Lesson 7

Question 1

Discuss the goals of the Elizabethan Puritan movement.

Answer 1

1. A skilled preaching ministry
2. Minimal ceremonies, justified by Scripture
3. Presbyterian form of government
   a. State Presbyterian form of Gov
   b. Similar to Scots
4. te church under Parliament

Question 2

What was the historical context of the Westminster Assembly?

Answer 2

Puritanism
The Puritans believed that the English Church hadn’t gone far enough in separating itself from Rome during the English Reformation, and sought further reform.

King Charles I and Archbishop William Laud
The Assembly took place after a decade of reform under Charles I and Laud, who persecuted Puritans. In 1637, Laud attempted to reform the Scottish church by mandating a new version of the Book of Common Prayer that was more Roman Catholic, which led to a Scottish revolution.

Military alliance with Scotland
As part of a military alliance with Scotland, Parliament agreed that the Assembly would help the English Church conform more closely with the Church of Scotland

**The Assembly’s purpose was twofold: **
1. to advise Parliament on issues of worship, doctrine, government, and discipline in the Church of England, and
2. to set forth points of government and discipline that would require civil authority to be fully effective.

Question 3

What are the distinguishing marks of the English Baptists?

Answer 3

distinguishing marks:
1. understanding of church government.
2. independent ideas.
3. congregationalist.
4. Believer’s baptism.
5. Freedom from the government—rulers are mere lay people within the church.
6. Immersion baptism is the only proper mode.
7. Membership in church is only for those who profess faith.
8. Baptism being the door of Christian fellowship.
9. Ministry is completely under the control of the faith members of the covenant community.
10. Separate from state church - No state interference.
11. Inter-church cooperation.
12. Local church autonomy.

1. The Bible: Baptists believe the Bible is the ultimate authority on faith and practice, and that they should appeal to the Scriptures rather than their own confessions of faith.
2. Believer’s baptism: Baptists believe that only believers should be baptized, and that baptism should be done by full-body immersion instead of sprinkling or pouring water. However, they don’t believe baptism is necessary for salvation.
3. Liberty of conscience: Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual, and that this is connected to the idea of absolute liberty of conscience.
4. Local church autonomy: Baptists believe that local churches should be autonomous.
   Priesthood of all believers: Baptists believe that all believers are priests.