Acts 10:44-48 says. This text should not be pressed to say what it does not say. (Eds.). Baptism is an identification of an old life dying with Christ and a new life being resurrected as a new creation ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Since salvation is a matter of individual choice, and since a baby cannot confess its belief in Christ, cannot repent of its sins if it had any and cannot choose or express a choice to be baptized, even if it wanted to, we can conclude that a baby is not lost to begin with. Or were ye baptized into the name of Paul? Consider Luke 13:5: I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.. 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. The argument, generally, goes as follows: Argument: When Cornelius and the Philippian jailer believed, their whole households were baptized. And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Jesus. Baptism Frees Us From Sin. Since baptism in water was the standard form of baptism, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit was only given in special circumstances by God for specific purposes, we can see clearly that baptism in water is the one baptism in Ephesians 4:5. Many denominations will have an official Statement of Fundamental belief and others will have a more fluid offering of their beliefs. Is this assumption true? 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. In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. (Acts 22:16) So for us, it is not as much about what we give during Baptism (i.e., a profession of faith) but it is about what we get, which is salvation. Obedience is central to the reception of the work which Christ has done; we are only able to receive the salvation that comes through Christ when we are obedient to His will, as said in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9: If so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Christian denominations differ widely in their teachings about the purpose of baptism. Romans 10:9. The Churches of Christ proclaim Salvation Occasion Baptism. John the Baptist was the first Jew to use baptism to symbolise the forgiveness of sins. Peter in fact affirms the efficacy of baptism. So, while baptism is very important, it is not a requirement for salvation. Above all, "once saved, always saved" is simply not part of our theological vocabulary or world-view. Baptism is submissive obedience to Christ, commanded by Him, and we must follow through. So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation. They believe this way because there are biblical passages that seem to indicate that each of these actions is necessary for salvation. Furthermore, the idea that the Apostles were baptized is rendered more plausible by the evidence in John 4:1-2: When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples). Meet John the Baptist: The Greatest Man to Ever Live, Christian Reformed Church Beliefs and Practices. 3. Baptism is part of God's Plan of Salvation. 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). Fairchild, Mary. There the evidence for the baptism of the Holy Spirit is considered: it is seen that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is only mentioned in connection with two specific events for two specific purposes, and both times it was done by God alone: on the day of Pentecost, as a fulfillment of the prophecies of Joel (cf. 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. Sometimes baptism is mentioned as done in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38), and therefore it is entirely possible that some were baptized with only Jesus name mentioned and therefore one immersion. We can, however, reconcile these passages in one of two ways: Regardless, we do not need to infer from these passages that there is some form of original sin that each generation inherits from their forefathers. Pentecostalism/The Charismatic Movement: What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? The 144,000 most faithful Christians will go to heaven; the rest will live on earth. And the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "The Lord himself affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation [John 3:5]. Baptists believe that the Bible teaches that baptism symbolizes that a person has been saved and is not a means of salvation. Baptism is "a meeting place" for the grace of the gospel and the faith of the believer. 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 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. [2015] [A Study of Denominations] - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, The Church Treasury, II: Other Considerations. But because salvation is of faith, and even our faith is a gift according to this passage (cf. Every one of them is gone back; they are together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-7, and Romans 5:1 are just a few of the verses that demonstrate salvation is by faith alone, not by works. Baptism is Not Required. The definition of baptism then, according to its use in the New Testament, does not allow for the idea of sprinkling or pouring or any idea of modes of baptism. Throughout the Bible God has chosen humans to communicate His message to their fellow man. The main difficulty with original sin is found in the way Jesus speaks about children in Matthew 18:1-4 and Mark 9:35-37: In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Baptism is immersion. Others believe that baptism, while not accomplishing salvation, is still a sign and seal of salvation. Updated on March 09, 2020. 4. It is a picture representing the profound spiritual truths of death, resurrection,and cleansing. The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is "necessary for salvation" (CCC 1257). John's baptism anticipated Christian baptism. Baptism is a sacrament. Communion.org . 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. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, (Philippians 2:5-11). A person must be baptized when they have sinned, are separated from God (cf. The focus is never on the baptizer, but that one is baptized. His salvation was based on faith alone. Jesus Christ submitted to baptism as an example for believers to follow. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are traditionally listed as charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek after God. We are to preach the rule, not dwell on some ludicrous exceptions. Every group recognizes the need for belief, and Paul says that belief can come only when one hears the Word of God. Baptists believe baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is clarified by the order in which the words 'believe' and 'baptize' occur in the text" 55. Answer: No one would deny that the agent of salvation is Jesus the Christ. Fairchild, Mary. 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. Baptism starts the process. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Essentially, the Church of Christ believes that in addition to faith, baptism is required for a person to be saved. When we bury bodies, we do not sprinkle or pour dirt on them; we cover them in dirt. He said believe. Argument: Jesus did not baptize anyone; therefore, why dont we follow His example? Argument: Well, if baptism is what gives remission of sins, wouldnt you need to be baptized every time you sin? This spiritual act is not physical nor has any form of physicality. Belief and confession, then, and not baptism, save. They posit unlikely situations, and are really self-defeating. Catholic. John 4:1-2 says, Now when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was winning and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were). If salvation came through baptism, it would make sense to see Christ baptizing people. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-baptism-700654. You MUST believe Jesus is the Son of God. No one would argue that Jesus is saying here that His blood is shed because your sins have been remitted. Why, then, should Acts 2:38 be any different? . To insist on baptism as necessary for salvation would be to impinge on the limitless sovereignty of God, one of the essentials of the Reformed theological tradition. Baptists do not consider water baptism essential to salvation. In a sacrament, God uses common elements -- in this case, water -- as means or vehicles of divine grace. It is entirely possible, therefore, that the Apostles were baptized and yet such was not revealed. Baptism is not a means of channeling saving grace but rather is a way of testifying that saving grace has been experienced. Whether baptism is necessary for salvation is an important question to ask, since there are some verses that at least seem to indicate that it is. The feeling that it should be omitted comes, on admission, only on doctrinal evidence from scholars, that, well, baptism for salvation is not spelled out anywhere else, hence, this is a later addition. In the end, all New Testament textual critics will be forced to admit that the argument against the text is without sufficient evidence, and that there is little reason to believe that the text is false. Means of salvation: God's grace, which Christians receive by faith and by observing the sacraments. If Peter were speaking about a spiritual baptism that does not involve one getting into the water, why would he speak about the physical substance into which one is baptized? As the years progressed, it became clear that a compelling reason needed to be found to justify the baptism of infants, and the doctrine of original sin fit the bill. There is no reason, then, to allege that Christs baptism is not in water. You MUST believe that God exists. 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. Since God desired for Peter and the other disciples to understand that Gentiles were to hear the Word of life, God poured out His Spirit onto Cornelius and his men to be a sign for Peter, and Peter then understood and had divine testimony to prove it to others (Acts 10:44-47, Acts 11:15-18). For example, Acts 2:38 says, Peter said to them, Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 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. And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 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. 1 Peter 3:21). The first premise for baptizing infants is an inference based on the content of some of the Scriptures. As we will see, many other passages that are not written in poetry declare children to be without sin. There are some who would claim that baptism is only legitimate if it is done in running water. You MUST believe God raised Jesus from the dead. As we have seen, in order to sin, one must need to know the difference between good and evil and choose the evil. With all that said, as with any verse, we must compare it to what the rest of Scripture teaches on the subject. Paul asked the Corinthians in verse 13, just before the discussion of baptism, the following: Is Christ divided? While there is nothing particularly wrong with baptizing in this way, the Scriptures nowhere demand it. The context demonstrates that Pauls point is about the unity of Christians, how Christians are to work together in one body; therefore, Paul is not speaking about the nature of baptism per se, but that when we were immersed in water, we did so by one Spirit and were brought into one Body. God describes the propensity of children to follow in their parents footsteps. 3:27-28), and the church's mission (Matt. Adult baptism takes place after their conversion experience. For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ. The person being baptized is submerged in water, then emerges into a new life of grace and freedom from sin. Learn Religions. Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9, and Acts 2:38), and that one is baptized for the remission of ones sin (Acts 2:38). Peter here is saying that baptism is not a bath. Answer: As seen from John 4:1-2 above, the disciples did baptize people as disciples of Christ with Christ present. The key word here is beginning. Also, in Mark 16:16, it says, the one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but then says, the one who does not believe will be condemned. A person is condemned for not believing. 3. 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. It is well-known that if an example is not valid, an argument cannot be supported by it. Similarly, we see that Cornelius in Acts 10 received the Holy Spirit before baptism, which means that he was saved. above, Acts 16:31-33, Acts 19:1-9, etc.)? It is also telling that every single translation, even the interpretive translations, translate Acts 2:38 as for as a statement of purpose. 5. 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 ). Required fields are marked *. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospeland not with clever speech, so that the cross of Christ would not become useless. 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. . God does not grant salvation until baptism occurs. Now that we have looked at the Scriptures, let us look at other arguments that are used against baptism. Argument: Baptism in water was only under John the Baptist, and was for repentance; Christs baptism is with fire.. While there is nothing particularly wrong with baptizing in this way, the Scriptures nowhere demand it. However, the letter to the Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus took our sins upon Him on the cross (Hebrews 9:12-15). Contents . Hebrews 11:6. Would we say that this verse denies the need for belief and confession, because it only mentions repentance? We see that the disciples of John were baptized again, this time in the name of Jesus, and then they had hands laid on them and received the Spirit. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means change. That change is the turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. This is because many faith traditions have adopted the interpretation of Jesus' words in Mark 16:16 that states, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe . The physical resurrection of the dead is an essential part of the Gospel. These comments would not make any sense if baptism was necessary for salvation. Some Protestants like to use 1 Corinthians 1:17 to claim that this teaching contradicts the Bible. Answer: This argument presupposes that since the baptism of the Apostles is not revealed in the Scriptures that it did not happen. Answer: While it is probably true that the thief outlasted Jesus, the full redemptive work (let alone the inauguration of the Kingdom) required the resurrection, and it is certain that the thief was dead by then. The substance of the message, however, remains the same, and Paul affirms that he preaches the same message as Peter in Galatians 2:6-9: But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not mans person) they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me: but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision. Sacraments and ordinances observed: Baptism, Eucharist (Lord's Supper), Penance, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. The passages likewise do not state that they were baptized in the Spirit, either. It should also be noted that since infant baptism is indeed of no value, since an infant has no sins to remit, infants are not really baptized but simply get wet. Acts 9:18, Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 18:18, etc. (I also baptized the household of Stephanus. 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. The conclusion is clear: children do not have sin against them. It is necessary in the same sense that a seal is as aspect of confirming the certainty of promises. Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-36, Joel 2:28-32), and when God showed Peter that Gentiles were to receive the Word of life (Acts 10:44-45, 11:15-16). Therefore adult baptism is the only true baptism and is done by immersion or affusion. "The Purpose of Baptism in the Christian Life." Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. That is not the intent; the point is to show that a large number of people came out to see John. Miracles | Probable Future of Non-Believers in Christ | Pre-Mortal Existence of Man There are denominations that believe baptism is necessary for salvation. A few denominations consider baptism a form of exorcism from evil spirits. Pentecostalism started in the early 1900s. They are not capable of understanding such things. We could say in response, If Christ comes down and says to you that He will see you in Paradise today, then good, you do not need to be baptized. Everyone in the households of Cornelius and/or the jailer were old enough to understand the Gospel and believe in its message, and therefore every single person believed and was baptized. This moment varies by the individual, and some who have mental handicaps may never reach that moment. Used by permission. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Answer: First of all, we should note that the term baptizer is foreign to the New Testament after discussion of John the Baptist. By all accounts, baptism was a singular immersion done in the name of (or by the authority of) the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). 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. 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. Every detailed account of conversion in the book of Acts includes a baptism. According to Bruce Gourley, who served as executive director of the Baptist History & Heritage Society, there are four prominent opinions on how Baptists originated. Different denominations hold varying views on baptism and whether it's necessary to achieve salvation. What are other evidences that baptism is not salvific? Answer: We recognize that the power in baptism is not in the water, but in the appeal in faith to God for the cleansing from sin (cf. Yes, we die because sin entered the world through Adam, but that does not mean that we actually inherit Adams sin. "Baptism is the outward expression of calling on the name of the Lord in faith." Here's the second thing I would say: Paul treats baptism as an expression of faith so that the decisive act that unites us to Christ is faith, and it is expressed outwardly in baptism. Therefore it does not need baptism nor must it speak in tongues. At the same time, baptism is an indispensable part of Christian life (Rom. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It this phrase referring to water baptism? 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.. We must look at the passages and see if there are any indicators regarding what is under discussion. Shall we believe from this that every single inhabitant of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordan river area came to John? Therefore, it is a belief in the literal, physical, bodily resurrection of Christ that is necessary for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). It happens by grace through faith (cf. 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! Often established by individual pastors or communities, non-denominational churches go by many different names and hold a variety of beliefs. The main justification of infant baptism, then, is without Scriptural merit. Regarding the house of the jailer in Acts 16:31, we can safely say that the jailers household also must believe if its constituents will be saved, considering that no other Scripture witnesses that an entire family can be saved on account of the belief of one member. Anabaptists: Their belief is that baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is instead symbolic. This act empowers believers for their Christian service. which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). 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. Religion . It does not wash away sin but symbolizes the forgiveness of sin through faith in Christ. Salvation is a gift of God, not based on our works. 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. Many believers have practiced baptism as a tradition without fully understanding its significance and purpose. Historically, Protestant denominations like Presbyterian, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Assemblies of God, and many others argue that baptism is necessary for obedience but not necessary for salvation. 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. John 3:5. Let us examine the progression of this belief and to see what the Scriptures teach. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the message. Since we know that the sum of Gods word is true (Psalm 119:160) and without contradiction, we must consider the context of the passage and see whether there are some mitigating circumstances. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant religious denomination, and a subset of Christianity. "The Purpose of Baptism in the Christian Life." Answer: Romans 10:9-10 does indeed say that belief and confession are necessary: Because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Baptists believe that Jesus gave two ordinances to be carried out by a church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. It is clear, then, that New Testament baptism is immersion. We see here that not only do none do good, none even know God. Share this: Facebook Twitter Print Email If we are to aspire to be as a child, but a child is still in sin, how can we enter the Kingdom? Answer: While it is true that Jews are the direct audience of Peter in Acts 2, the conclusion is not valid. Take, for example, Acts 10:44-47. The New Testament knows nothing of an unbaptized Christian, and therefore the text speaks generally about a baptized believer. (2017). How they worship: Traditional style through liturgy; contemporary liturgy is possible. 39 Articles of. And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in Paradise, (Luke 23:40-43). Nevertheless, to defend original sin, many will first turn to passages describing how God will visit the iniquity of fathers upon children (cf. Baptism is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Before exploring the purpose of baptism in the Christian life, it's important to gain an understanding of its meaning. And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. And yet He left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness. Many churches, following Catholic custom, "baptize" infants at their "christening" by sprinkling a few drops of water on them in an elaborate ceremony. If Christ disapproved of this example, would He not have stopped it then? 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. Answer: We can see here a classic example of inferring an answer despite the fact that one has been given. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. There are a few differing opinions on the origin of the Baptist church.