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The basic differences are as follows:
1. Apostolics believe that God is one and was manifested in the flesh. Baptists believe that God is a trinity and the second person, God the Son, came in the flesh.
2. Apostolics baptize in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptists baptize in the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Both groups baptize by full immersion.
3. Apostolics believe that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, which makes it an essential element in salvation. Baptists believe that baptism is an outward expression of what God has already done on the inside and is therefore not part of salvation.
4. Apostolics believe that when a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit he will speak in tongues. Baptists do not believe in speaking in tongues.
5. Apostolics do not believe in unconditional eternal security (once saved, always saved). Most Baptists do.
6. Apostolics believe that devotion to God is manifested in certain external practices, such as women allowing their hair to grow out and men keeping their hair cut short. Baptists do not believe such practices are necessary.
This is the short list of differences. We should note that there is quite a bit of diversity among the beliefs of apostolic people and also among the beliefs of Baptists. Neither group is totally unified in their faith. But the points we have mentioned represent some of the most significant areas where each group is essentially unified.
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