Over the next few weeks, I’m going to present what the Bible says is required to become a Christian, one acceptable to God. Acceptable to God? Aren’t all “Christians” regardless of their denominational affiliation acceptable to God?
Last week, I posed a very serious question for anyone who claims the name of Christ and tries to live a Christian life... What will YOU Trust... Scripture, or the Traditions of Men?
If you take a few minutes and scroll back and re-read that article, you’ll see that I discuss how we influence others and how we are influenced by others. Religion, unlike anything else, touches human life in ways that have eternal consequences.
As last week’s article noted... there are a host of things done in the name of God which God has not requested or commanded. The Scriptures teach nothing about many things which are commonly accepted and taught in churches today.
So the question of authority comes to the forefront. By what authority do church denominations do the things they do in the name of religion? Doesn’t the source of “authority” matter when it comes to such critically important things like salvation?
I hope you’re a person who wants to know the details of why something is being done in the name of “religion” that impacts your life. I don’t think “ignorance” of such important things will be an acceptable excuse when you finally confront God with your “Christian credentials.” Nor should we expect God to simply accept “close enough”, “good intentions”, or one of religions favorites... “all that really matters is believing.”
Let’s begin this journey of discovery, by discussing what God requires of a person to become an accepted and approved Christian. “Baptism.” The Scriptures teach very clearly that baptism is required for salvation. Acts 2:38 says precisely... Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Before you disagree with what Acts 2:38 says, just focus on the issue of “authority.” If such commands are in the Bible, then don’t they deserve investigation and consideration on the basis of coming from a “higher authority” than man? Such a clear Biblical command about “baptism” would supersede any other “authority” would it not?
Man must know something about God to understand His authority. The Bible reveals the character and nature of God very clearly. We find in Scripture that He is a God of exacting precision. What God says, He expects to be done exactly how He has said what He is saying should be done. Man has no room to argue or negotiate with God about His commands, especially on such matters as the salvation of humanity. Man has no privilege to modify God’s precise requirements, or any of His precepts and commands. Man does not control the “authority” by which humanity is governed, or how people become His followers... only God does.
So let’s review the matter of “authority” as it relates to becoming a Christian, in the act of “baptism.”
Matthew 28:18-20 states very clearly what all denominations know to be “the Great Commission.” In this final command issued just before Jesus returns to heaven, He commands that His followers would be baptized. He clearly states He has the “authority” to make such a command because He has been given “all authority over heaven and earth.” So unless you’re inclined to argue the definition of “all”, it seems once again very clear that the source of “authority” is God and the repository of said “authority” for human guidance... is the Bible.
There’s more. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 says that “all” Scripture is “inspired of God” and useful for instructing believers and those who are seeking and searching for truth. This passage sets this Biblical instruction on the level of “righteousness” far surpassing anything man can provide. (See also James 1:25; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 3:3-5)
When determining true and genuine authority, there is a warning we cannot ignore. Matthew 15:9 says that following the doctrines of men makes our worship worthless. Worship is much more than Sunday service... it’s our entire life lived in Christ. Everything we do everyday in His name, claiming Him, is part of a worshipful life. If we are not living our lives based on “the right authority” then all we’re doing is man’s will and we are rejected by God. And finally Galatians 1:8,9 is a frightening warning to all who would think they can modify or add to what God has so clearly said. Anyone... who preaches and teaches differently from the gospel is under God’s curse! That can’t be good.
Now, back to the important act of baptism... how has it faired since Jesus issued the Great commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20?
Many denominations view baptism as a matter of personal choice. Some churches sprinkle or pour water on the person's head. Most churches say there are several acceptable choices regarding the act of baptism. Others churches will only immerse, but for reasons not in harmony with what the Bible teaches. Consider the following statements from various "Christian" denominations:
"Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant" - Church of the Nazarene Manual, 1972 ed., p. 33.
"What is the meaning of the word 'baptize'? 'Baptize' means to apply water by washing, pouring, sprinkling, or immersing" - Luther's Small Catechism, par. 244, p. 170.
"Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; the Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person" - "Westminster Confession of Faith," par. 6.141, Presbyterian Book of Confessions, 1967 ed.
"How is baptism given? It is given by pouring water over the forehead of the person to be baptized ..." - A Catechism for Adults (Catholic), 1975 ed., p. 63.
I think it’s shocking when leaders of the aforementioned denominations freely admit that immersion is the correct Biblical teaching. "Martin Luther urged, in opposition to the standard practice of pouring, that baptism should be by immersion. He pointed out that the word in the Greek language means 'To plunge something entirely into the water, so that the water closes over it,' and urged that immersion should be the only mode of baptism. Today, however, the general practice of the Lutheran Church is to administer baptism by pouring, although immersion is also permitted" - A Compendia of Luther's Theology, p. 167, via Handbook of Religious Quotations, p. 11.
John Calvin stated: "The word baptize signifies to immerse, and the rite of immersion was practiced by the ancient church" - quoted by Brents, p. 230f.
“The Scripture makes it clear enough that water is to be used, but it is not so plain at first sight that sprinkling or pouring of water will suffice. In Apostolic times the body of the baptized person was [completely] immersed, for St. Paul looks on this immersion as typifying burial with Christ, and speaks of baptism as a bath … [But the belief] that baptism can be validly given by immersion, infusion, or aspersion, is fully justified by tradition … Anciently … baptism was constantly given to adults and the rite of immersion prevailed …” – The Catholic Dictionary on “baptism” and “baptistery,” pp 60-64.
The Bible does not mislead us. It does not leave important bits of information out or make us read between the lines to try and figure out what God is saying. Scripture is explicit in its counsel to humanity. Therefore we do not need a Bible verse that expressly says, "Do not sprinkle or pour." If the Bible teaches us to immerse and never authorizes sprinkling or pouring, then the latter should be rejected as being human in origin and different from the gospel. (2 John 9-11; Colossians 3:17; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 3:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13)
These aforementioned quotations from verifiable sources... the manuals of leading denominations, constitute conclusive evidence that the “traditions of men” regarding the act of baptism, have become acceptable to members of these and other similar denominations. Leaders openly acknowledge their error and obvious conflict with what the Bible teaches.
However, nothing changes. No attempts are being made as of this writing by any denomination I know of, to bring themselves into harmony with Biblical teaching on the matter of baptism. They are willfully putting people's lives at risk with God by not teaching the complete TRUTH of God's Word.
It’s a question of who’s “authority” you choose to believe... man’s or God’s.
