Where should a church draw the line on accepting the baptism of someone who is seeking membership?
If the church does not have a baptismal, where is the next best place for a baptism?
I am a new Christian and trying to get more truth/facts about baptism, I was a Hindu and I have given my life to Jesus. Matter of fact first I went to a Assembly of God and got baptized in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but a little while later I met some "oneness" Pentecostal Christians and they told me I was not saved and showed the all the scriptures and many who got baptized in the name of Jesus. Straight away I got baptized in Jesus' name. Sorry for my ignorance, I think some where in book of Mark it says- "he who believes and baptized is saved and he who doesn't is condemned". To me baptism in Jesus name is very important to one's salvation. What a do you think? and the other thing is I would like to ask when Jesus commanded his disciples to baptized in father/son/holy spirit then why did Peter did in Jesus name. To me it looks a bit confusing?
Answer: Both Acts 2:38 and 22:16 which are used to teach baptism for salvation. The fact is that in both these verses are English translations of the Greek text. In the Greek text the words "Repent, and be baptized" (2:38) and "be baptized, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16) are aorist participles and are antecedent (preceding) in action to the action of the verbs. An accurate translation is "Having arisen, be baptize as they sins are washed away since you have believed on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16) Salvation precedes baptism. Acts 2:38 " Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ on "account or your" the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
There are seven reasons that Acts 2:38 does not teach baptismal regeneration:(From the Way of Life Encyclopedia, by David Cloud)
Grammatically, Acts 22:16 cannot be used to teach baptism for the reason stated above.
I have often had people of your persuasion use the same argument that baptism was not a work, but an act of obedience. Yet, the fact is baptism is a physical act in which one is immersed in water. Being immersed in water is a physical "act" and to say it is not a "work" is defies reason and logic. Yes, it is an act of obedience for the person who has been saved by faith. As I stated, before over sixty times the New Testament plainly states salvation received by faith....with no mention of baptism or any other act.
Using the fact that Satan believes in Jesus Christ is grasping at straws. Satan, knows who God is, but he rebelled against God because his belief was not a biblical faith of trust in the Lord for salvation, but only an intellectual knowledge of God.
Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone, a part from any work or act on our part, or any merit within ourselves....but in Jesus' death and suffering for our sins. He and He alone provides paid the penalty for sins and man does not add to that anything..... Salvation is totally the work of Jesus Christ through His grace as Ephesians 2:8-10 plainly states and many other passages of God's word.
Literally, what you are saying is that even if you believe totally in Jesus Christ and are not baptized then you die in your sins and go to hell. Therefore, plainly....faith alone, according to the teaching of baptismal regeneration, does not save...but faith, plus one's work of obedience in baptism. That teaching denies what God's word plainly teaches. Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 4:5, Titus 3:5, etc all teach that salvation is not of works, (rituals, physical acts, or anything such thing). That soundly and absolutely precludes that one must be baptized to be saved.
You see the difference is between what you believe and what the Bible teaches and I believe is that I believed in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation. Through His grace, that day God washed away my sins, indwelled me, made me His child, and gave me eternal life. I followed the Lord's instructions and was baptized as a public declaration of my faith as the New Testament teaches. My baptism did not acquire my salvation. I do not account my act of being immersed in water as being a part of my salvation, but as a public witness and identification of myself as a born again believer, because to do so would mean that I by a work of my self, my baptism, I was saved. My outward act of being baptized attested to the reality of my faith.
However, those who believe in baptism being necessary for salvation, believe that if they are not baptized they are not saved and that it was baptism added to their faith that saved them. Thus, plainly their hope in salvation is not in their faith, but in their act of obedience to the Lord.
That is not what God says and it degrades Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for our sins by saying a sinner can do some act and God accounts that as meriting or earning the right to receive salvation. Salvation is by God's grace alone and is not merited by any act or work of a man.
Can you see the difference between the two teachings? I believe solely in Jesus Christ for atonement and receiving salvation based on His grace. I submitted to baptism because I truly believe in Jesus Christ for my salvation. I am not trusting my baptism, but Jesus' shed blood for my salvation. That is the major difference in our beliefs.
However, you believe that your act of being baptized, added to your faith, saved you. Without your baptism, you would be lost. That is a vast difference. That kind of faith, is only a partial one, because one must not only trust in Jesus' atoning for sins, but one's act of baptism also. The fact is that this false teachings says that salvation is not totally by grace...but by one's act of being baptized also. The teaching thus means in reality...it was baptism that saved....not by faith, because faith was not sufficient in itself to save. It took an act of man to actually acquire salvation and take away or pay the penalty for sin.
I was a sinner, lost in my sins, bound for hell. I was not worthy or able to do anything to save myself. Yet, our Gracious God and Creator, loved me, the sinner I was and died for my sins on the cross. I heard His offer of salvation if I would believe and receive it and I did. I did not merit, earn or deserve His grace, but I received it in faith and was saved. I was born again and I am bound for heaven, only a sojourner and pilgrim here.
The problem with the teaching of the necessity of baptism for salvation is that is first is not biblical being based on mis-interpretations of God's word. Further it is doctrinal unsound because it denies and contradicts the analogy of the faith.
Salvation is totally in Jesus Christ....not in some act of man, baptism, the Lord's supper, or any other act of obedience of man.
I have an article at https://bible-truth.org/baptreg.htm titled "Does the Bible say Baptism is Necessary for Salvation?" that will help you understand this important truth.
Remember the question to always ask is, "What does the passage mean", not, "What does it say?". For instance, Jesus seems to say in Luke 14:33 that one cannot be a disciple (Christian) unless he first gives away all his possessions. Obviously we have to interpret the verse in light of the context and in relation to the rest of Scripture.
First is the historical context. Jesus and the Gentile converts to Judaism were very familiar with the symbol of baptism for cleansing and separation. It was normal practice (Unger's Bible Dictionary, p. 122; New Bible Dictionary, Douglas, p. 131). John the Baptist continued the symbol of baptismal cleansing of repentance, but noted there was a baptism which superseded it -- that is baptism with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).
The grammatical context is also important. A key word in Acts 2:38 for the baptismal salvation proponents is "for"; "baptized... for the forgiveness of sins." They insist that the meaning be interpreted "in order to obtain" the forgiveness of sins. The problem with this insistence is that the word "for" (eis, in Greek) has several connotations in New Testament Koine Greek. Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament says that eis is a versatile word which primarily "denotes entrance into, or direction and limit: into, to, toward, for, among," (p. 183).
In other words the symbol of baptism could either be pointing towards the cleansing and forgiveness (with reference to), or could pointing to the actual procuring of forgiveness (in order to).
Renowned Greek scholar A. T. Robertson states that not only does eis signify "aim or purpose" (in order to) as in 1 Corinthians 2:7, it can just as well mean "on the basis or ground of (with reference to). (See Matthew 10:41; 12:41) He states that, "the illustrations of both usages are numerous in the New Testament and the Koine (New Testament Greek) generally:
"One will decide the use here (Acts 2:38) according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins..." (Word Pictures of the New Testament, pp. 35-36).
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Clearly God is saying that salvation is the free gift of God and God offers it to us by His grace. It is not something that has to be earned or worked for....or received by doing some ritual like baptism, the Lord's Supper, etc. The word "grace" means "unmerited, unearned or undeserved favor." It is God's free gift to us (Romans 5:15-18). So you cannot earn or merit a free gift can you? A gift is something freely given, because the one giving it simply wants to give it. We know that God who created us loves us, and so in loving us and wanting the best for us, He offers us the free gift of salvation, forgiveness for our sins and eternal life.
However, if someone offers you a gift you can only have it if you accept it. So God offers us the free gift of salvation, and we trusting in God, believing who He is, and accepting that the Lord Jesus Christ died sheddig His blood for payment for our sins, and by faith we receive God's gift of salvation. God's word says we are all sinners and we believe what God says. So knowing we are sinners, we by faith accept salvation from God. That is how a person is saved and there is no work, ritual and anything else required on our part to accompany our belief for us to be saved.
Now we come to the question about baptism. Yes, the Lord wants us to be baptized, but we must understand what baptism is. Baptism, by immersion (placed under the water) is our outward sign that pictures what God did for us. It pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Being placed in the water, symbolizes Christ's death in which He took our death. Being raised out of the water shows Christ's resurrection from the grave in which He proved He was God our Lord and Savior. His death, in which is suffered for our sins on the cross, His burial and resurrection is the only basis of salvation.
Think for a moment....He did it all for us didn't He. 1 John 2:2 tells us Jesus paid it all for us, "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." The word "propitiation" means "full payment." In other words Jesus made the full payment for our sins....that leaves nothing for us to pay for, nothing more we owe or must do. We cannot add to Christ's sacrifice in order to merit salvation, He paid it all.
His suffering for our sins paid for all our sins. So clearly account to God's own word....we can do nothing ourselves to save ourselves. We cannot pay for our sins.....Jesus Christ did that and we cannot do any ritual, like baptism, or anything else to earn our salvation. Further we cannot add to what Jesus did. These people you talked with, who told you that you have to be baptized to be saved are false teachers. They are falsely telling you that you must add your work or act of baptism to what Jesus did on the cross when He suffered and died for our sins.
We submit to baptism because it shows what has already happened in our hearts.....we have believed and in baptism we publicly testify that we have believed in Jesus Christ for our salvation and also that we are joining in with other believers in our local church. That is what Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." In other words, those who believed in Jesus Christ were saved and then were baptized.
Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16 are a little confusing to some because because they "seem" to say that a person must believe and be baptized for salvation. But that not what God said. In the Greek text that the New Testament was written us the word "for" in Acts 2:38, means to be baptized "because of" or "on account of" your repentance for sins. It does not mean that one must both repent and also be baptized to be saved. In Mark 16:16, note what the verse actually says...."Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Did you note that God says the reason a person is damned is because he did not believe.....if does not say because he did not believe and did not get baptized.
Let me ask you a question? Would God contradict Himself, tell us one thing in one place and something different in another? For example. Note what Acts 10:43 says, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." God says here and over sixty times in the New Testament that a person who truly believes is the one who is saved and whose sins are remitted. There is no mention of any requirement for baptism. Would it make any sense that God is trying to tell a person how to be saved sixty plus times and that He would leave out part of the requirement? Clearly the answers is NO! Baptism is an important step in the life of one who has believed....but it does not save us.....it only shows we have believed and are already saved.
One thing the Devil always tries to do is confuse in order to keep a person from truly being saved. He is a master at deception and part of that deception is misleading a person who is seeking etenal life. The Devil has the cults, false churches, and many false teachers ready to mislead anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Sadly, you have run into some of the Devil's false teachers and he has used them to try and deceive you, but God loves you and has lead you to this web site so that you could be pointed to God's truth....His very Word the Bible. God's word is truth and only it can tell us what is right and wrong. A church or person that does not preach God's truth...is serving the Devil. Yes, these people may look good and talk like they really know the Bible...but sadly they themselves are deceived. The best thing you can do is avoid them completely...because they are misleading you and believe God's word.
In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus clearly said we were to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Clearly the disciple did as Christ taught and did what He said.
Peter in Acts 2:38 is telling the people they were to be baptized in the name of Jesus.....which means as Jesus had instructed them in Matthew 28:19-20. Peter was not changing what Jesus said, but stating the basis of salvation was in Jesus Christ. He was pointing out that the reason for baptism was Jesus Christ and His atoning work.
Can you see that these Pentecostals do not really understand God's word the Bible nor salvation. Do you think that Peter would disobey the Lord's command and "only" baptized in "Jesus' name" or that Peter would start something different from Jesus said? Jesus Christ is the LORD and Peter followed Him....he obeyed his Lord. When Jesus gave the command in Matthew 28:19-20, Peter was there and was one of the disciple to whom Jesus was speaking to. In Acts 2:38, Peter simply did not state that we baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For the Pentecostals to teach this is foolish and shows their ignorance of God's word. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are One God and cannot be separated like some Pentecostals do. It is so sad that the Pentecostals, as Paul said about the Jews In Romans 10:2 "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." They seem to be really devoted people, but they sadly do not know the Bible as is shown this false teaching and in their practice of unbiblical tongues.
I strongly urge you to find a good Bible believing Baptist Church and preferable an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church that will teach you God's word. They will help you greatly to live for the Lord and you can also be a blessing to them as you too serve the Lord and God uses you to lead others to find Jesus Christ as their Savior.
This is a really long e-mail to explain this, but it so important that you grow in the Lord as a new Christian and you can only grow if you believe and live by God's truth.
However, it can also equally mean in English "with regard too" or "by reason of" or "because of". For example: "to shout for joy." Here the sentence means the shout was 'on account of' or 'because of' the joy. Those who purport the doctrine of baptismal regeneration understand "eis" as purposive or causative. However, another perfectly valid interpretation is that "eis" can mean the basis or ground on which baptism is performed. The determination of which is the correct usage depends on other elements such and syntax and the analogy of the faith. Greek is not constrained with rules of word order in the same ways as English and therefore the interruption of the natural word order in English is often normal in Greek.
In English the phrase “for the forgiveness of your sins” may be connected to either “repent,” “be baptized,” or both. The best textual evidence supports the presence of umwn (of your) as a modifier of “sins” in Acts 2:38. New Testament syntax supports this position as well. Concerning the antecedent of umwn, there is no evidence to support the contention that “forgiveness of sins” modifies the command to be baptized. In other New Testament passages on forgiveness, repentance, and water baptism, it becomes increasingly difficult to find support for the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. Of course this does not dilute the significance of Christian water baptism, for as Bruce says, “the idea of an unbaptized Christian is simply not entertained in the New Testament.” Today, as then, baptism remains a unique testimony of the life-transforming change brought about by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in the believer. In water baptism a believer identifies with Jesus Christ in an action that symbolizes the shared experience of death and resurrection with and in Him. (Bibliotheca Sacra, Vol. 153#609, January-March 1996. Luther B. McIntyre Jr., "Baptism and Forgiveness in Acts 2:38", p55, 62)
Therefore, grammatically this verse, and also Mark 1:4, and Luke 3:3 which use "eis", are not teaching baptism as necessary for salvation, but that baptism follows salvation and is done on account of receiving remission of sins. It confusing for us in English, but it certainly was not to the those who understood Greek and the English uses of the preposition "for".
So, I am not in error when I say that the verse could be correctly translated "because of or on account of" and I am simply recognizing that if the verse read: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ "because of" your remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" there would be less confusion about the matter of baptism. Both "for" and "because of" are accurate translations.
John the Baptist baptized in the Jordan River. The Jews baptized proselyted Gentiles to Judaism in cisterns in Bible times. There was a tradition that baptism was to be done in moving or running water, but the Bible does not state this as a requirement.
So any place where the water is deep enough would be appropriate. It is not the place, but the act of being immersed in water, picturing the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus that is important. I have an article "What does the Bible say about Baptism?" at https://bible-truth.org/baptism.htm if you are interested.
For example if a person came from a Free WilL Baptist church who believes one can lose their salvation they would be required to be rebaptized because they were a part of a doctrinally unsound church. Charismatic, Pentecostals would also be required to be rebaptized after they agreed to sound doctrine. If they were members of a unsound church they may have simply been misled in the matter and when shown the truth will accept it. Some however, evidently believed what that church taught, or gave consent to it. If they truly love the Lord they should be willing to affirm their beliefs are doctrinally in accord with God's word. A true believers should not be offended at being asked to declare their beliefs as being in accord with the church they are seeking to join and submit to rebaptism. If they refuse it shows a lack of commitment to truth, pride and clearly make them suspect of being doctrinally correct. Think....they are seeking to join the fellowship of an assembly of believers who love the Lord and uphold His word. Why would they not want to affirm their like commentment to God's word and agreement with that congregation? God says how can two walk together if they are not in accord?
A baptism in a church that is doctrinally unsound is a public testimony of one believing and consenting to false doctrine. A baptism in a false church is not a valid baptism because it does not testify of a candidate accepting biblical truth. Yes, there are probably some saved people in even doctinally unsound churches. I have over the years meet a number of them who came to our church and became a member. We taught them first God's truth and each time they agreed with God's word, were rebaptized and became true members of our congregation. I have had no one refuse rebaptism, however other pastors has shared with me that they had some who refused to be rebaptized and thus were denied membership.
An example of not requiring rebaptism would be a IFB church accepting a Southern Baptist who was doctrinally sound, but simply a member of a church that had a different missions program, etc. There are some doctrinally sound SBC churches. This would be the practice of probably most churches, however, many churches who practice rebaptism will only accept the baptism of a person of 'like faith" meaning another doctrinally sound IFB church.
My article explains the reasons why. But in a nutshell a Christan seeking membership in a church should be in doctrinal agreement with that church no matter where they were previously members. Even those who some for other IFB churches should be questioned as to their beliefs. If they are not in doctrinal agreement then they should be taught what 'God's word says and accept it before they are allowed to join and be in fellowship with the congregation. In reality if they are not in doctrinal agreement there will be confusion introduced into the assembly. By teaching them correctly and then requiring them to be biblically baptized, as my article states, you as best as you, can assure doctrinal harmony with God's word and with the congregation.
Sadly, many Baptist churches do not practice rebaptism and will accept anyone who professes to be a Christian. I pastored a church for a short time that before I arrived made no distinction as to the doctrinal beliefs of the churches the person seeking membership came from. I immediately became to practice refusing to accept alien baptism after I taught what the Bible says baptism is truly. However, several in the congregation, who joined before I arrived, were never doctrinally sound in their beliefs and it caused confusion and was a constant source of problems. One couple in particular who became members before I arrived to this day are still in that church and the pastor told me they are always causing problems.
The reality is.....just because someone says they are a Christian does not qualify them to be members of a true New Testament doctrinally sound church. What does qualify them is being in doctrinal harmony with God's word that church teaches, preaches and unholds.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Because this verse is often falsely used to support baptismal regeneration or that baptism is necessary for salvation it needs to be properly interpreted. A simple X in a box does not interpret the verse or convey its meaning.
Baptism is the external signature or public declaration of the inner faith of the heart, just as "confessing with the mouth" is in Romans 10:10. When a person truly believes there is an outward manifestation as the result or fruit of true faith. "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11) Baptism is a physical act, a ritual and thus a work performed. Works of any kind do not save as Ephesians 2:8-9 plainly states, so this verse cannot be teaching baptism is necessary for salvation. Further the wording of the verse itself dispels that false idea.
Sadly, the second statement the verse is ignored by those who misuse it. It states the reason for condemnation "but he that believeth not shall be damned." One is not damned because was not baptized, a man is condemned because he does not believe. God says, "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. . . .He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:15-16, 36)
Belief alone, which is saving faith, saves and imparts salvation. However, a man who is truly saved will show evidence of that and submit to water baptism and further will live a godly life. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Verse 17 is statement that further supports a proper interpretation. Those that are truly saved, going forth in Jesus' name, will have the power of God in their lives and minister to others and take the Gospel to a lost and dying world. This is a "sign" that they are saved and their message of salvation through belief on Jesus Christ is true.
Jesus was speaking to His disciples, Jews who would and did, after His crucifixion and resurrection preach to the Jews, that Jesus Christ was truly the Messiah. Read Peter's message in Acts 2 and the events of Paul's ministry in taking the Gospel to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. These were the "sign" gifts pointed at the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Acts records these sign gifts were apart of the early ministry to the Jews, but as the Jews rejected Christ, the sign gifts ceased as the New Testament scriptures were written. "For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:22) God gave them the signs, but they refused to accept them. Gentiles seek wisdom, which comes from the written word of God. The implication is that Gentiles (Greeks) are not so impressed with signs and emotions appeals, but respond to reasoning and logic, thus the wisdom of the written word of God.
I too have a similar testimony. I went forward in a service and was baptized but not saved. I was about 15. In 1972 I truly found Jesus Christ as my Savior. My pastor asked me if I had been baptized and I had, so I was not baptized. I did not know any better. Several years later after studying what baptism truly is I obeyed God's word and went forward in a service and was scripturally baptized. Baptism is by immersion only and follows salvation. Baptism that does not follow the NT example and teaching is not biblical baptism.
So I believe you should obey God. Not a pastor, denomination or any tradition of men.
The evidence of your salvation is that you want to please the Lord and obey Him. That is important and I encourage you not to be dissuaded by anyone to not follow the Lord...completely.
Here is the problem. If a person believes their salvation was received because they submitted to baptism then they are relying on their work of baptism to save them, which they of course adds their ritualistic act to Christ's suffering on the cross. They are making little of Christ's suffering and paying our sin debt on the cross. Their belief means Christ's suffering was not sufficient. They are adding to Christ's sacrifice their own work and righteousness of baptism which is not God's plan.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5) May I respectfully suggest that you read the following two articles in their entirety with your open Bible reading and carefully studying each passage referenced.
Also I would respectfully ask would you explain to me why do you think that baptism is necessary for salvation in light of the many passages in the New Testament that salvation is not by works or can be merited? (Eph. 2:8-9, Rom. 4:5, 10:9-10, Gal. 2:16-17, and many others)
PS: He never responded to my challenge.