What is a Reformed Baptist: A Review

Hicks, Tom. What Is a Reformed Baptist? Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2024.

What is a Reformed Baptist? In light of much of the controversy of our day, this is an important question to be able to answer. On the one hand, some Baptists claim that Baptists have always existed, coming through a long line of faithful witness down from John the Baptist, however erroneous that idea might be. On the other hand, you have well-intentioned Reformed brothers who allege that Baptists cannot be Reformed because of the Baptist denial of covenantal baptism of infants. These are obviously over-simplifications, but the point remains. There has been a need for a clear and concise treatment of what it means to be a Reformed Baptist. Tom Hicks delivers just such a treatmeant in his new book. So how did he do? As a someone who claims the title of Reformed Baptist for himself, can I say that Hicks has adiquitly and clearly layed out something that I can point to with confidence? In short, I believe so. Let's look at some of the details.

Genus Reformed, Not Baptist

Hicks starts of his introduction by telling the reader his heart and intention behind writing this book. He says, "This book is not about staking our tribal distinctives. It was originally born out of a desire to write something for my local church about who we are and why we believe what we believe." (p. 1) I find this rational refreshing. In a world where X exist and thrives on polimical attacks, Hicks seeks nothing more than to clarify to his church, and Christians in general, what they believe and why. The first part of his explanation is to clarify the history of Reformed Baptists. He does this by starting with the early church, quoting from men like Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, Martin Luther, and John Calvin, to show that what he and other Reformed Baptists hold to is, on the whole, consistant with the Reformed tradition. He goes on to show that Reformed Baptists are not part of the same group as General Baptists. Saying "Reformed Baptist, therefore, are not a species of the genus "Baptist." Rather, they are a species of the genus "Reformed." (p. 20) Among the many elements of the book, this is likely to be one of the most surprising or controversial elements. But I believe it to be both historically and theologically accurate. As a Reformed Baptist, I find that I often have more in common with my Reformed Presbyterian brothers than I do with the average Southern Baptist. We can agree largely on the five solas, the doctrines of grace, the covenants, and more. Where we differ is important, but so also is where we agree.

Confessionalism

Another area that might be a bit on the contorversial side is Hicks understanding of the use of confessions in the church, something he freely admits there can be disagreement about. In his second chapter, Hicks explains his churches use of the 1689 coveant. It is the foundational document for the life and teaching of the church, but not the ground for membership. In other words, a Christian does not have to hold to every point of the confession to be a member of the church. At the same time, members of the church are enjoined not to teach or lobby against the tenets of the confession. This is similar to how our church does things. The bar for entry is genuine repentance and faith in the gospel. But the elders of the church must fully subscribe to the confession. Hicks states the two points this way "Any believer should be allowed to join a local church, provided he does not have a divisive spirit" and "The officers of a church ought to ebrace a "full subscription" to the confession of faith." (p. 44, 47) There is much more to his explanation than these two statements, including an additional statement in between the two, that will be well worth considering.

Complete not Exhaustive

Hicks book is a great introduction to the topic of what it means to be a Reformed Baptist. Over its nine chapters, he clearly and consistently lays out the important, foundational tenets of what it means to be a Reformed Baptist, while also understanding that his book his not exhaustive. The size of the book alone should give us a hint at this. The sum of what it means to be Reformed is not the five points of Calvinism, something he points out in his sixth chapter. For comparison, Joel R. Beeke's Reformed Systematic Theology consists of four massive volumes. Another indication of Hicks awareness of the introductury nature of his book is the reading list, which includes thirty-seven recomened titles, at the end for further reading. Many of the books I have read before, but was delighted to find new ones that I had not yet discovered. While not being exhaustive, Hicks does provide a wonderful summary of Reformed Baptist beliefs.

Who Should Read it?

Finally, we are left with the question of who should read this book? In a general sense, I would say that everyone should read it. While it is not explicitly an evangelistic book, there is no doubt that the author proclaims the gospel throughout. That being said, this book will be most helpful for anyone seeking to understand what is meant by the term Reformed Baptist. As a pastor/elder who claims the title of Reformed Baptist, I found it to be a refreshing summary of the things I already hold to. I think it is an excellent resource to give to church members and potential church members, who have questions about what I mean when I say I am a Reformed Baptist. It is perfect for eldership training within the church. It is also a great book for those who are critical of Reformed Baptist, to at the very least, understand what we believe and why we believe it. Our Reformed brothers and sisters who do not hold to Baptist convictions should especially read it to understand where we come from.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you. May the Lord use it to draw you into a greater appreciation of who he is and what he has done, is doing, and will do.

Soli Deo Gloria