Grace PB Church's Beliefs

Elder David Pyles, son of Elder Sonny Pyles, both of whose writings and beliefs I have several times written against, is the pastor of Grace Primitive Baptist Church (here) in Mississippi. On the church's web page is a link to a pamphlet titled "Welcome To Grace Primitive Baptist Church" (here). In it are some things I would like to cite and make comment. First, the pamphlet says (highlighting mine):

"We are thankful for your interest in Grace Primitive Baptist Church and pray you will see fit to visit us or visit us again. The purpose of this introductory pamphlet is to better acquaint you with the beliefs of the church. Since we are a typical Primitive Baptist church, much of the pamphlet will discuss the beliefs of Primitive Baptists in general."

My limited comments in this introduction to the introduction is to question how "typical" is Pyles and Grace Church in regard to other "Primitive Baptist" churches. Most do not have the large upscale church buildings that Grace church has, nor do they have as large a membership or assembly. I also find it a little ironic that this church has a "pamphlet" to promote their beliefs when their forefathers declared non fellowship for gospel tracts of all kinds. What is the difference between a pamphlet and tract?

Also, as we will see, some of their beliefs may not be so "typical" as claimed.

Next the pamphlet has this:

18) Do the Doctrines of Grace say that how we live really doesn’t matter if we are an elect? The Doctrines of Grace do not disassociate good works from salvation; rather, they reverse the order of causality from what is taught in works-based religion. Men are not saved by their good works; rather, they are saved in order to do good works that give glory to God (Eph 1:3-12, 1Pet 2:9-11). There is no such thing as a true believer who is not an elect (1Thes 1:4-5), and there is no such thing as a born-again elect who rejects Christ and loves a life of rebellion against Him.

I do not believe that the words highlighted above are the "typical" teaching of neo Hardshellism. In all the years I was with the Hardshells (and I was well acquainted with what was judged orthodox) I do not know of any who preached this, but rather heard lots of sermons which taught against it. Now, if Pyles and Grace church really believe this, then let them speak loudly in decrying their many brethren who teach that many will be saved in heaven who were heathen in faith while on earth.

Next, the pamphlet says:

29) How can I confirm that Primitive Baptist doctrine is the historical doctrine of the Baptists? 

Numerous sources could be consulted on this, but some of the most recognizable and readily available would be the 1689 London Confession of Faith or the 1742 Philadelphia Confession. 

Several comments are to be made regarding this statement. 

First, if what is said is true, then why have so many modern PBs said otherwise? Why have they said that it teaches Missionary doctrine? Means?

Second, if the London and Philadelphia confessions are the "sources" that "confirm" what is "the historic doctrine of the Baptists," being "the most recognizable" historical evidence and best criteria for deciding who is the real "primitive," "original," or "old school," then the Hardshells cannot possibly be such. 

Third, it is good that Pyles and Grace church believe that conformity to what these old confessions taught is what constitutes someone a true "primitive" Baptist. Watson wrote his famous book and called it "The Old Baptist Test." Do today's Hardshells pass Watson's test for who is "Old Baptist"? Do today's Hardshells pass the London Confession test for judging who is "Old Baptist"?

Next, the pamphlet says:

30) How can I learn more about Grace Primitive Baptist Church or other Primitive Baptists? 

There is a considerable amount of literature at our church website: http://www.pb.org 

There is also a large amount of misinformation about Primitive Baptists on Internet and elsewhere. Sources should be carefully checked. The best way to get accurate information is by visiting a Primitive Baptist church. You will find the pastor to be very willing to address your questions. We hope you will be led to come!

Well, I can tell you this: if you want accurate information of the history and beliefs of the "Primitive" Baptists, this is the place to get it. This blog is full of source material on this sect. Further, I don't think you will get accurate information "by visiting a Primitive Baptist church." Many Hardshells want to hide their history and sweep certain facts about themselves under the rug.

Next, the pamphlet says:

14) Is Primitive Baptist doctrine Arminian or Calvinistic?

Primitive Baptists are the oldest body of Calvinistic Baptists in America and never left these doctrines. However, as with nearly all Baptists, Primitive Baptists do not like the term “Calvinism” because both history and the Bible show that these doctrines did not originate with John Calvin. Most Baptists refer to these doctrines as the “Doctrines of Grace.”

I find it interesting that Pyles and Grace church claim to be "Calvinistic Baptists" in light of the fact that most nearly all of today's Hardshells decry the term. The founders of the PB church did not hesitate to be called Calvinistic.

Next, the pamphlet says:

15) How does Primitive Baptist doctrine differ from typical forms of Calvinism? 

The difference mostly centers on the word “means.” Many Calvinists (not all) believe that human instruction is a means unto the new birth and a means to being made righteous before God. Primitive Baptists believe these things are done by God alone and without human means. They claim men are born again by a direct work of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts, and this is manifested in obedience to the gospel. Primitive Baptists deny that men believe in order to be born again. Rather, they affirm that men are born again in order to believe (Jn 1:12-13, 3:3-8). Similarly, Primitive Baptists affirm that men are rendered righteous before God by the death of Christ alone (Rom 5:10, 2 Cor 5:18-21, Col 2:13), and that their righteous state is declared and certified by their faith in Jesus Christ (Jn 5:24, Mt 12:33-35, Eph 1:13, Heb 11:4).

Do you see the errors in these words? It affirms that if God, and God alone, "teaches" a person, then that logically and grammatically excludes him using "human means" in teaching. Such unscriptural and illogical ideas! As I have often shown!