Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: Tim: Thank you for your prompt response to my note. You bring up some excellent points and I respect your sincerity in expressing them. First and foremost, let me emphasize that I believe we should all be constantly dialoging about these issues with the intent of formulating our own doctrine. We will stand by our self on Judgement Day – our Pastor, our Priest, our theological professor, our best friend will not be there next to us. We are on our own and thus must read the Bible intensely to ensure that our doctrine is sound. We are in perilous time… 2 Tim 4 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. Now, to your comments and again thank you for your most sincere and open-minded response to my note. Without restating items like “The Great Commission” and John 3:5 – often times we need put scripture in context. One of the major facts that most Christians don’t realize is that except for the Gospels and Revelations – every other book of the New Testament was written to ALREADY EXISTING CHRISTIANS. From my study of the Bible, these already existing Christians had already been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – and therefore any scripture focused at their beliefs and faith were based on this already happening. Consequently, when quoting anything out of the Epistles it is important to note who the book was being written to. A great book to read is "Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up" which is a study of how the 1st and 2nd century Christians lived - and what they believed. Specific to the scripture you quoted, here are my quick responses... Gal 2:5 – sorry, simply don’t see how this relates to the subject at hand. The question is how the Spirit got in them in the first place (see note above). 1 Jn 3:24 – good point, but these Christians were already baptized. Eph 1:13 – Tim, same point as above, we must all study out how these already existing Christians who Paul is writing to became Christians in the first place. This is a major issue between those who believe in the importance of water baptism versus those who believe you can answer an “alter call” and pray Jesus into your heart. You clearly understand the importance of this issue from your note. Again, it is important to read all scripture in context. Let me offer you several other points. First, other key scripture that should be studied in context includes: Acts 2:38 "Peter said to them, Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Acts 10:48 "With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." Romans 6:4 "Therefore we were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, we also should likewise walk in a newness of life." Second, upon the day of Pentecost, it was Peter in Acts 2:38 that set the tone for answering the question, “what should we do?” Third, in Eph 4:5, Paul says “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Consequently – and this is what all of us should be clearly aware of - IF THERE IS ONLY ONE BAPTISM AND MANY MANY VIEWS OF WHAT THAT BAPTISM IS - A LOT OF FOLKS ARE GOING TO BE WRONG! This should really prompt all of us to study this out! …and as the good book says, Acts 22:16 "And now why are you delaying? Rise and get baptized and wash your sins away by your calling upon his name." NOTE, like I said, when you "pray Jesus into your heart" when are you forgiven? At the end of the prayer? At the last breath? At the start of the prayer when your heart is now convicted? Seems somewhat nebulous and I don't think my Lord would leave things open to such interpretation. Baptism is part and parcel with the acceptance of the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, that Jesus promised us would reside in us, work through our heart and others, and is a phenomenal gift that we receive when we are baptized. Bottom line, Baptism is a subject everyone must make their mind up - I didn't write the Book and I'm not an expert - but I know what I have read and I know what I believe. Tim, thank you for note – we are all praying, reading, studying, self-reflecting on these subjects that are of upmost importance. I don’t know if my response has helped you, but I thank you for your time and your heart and pray that you do well - and do right - in your study of scripture. A Disciple of Christ, Don |