Saturday, June 27, 2009
So You Want To Be A Baptist?
People who pay attention have noticed that many within the ranks of the Restoration Movement (RM) have apparently acquired a typical baptist theology when it comes to the topic and practice of immersion. I have also heard many discussions among some of my brethren as to the validity of "baptist baptism." Some would require a "Baptist" to be immersed again before he or she could "join" a local RM church. Others just shake their heads at this decline in sound theology, but recognize immersion practiced in simple obedience to Christ's command as acceptable. Regardless, I'm sure more than a few Baptists have been surprised when trying to join up with us, but here is a different facet to add to the discussion: A survey of Southern Baptist churches revealed that "87% of pastors surveyed said they would reject the immersions administered by groups such as the Churches of Christ." WOW!!! Touche? Go here for the details...
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Here, from the comments under the linked article, is a series of statements that I've read and heard from some our staunch CoC brethren:
“The Baptist is the only denomination that is not guilty of schism – of making a division when it came into existence. They existed prior to any Pedo-baptist denomination now in existence. Baptist have never seceded from any other denomination. All other denominations have either seceded from Rome or one another; they made a division when they came into existence, instead of receiving their baptisms as valid, they are to be marked and avoided for causing divisions. Romans 16:17
We cannot admit the validity of their baptism without admitting that they are true and Scriptural gospel churches, if we do this we unchurch ourselves, for God never step up or authorized but one Christian denomination. He is not the author of confusion or of antagonistic denominations.
The Baptist is the only denomination that can claim descent from the apostolic churches, though the true and persecuted and witnessing church, that fled into the wilderness for 1269 years. See Rev. 12:6 and 14
That the Baptist have descended from this true church is susceptible of the clearest proof. This is not true of any other denomination. We all know the day when, and the man or men who set them up, and no one of them had existence before A.D. 1500. Ordinances cannot be validly administered by both Baptists and Pedo-baptists. God is not the author of but one of them, consequently we cannot receive members upon baptism administered by them, without repudiating the ordinances administered by ourselves.”
Interesting, I must say. Thanks Sam.
Here is an idea for debate:
Ephesians 4
41As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
If there is one baptism:
1. Does a person need to be re-immeresed if they hold to your churches doctrine?
2. If the mode is something other then immersion? (let me say here I say YES!)
3. If after they read and take an understanding contrary to what they were taught about immersion but feel like they are ok with their baptism?
I am conservative in my doctrinal beliefes. I believe there is a process of salvation and sins are forgiven and Holy Spirit recieved when you are plundged under water, but is another denomiations baptism any less a baptism if they are immersed?
I grapple.
Greg---good things to ponder over, i like ur thinking. Here is where i am at....Colossians 2:12 says we are buried with Christ in baptism and raised THROUGH OUR FAITH in the working of God. I agree with Jack Cottrell that our faith is not only in the working of God of raising Jesus from the dead but also that God is working in our baptism to save us. Therefore, if our faith at baptism is one that says God save me here based on Jesus' resurrection then i think they are good. Problem is that most (note i did not say All) denominational people do not have faith in the working of God in baptism.
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