"Why," various readers have inquired, "do Churches of Christ emphasize baptism 'for the remission of sins,' as if that were its only biblical meaning?" *** Alexander Campbell wisely saw the need for an objective touch-point, a spiritual milestone, at which the believer could grasp God's promises and claim assurance of heavenly pardon. This he found in the first gospel sermon reported in the Book of Acts. When the hearers on Pentecost were convicted in conscience and were panic-stricken for their sins, Peter told them to "repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ … [Read more...]
ORIGIN OF A BAPTISMAL TRADITION (1)
"Why," various readers have inquired, "do Churches of Christ emphasize baptism 'for the remission of sins,' as if that were its only biblical meaning?" * * * The New Testament does speak of baptism "for the remission (forgiveness) of sins," of course (Acts 2:38), and Christians of most denominations acknowledge the same each time they recite the Nicene Creed. But the Apostles, evangelists and earliest followers of Jesus spoke of baptism in many other ways as well. How this particular phrase, found in a single biblical passage, became a universal and almost-exclusive formula among Churches of … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (2)
A gracEmail subscriber writes, "I have trouble keeping up the discipline to read my Bible and to pray daily. I struggle with this, and I always backslide. It makes me think I've never been saved. Sometimes I think that if I just got rebaptized things would get better, but I don't know if that would help. What can you recommend?" * * * Do you have a Bible translation in modern English? If not, I encourage you to purchase one. The New International Version is excellent for reading with understanding. Find a time when you are unrushed and undisturbed. Some people pray before others wake in the … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES (1)
A gracEmail subscriber writes, "I have trouble keeping up the discipline to read my Bible and to pray daily. I struggle with this, and I always backslide. It makes me think I've never been saved. Sometimes I think that if I just got rebaptized things would get better, but I don't know if that would help. What can you recommend?" * * * You speak for almost all of us who, at one time or another in our walk with Christ realize that our holy desires are outpacing our performance. Even the apostle Paul found himself in that situation whenever he tried to do right in his own strength (Rom. … [Read more...]
WHO CAN BAPTIZE?
A subscriber asks, "Why do some people say that the 'Go' of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) applies to all Christians, but the command to baptize is only for duly ordained pastors? Does this commission apply to all believers, clergy only, or was it only for the Apostles?" * * * Matthew and Mark both report Jesus commanding the Apostles to carry the gospel to the whole world (Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18). Luke includes in the picture also "those who were with them" (24:33, 46-47). This group all are "witnesses" to the risen Christ, and he sends them all to wait in Jerusalem for … [Read more...]
WHAT ABOUT REBAPTISM?
A gracEmail reader writes, "I was baptized at age 16 in a Church of Christ. I am now attending a Baptist Church. I am enjoying the fellowship of these good Christians, but have not joined their church because I would have to be rebaptized. I do not think it is necessary for me to do so. I have found no scriptures supporting being rebaptized. Could you please give me your thoughts on this?" *** The only example of rebaptism in the Bible involves some "disciples" whom Paul encountered at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7). These people (12 men, also perhaps some women) had received "John's baptism," an … [Read more...]
GOD, NOT FORMULA, THE KEY
A gracEmail reader writes that he has been a Christian for some time but has recently been concerned by a relative's comments. That relative says that his baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is inadequate, and that he should be baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ." He also wonders if he should go to his relative's church, where people prophesy and speak in tongues. Can I offer any comment? * * * The New Testament speaks of being baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19) and also in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 10:48). Neither of … [Read more...]
EMERGENCY BAPTISM NO PROBLEM
A visitor to this website writes: "I had a friend who was dying with cancer, who was paralyzed and hooked up to tubes. She had never been baptized but she wanted to be. Given her immobility, a Church of Christ minister baptized her by pouring water over her head. She died shortly afterward. I feel responsible for the baptism and agonize in fear that it wasn't acceptable to God because it was not immersion." * * * I am persuaded that immersion is the biblical form of baptism, that it best represents the meaning of the Greek word baptizo and that it most vividly portrays the gospel … [Read more...]
BAPTISM’S MANY MODES
A gracEmail subscriber asks, "Does water baptism in the New Testament involve sprinkling, pouring or immersion?" * * * As New Testament writers describe the process of conversion, they include in the picture all three of the actions that you mention. Jesus himself ordained water baptism as the principal visible expression of faith for the person who believes in him. Indeed, gospel baptism is significant, for it sign-ifies many blessings which the believer enjoys freely by God's grace. One blessing is the forgiveness of sins and a clean conscience before God, which Scripture pictures as … [Read more...]