Our Beliefs

Reformed Baptist Distinctives

Our Theological Heritage

Reformed Baptist Church, Kericho stands in the tradition of Churches that have been called Particular Baptist, or Strict & Particular Baptist, and are often referred to as Reformed Baptist. Our doctrinal roots go back to the 1689 Baptist Confession.

This Confession of Faith is very similar to the Westminster Confession of the Presbyterian Church (1646). This was a document of the Puritans and was greatly influenced by Calvin and the Reformation. This is why we are happy to be called 'Reformed' Baptists.

We rejoice in what God did in reforming the church in the 16th century through men like John Calvin. We do not believe that "the church of today has come of age and is discovering new doctrines". The new doctrines are usually the old heresies dressed up. God has always had His people in the world and we believe that doctrinal maturity was achieved in the Reformation and Puritan periods of the history of the church, the 16th and 17th centuries. In many ways we are pygmies as compared to them.

The Five Points of Calvinism

Those who call themselves Reformed are often nicknamed 'Calvinists'. We are not ashamed to be linked together with such a man of God as John Calvin, although we do not agree with absolutely everything he taught. We are in agreement with what has come to be known as The Five Points of Calvinism. Calvin himself did not pen these, but they were enumerated as a result of the Synod of Dort in the early 17th century to counter the five points of the Remonstrants (Arminians).

T – Total Depravity

Man is completely affected by sin in every aspect of his being and is unable to save himself.

U – Unconditional Election

God chooses those whom He will save based solely on His sovereign will, not on any merit in the sinner.

L – Limited Atonement

Christ's death was specifically designed to secure the salvation of the elect.

I – Irresistible Grace

When God calls His elect to salvation, they cannot resist His call.

P – Perseverance of the Saints

All who are truly saved will be kept by God's power and will persevere to the end.

The Five Solas

We also believe in what are termed the Five Solas ('sola' is a Latin word meaning 'only'):

Sola Scriptura

The Scriptures alone, our final authority

Sola Gratia

Grace alone, only source of salvation

Sola Fide

Faith alone, only way to receive salvation

Sola Christus

Christ alone, only Mediator of salvation

Soli Deo Gloria

To the glory of God alone, highest goal of salvation

These beliefs have a great impact upon our Christian life, our worship, and our evangelism.

Church Documents & Recommended Reading

Reformed Baptist Church has its own Constitution, in which its doctrinal beliefs and its practices are laid out.

We recommend the following books:

  • Loraine Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
  • John Cheesman, et al, Saving Grace
  • Martin Luther, The Bondage of the Will
  • Thomas Nettles, By His Grace and For His Glory
  • John Owen, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Works: Vol. 10)
  • Arthur W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God
  • Charles Spurgeon, Sovereign Grace Sermons