Over the years (I have been saved over two decades) I have seen several different versions of this acrostic (I think that is correct word).
I have seen one or two versions that I believe are bordering on hearsay or unbiblical. There are others, that though they don't line up completely with this version, I think just have the emphasis at different points.
It is a simple way to decide or demonstrate where you stand. It uses Baptist as its word, but the meaning is Christian.
I prefer this version best, as I believe it is in order, from higher to lessor (though not of any less importance in the Christian walk).
B - Biblical Authority: our final authority in deciding any matter is the Holy Bible (in the English language preserved through the Authorized Version, sometimes known as the King James).
A - Autonomy of the Local Church: each Church family is solely a self authorizing organization accountable to Jesus Christ alone. No bishops, popes, conventions have the right to dictate to a local body of believers. This does not exclude alliances for Christian works, missions etc, but these must be monitored Biblically to ensure the Church is not drawn into an unholy relationship.
P - Priesthood of Believers: every Christian is a priest, free to approach God directly through the work of the Chief Priest Jesus Christ. There is no need to go through any man/woman to approach God. No popes, no confessionals staffed by a man.
T - Two Church Offices: the local body of believers is governed by two offices only. Pastors and Deacons. Pastors are chosen by God and accepted by the Church family, to act as shepherds following the Over Shepherd Jesus Christ ("follow me as I follow Christ"). Deacons are chosen from within the Church family to act a servants to the body ("it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables"). Note: this does not stop a Church body from appointing staff (secretaries, administrative etc) but those are not scripturally outlined and at no time supersede the biblical positions. All Church staff should follow as applicable the pastoral epistles in regards to Church leadership (i.e. no divorcees in Sunday school class teachers or Trusties governing buildings etc).
I - Individual Soul Liberty: each believer is solely accountable to Jesus Christ for how their understand and live out the Christian life. No one can claim at the Bema Seat Judgement that they were following direction of some man/woman/order. Every Christian needs to search the Scriptures to see if it is so. To challenge the spirits. This does not preclude seeking Biblical advice, yet the individual is responsible for their steps.
S - Saved, baptized Church membership: to be a member of a local body of believers, you must be saved. The first step of obedience to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is baptism by immersion. A believer cannot be a legitimate member of a Church unless baptized (though this would not effect their salvation), and a person to whom someone has 'baptized' (infant baptism or such like) but who does not have a personal belief nor been saved by their knowledge of Jesus Christ cannot be a legitimate member of a Church of believers.
T - Two Church Ordinances: the local Church is commanded by Jesus Christ to be baptized by immersion after belief. Also, for the body of believers is the Lords Supper to be a remembrance of what has been done.
S - Separation of Church and State: the government has no say in how a Church body of believers administrates or seeks out their worship, part and parcel, no Church body dictates to a government how they are to govern. No State Churches. Government stops before the pulpit.
Each one of these could fill reams of paper going into the fine details with the supporting Biblical references. Many folks died so that these principals could be passed down to us.
I hope this was of some use. Have a great day! Serve God.
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