Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member or adherent of a group of Baptist congregations holding Calvinist theological positions, especially regarding the doctrine of particular redemption: The term "Particular Baptist" refers to a Christian denomination or theological tradition within the Baptist movement. It is historically defined by its adherence to Reformed (Calvinist) theology, particularly the belief that Christ's atonement was intended to save a particular group—the elect—rather than all humanity in general (a belief known as "particular redemption" or "limited atonement").

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The early Particular Baptists published the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
  • He attends a church that identifies as a Particular Baptist congregation.
  • The theological debate between General and Particular Baptists shaped early Baptist history.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and Theological Context: The term is often used in historical and theological discussions to distinguish these groups from "General Baptists," who held to a general atonement (the belief that Christ died for all people). It describes a specific ecclesiological and doctrinal identity.
  • The study focused on the migration patterns of Particular Baptists in the 17th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Particular Baptism: This is not a standard variant. The core term is "Particular Baptist."
• Reformed Baptist: A modern term often used synonymously with "Particular Baptist," emphasizing the Reformed theological framework.
• Calvinistic Baptist: Another synonymous term highlighting the Calvinist doctrinal foundation.

Synonyms

• Reformed Baptist
• Calvinistic Baptist

Related Phrases

• Particular redemption: The key doctrinal tenet associated with Particular Baptists, meaning Christ's atonement was specifically for the elect.
• 1689 Baptist Confession: The seminal doctrinal statement of the Particular Baptist tradition.

Related Idioms

No specific idioms are commonly associated with this term, as it is a proper noun referring to a specific religious group.

Noun

1. group of Baptist congregations believing the teachings of the French theologian John Calvin who believed in strict predetermination