Regardless, the Scriptures show also that the punishment of sin is only for those who sin: The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin (Deuteronomy 24:16). We also recognize that the New Testament provides illustrations of the significance of baptism, as can be seen in Romans 6:3-7: Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Answer: This argument presupposes that since the baptism of the Apostles is not revealed in the Scriptures that it did not happen. Would we say that this verse denies the need for belief and confession, because it only mentions repentance? But because salvation is of faith, and even our faith is a gift according to this passage (cf. There are a few differing opinions on the origin of the Baptist church. Johns baptism was for repentance; the baptism in the name of Christ is for the remission of sin through His blood. Argument: Baptism in water was only under John the Baptist, and was for repentance; Christs baptism is with fire.. We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good tidings, that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is: who in the generations gone by suffered all the nations to walk in their own ways. Only then is one under the sentence of judgment. Required fields are marked *. They believe that Baptism is a sign a covenant with God and seal of righteousness, the way that circumcision was in the Old Testament. This is comparable to Matthews use of all in Matthew 3:5: Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan. John the Baptist was the first Jew to use baptism to symbolise the forgiveness of sins. We must look at the passages and see if there are any indicators regarding what is under discussion. We see here that not only do none do good, none even know God. The physical resurrection of the dead is an essential part of the Gospel. Answer: No one would deny that the agent of salvation is Jesus the Christ. This evidence allows us to reach two possible conclusions: Either option demonstrates that the inference made concerning these two texts is not valid: just because a household is baptized does not mean that any and all children present are baptized. Baptism is the application of water to an adult, child or infant by an ordained minister in the presence of a church congregation. We can read this passage consistently with the rest of Scripture: sin is not only present but also permeates the world, death is present in the world because of sin, and that climate will compel all capable persons to sin, but sin is not inherited. Those passages are difficult to understand if water baptism is necessary for salvation. The main difficulty in this argument is found in the meaning of the Greek word baptizo: to immerse, submerge, to make overwhelmed (i.e. In baptism, just as in the gospel, the believer's faith is led to Christ in whom there is forgiveness of sins and complete salvation. Answer: This argument does not follow (the official term used for this is non sequitur). Argument: Luke uses the Greek word eis in Acts 2:38. Retort: Many times baptism is mentioned without water. The fact that Jesus and many others were baptized in rivers and other such sources of moving water is cited as evidence (cf. It would be rather odd to try to argue here that Paul does not value baptism, considering that he confesses that he baptized no fewer then three persons in Corinth. Similarly, we see that Cornelius in Acts 10 received the Holy Spirit before baptism, which means that he was saved. The Scriptures do show that the presentation of the Gospel varies based on the audience: consider Pauls preaching in Acts 13:16-41 to a Jewish audience versus Acts 17:22-31 to a Gentile audience. Luke 23:42 describes the conversation between the thief and Christ: Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom. And Jesus said to him, I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Jesus declared that the thief would be in paradise, and obviously, he would not have a chance to be baptized before it. With all that said, as with any verse, we must compare it to what the rest of Scripture teaches on the subject. Many denominations will have an official Statement of Fundamental belief and others will have a more fluid offering of their beliefs. The Scriptures testify that one submits to baptism having believed in Jesus Christ, confessing His name, and repenting of ones sins (cf. Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Pentecostalism/The Charismatic Movement: What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?. Argument: What if an airplane crashes into the desert, and a Christian on that plane converts everyone but cannot baptize them, and they all die without water. 1. Luke expects his audience to understand that his use of the term all involves some hyperbole: he is not trying to say that literally every member of the house of Cornelius and/or the jailer believed and were baptized, but that everyone in those houses who were of sufficient age to understand the Gospel believed in it and were baptized. What other questions or applications did you take from the reading. It does not complete it. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately (Acts 16:31-33). Baptism is for Remission of Sin and is Necessary for Salvation. We can see, then, that the issue was not the nature of the baptism but the purpose of the baptism. Let us consider the example of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8:38: And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Despite these differences, there are also many theological similarities between the two denominations. Baptize infants because they believe when an infant is baptized, God creates faith in the heart of the infant. Surely baptism is one of the most well-known of all the Christian "sacraments." One major church takes it's name from John the Baptist. If Christ disapproved of this example, would He not have stopped it then? It is well-known that if an example is not valid, an argument cannot be supported by it. Used by permission. The prevailing Protestant belief is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion. This is actually a confirmation of the need for baptism: Christ used Himself as an example for baptism and people were baptized in His name with His approval while present on the earth. Original sin, then, is not consistent with the entire witness of the Scripture (Psalm 119:160). Answer: Greek prepositions can mean a whole host of possibilities based on context and usage. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out and saying, The reason for his hesitance in baptizing people is found in verse fifteen: lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name. The Scriptures give no reason for confidence for anyone who would rely on their baptism as an infant. The thief died under the old covenant with a personal guarantee from Christ, realities that are not present for us today. Each of these is both symbolic and highly significant because each symbolizes the Christian message of grace and salvation and relates to other major Baptist doctrines. "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved . In addition, if baptism is necessary for salvation, then it would seem strange for Paul to boast about not baptizing people and to declare Christ did not send him to baptize. In 1 Corinthians 1:14-17, he said: I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name! They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved. Such persons ought to consider the Scriptures discussed in this lesson and be immersed in water for the remission of their sin. In some denominations, baptism is administered in three parts: one is dipped three times under the water, once each in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the foundation of this argument (the idea that needing a baptizer adds a person to salvation) is undermined by Romans 10:14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? While this passage may give the impression that we inherit sin from Adam, when we read it closely, we see that Paul says no such thing. Peter here is saying that baptism is not a bath. Romans 10:9. God said that we should be baptized for remission of sins, and that is the rule. . Here are 10 things to know about Baptists and their beliefs. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. We cannot add to His work, and baptism is an addition to His work. The Scriptures do not require continual baptism for remission of continual sin. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant religious denomination, and a subset of Christianity. All rights reserved. After being born again, we must confess our sins, and by doing so, we are forgiven, as John says in 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John clearly says that Caiaphas prophesied regarding Jesus, since he was High Priest that year. Thus the early Church Fathers wrote in the Nicene Creed (A.D. 381), "We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.". As with the Lords Supper, so with baptism: both of these events are rich in symbolic value, but we nevertheless need to physically engage in them. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adams transgression, who is a figure of him that was to come. This argument would perhaps have merit if it were not for Pauls discussion with some of Johns disciples in Acts 19:1-6: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples: and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? Throughout the Bible God has chosen humans to communicate His message to their fellow man. Why would someone who disbelieves be baptized? 4. Here are 10 things to know about the Pentecostal church. The answer was simple, "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, you and your household." He was then immediately baptized. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many. Is he saved?. Answer: This argument is based upon an assumption about the term household. Within the texts in question, Acts 10:2 and Acts 16:24-38, we also read the following about these families: a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always (Acts 10:2). Baptism begins God's work of saving us by cleansing us of sin and beginning the work of renewing us fully into the image of Christ. The question we must ask is whether Paul is trying to show that our baptism was in the Spirit or whether our baptism in water was done in accordance with the one Spirit. Paul did not wish to baptize the Corinthians so that no one would think that there was any power in Paul, since the power was in Christ. John 3:16, 6:40; 1 John 4:14-15, 5:5, 5:10. Answer: Indeed, many times we read of someone being baptized with nothing stating that it was in water. Therefore, we see that Christ died on the cross for our sins and to perform the Fathers will, which was for His Son to humble Himself so that He may be exalted and given all authority. And how shall they hear without a preacher? Most denominations do not teach that individuals inherit specific sins from their parents, but instead believe that children are born with a sinful nature and therefore are sinners requiring baptism. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. The Baptist recipe includes several key beliefs or doctrines: -the Lordship of Jesus Christ -the Bible as the sole written authority for faith and practice -soul competency -salvation from sin and eternal death to forgiveness and eternal life only by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior who is the grace gift of God The above is highly unlikely, especially in view of Matthew 26:28: For this is my blood of the covenant, which is shed for many unto remission of sins.. Answer: The thief on the cross died with a special promise from Jesus: But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? Church of God Christians believe in baptism with the Holy Ghost, which follows sanctification and is revealed by an experience of speaking in tongues. Some Protestants like to use 1 Corinthians 1:17 to claim that this teaching contradicts the Bible. Baptism is submissive obedience to Christ, commanded by Him, and we must follow through. Denominations may differ in their interpretation of minor issues or on how churches should be run, but for the most part they agree on essential matters of doctrine about Christ and salvation. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek after God. Baptism is primarily an act of God, showing grace toward us, and only secondarily an expression of our commitment to God. Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace. Baptism is part of God's Plan of Salvation. If you make baptism a requirement for salvation, you also require a baptizer, adding someone to the salvation that comes through Christ alone. A few denominations consider baptism a form of exorcism from evil spirits. And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? Furthermore, the antiquity of the text is verified by its use by Irenaeus in the late second century (Apostolic Constitution 6.83). Original sin is defined somewhat differently by different denominations, but the basic idea is that sin is inheritable. Fairchild, Mary. Instead, it symbolizes the salvation that has already happened. Take, for example, Acts 10:44-47. Is this assumption true? Therefore it does not need baptism nor must it speak in tongues. It is not necessary in the same sense that a sign is not necessary to arrive at a destination. Baptism is the immersion in water for the remission of sins: And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul states that "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel," thus clearly differentiating the gospel from baptism. Peter in fact affirms the efficacy of baptism. The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ezekiel 18:20). It is necessary in the same sense that a seal is as aspect of confirming the certainty of promises. https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-baptism-700654 (accessed March 4, 2023). (I also baptized the household of Stephanus. Well, what if someone is hearing the Gospel, sees that Christ is Lord and that He died for his sins, but just before he could repent, he is struck by lightning and dies. Baptism in water, however, is explicitly identified in Acts 8:36-39 and also in Acts 10:47-48, right after Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit. . It also symbolizes the sinner's entrance into the community of believers (the church). John's baptism was called a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:4,NIV). Furthermore, why would anyone who believed not be baptized? Notice, for instance, that the exile of Israel and Judah are carried out not under faithful kings like Hezekiah or Josiah, but unfaithful kings, Hoshea and Zedekiah (2 Kings 17-18, 25). An appropriate parallel is the Lords Supper: the bread and the fruit of the vine represent the body and blood of our Lord, but no one would say that we are not to physically partake of these emblems because they have symbolic value. Romans 6:3-4 refers to baptism figuratively in order to explain that believers have died to the old self and have become a new self. There is no mention of baptism. Baptism is an important step of obedience after salvation; but, it is not salvific. 6 Though others use the word sacrament, the RCC and Eastern Orthodox (EO) perspective is different in that they believe the sacraments are effective simply by the completion of the sacrament (known as ex opere operato ). According to their historic confessions and modern-day teachings, Baptist traditions believe that baptism is important to be like Christ, obey his instructions, and to mature as a disciple. Your email address will not be published. Furthermore, it is likely that the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-39 was baptized in some pool of water in the desert that would not really be running water. It is also seen that the usual means of receiving the Holy Spirit was to have the laying on of hands from an Apostle (Acts 8:14-17, Acts 19:1-6). Can children understand fully the precepts of the Lord, especially infants? Sacraments and ordinances observed: Baptism, Eucharist (Lord's Supper), Penance, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. This moment varies by the individual, and some who have mental handicaps may never reach that moment. It is also telling that every single translation, even the interpretive translations, translate Acts 2:38 as for as a statement of purpose. We can choose by our action or inaction to let the work begun go dormant and have no fuller effect. Those who believe that the resurrection of Christ is merely a spiritual resurrection, or otherwise non-literal, do not have salvation. Related Topics: Ecclesiology (The Church), Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. The key word here is beginning. One of the stronger arguments is the salvation of the thief on the cross who was never baptized and the story of Cornelius the centurion who received the Holy Spirit before baptism. Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you, be baptized, and do good works for the rest of your life. Shall we believe from this that every single inhabitant of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordan river area came to John? For those that argue that baptism is necessary for salvation, key verses include, Also, Mark 16:16 says, "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned." The belief that baptism is necessary for salvation is called baptismal regeneration. The only requirement in the Scriptures is for a person to be immersed in water; whether one is immersed in moving or non-moving water is a matter of liberty. While there is nothing particularly wrong with baptizing in this way, the Scriptures nowhere demand it. Adult baptism takes place after their conversion experience. Paul writes, "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." The major difference between New Testament teachings and the teachings of many denominations concerns the nature of baptism. Argument: Peter does not say that baptism saves you, but your clean conscience is what saves you. Baptism is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). Baptism publicly acknowledges one's confession of faith and belief in the gospel message. The focus is never on the baptizer, but that one is baptized. Infant baptism is not practiced. Further, what need would there be for any Christian to assist another in some spiritual act, yet we see in the Scriptures countless times that a Christian baptizes someone into Christ (cf. 3. Lutheran. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means change. That change is the turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. Baptists believe that Jesus gave two ordinances to be carried out by a church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. "The Purpose of Baptism in the Christian Life." The washing through the water of baptism symbolizes the believer's cleansing from the stain and filth of sin through God's grace. If Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-7, and 1 Peter 3:21 affirm the need for baptism to be saved, we recognize that all of these aspects, not just one or two, are necessary. The difficulty, then, is not that the Corinthians were baptized or not baptized, or that Paul was to baptize or not to baptize, but the attitudes of the Corinthians and their tendency to exalt the men who worked with them.