The spelling of the term "Particular Baptist" is unique due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /pəˈtɪkjʊlər ˈbæptɪst/, where the "a" in "particular" is pronounced as a schwa sound and the "i" is pronounced as a short "i". The term refers to a specific branch of the Baptist denomination that holds to the doctrine of Calvinism, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the idea that Christ died only for the elect.
Particular Baptist refers to a specific branch or subset of the larger Baptist tradition within Christianity. The term "particular" in this context is derived from the notion of particular redemption or limited atonement, which is a theological belief held by this group.
A Particular Baptist is someone who holds to the belief in the doctrine of Particular or Reformed Baptist Theology. This doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross was intended specifically for the salvation of a particular, chosen group of individuals, commonly referred to as the elect.
Particular Baptists emphasize the sovereignty of God in the salvation of individuals and reject the notion of universal or general atonement. They hold that God predestines those whom He chooses for salvation and that human free will does not play a role in this divine election.
In addition to their beliefs about salvation, Particular Baptists also tend to emphasize the authority of Scripture, the autonomy of the local church, and the importance of believer's baptism by full immersion.
Historically, the Particular Baptist movement emerged in England in the 17th century during the Puritan era. They were distinct from the General Baptists, who held to a more Arminian view of salvation and allowed for the possibility of universal atonement.
Today, Particular Baptist churches and denominations can be found in various parts of the world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The word "Particular Baptist" traces its etymology to the historical context of the Baptist movement in England during the 17th century.
The term "Particular" refers to the theological concept of particular redemption or limited atonement, which was a distinguishing belief held by this group of Baptists. According to this doctrine, Christ's death on the cross was specifically intended to redeem or save only those who were predestined or elected by God for salvation.
The use of the word "Particular" in this context can be traced back to the Latin word "particularis", which means "pertaining to a part" or "distinct". So, in the context of theology, it refers to the distinct group of believers who held this particular view of redemption.
The term "Baptist" stems from the practice of adult baptism that this group of Christians adhered to.