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.

Romans 14:5

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Romans 14:12

  • Every member of a Baptist church must be a born-again believer who has publicly identified himself/herself with Christ in a believer’s baptism.​
  • Baptists do not practise infant baptism because we believe baptism should be a personal and conscious decision.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:41-47

  • Baptists have maintained two offices in the local church as set forth in the New Testament: pastor and deacon.​
  • The terms “pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop” or “overseer” all refer to the same office. In other denominations, these terms refer to different offices.​
  • Pastors are called by God to shepherd, lead, and serve the flock. Deacons are lay leaders.​

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. … They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

1 Timothy 3:1, 10

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed.

1 Peter 5:1

  • God established both the church and the civil government, giving each its own distinct jurisdiction. No church or government should control each other. The Church does not assume political power and the State does not interfere with the Church in spiritual matters.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13:1-7

Curious to find out more?