Mainstream Baptists is a network of Baptists in fourteen U.S. states that have organized to uphold historic Baptist principles, particularly separation of church and state, and to oppose Fundamentalism and Theocratic Calvinism within the Southern Baptist Convention. As such, it is not a denomination, but rather an organization that provides resources, support, and interagency communication. Organizations/agencies considered to share Mainstream Baptists and cooperate with and support the network are listed below under External links. Historic Baptist beliefs of Mainstream Baptists Lordship of Christ The heart of Baptist beliefs is the Lordship of Christ. Christ is Lord over the individual believer, he is Lord over the church, and he is Lord over the universe and all that is in it. Jesus Christ is the final authority in our individual lives, in our homes, in our churches, and in all our relationships with society and the world. Our ultimate loyalty and allegiance is to God's Person, rather than to books, creeds, confessions, traditions, programs or procedures. Salvation by Grace Through Faith "For by grace have you been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast". Baptists believe that God's love and grace is the only basis for any person's relationship with God. The individual can do nothing to earn or deserve God's love and forgiveness. Faith is not an effort or labor. Faith is receiving God's love with an open heart and finding it transformed by God's grace. Believer's Baptism Baptists baptize persons only after they make a personal confession of their faith in Christ. Baptists do not believe that a loving God condemns anyone for a sin they did not commit. Baptists do not view baptism as a remedy for original sin. Baptists do not baptize infants. Baptists practice baptism by totally immersing persons in water, rather than by sprinkling, pouring, or anointing persons with water. Baptism by immersion preserves the dramatic imagery of the meaning of baptism as a symbolic death, burial and resurrection. The symbolism of baptism pictures: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ who died for our sins and the believer's own death to sin, burial of a sinful nature, and resurrection to a new life in Christ. Priesthood of All Believers and Liberty of Conscience Baptists believe that all members are equal under God in the fellowship of the