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There is perhaps nothing more divisive within the Christian church than issues regarding baptism–when to baptize and how to baptize.  Though many faithful find the directives explicit in their intent, after making a careful but brief study of Scripture, history and traditional practices I must respectfully disagree.

Those who take the approach of The Bible, The whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible … often imply or just plain out state that there are many who call themselves Christians who don’t do this, and are unknowingly damned by not heeding their warnings.  For this reason, there must be a starting point before any type of reasonable, intelligent discussion can begin.  I choose to begin with the word tradition.

Whether or not acknowledged, tradition plays a role in every Christian’s life.  Some Christian groups title themselves non-denominational, not being a part of a larger group.  Whatever one wishes to call their group — congregation, … I can’t think of another.   Anyhow, as soon as any part of worship or governance assumes a regular pattern or routine there is a tradition.  For baptism, to say that one must always be baptized after a certain age, or an age of accountability, is to establish a tradition.  To celebrate communion using grape juice only is establishing a tradition.  It’s one of those semantic things.

I have always found it curious for groups to say that others are not Christian because they don’t have the motto, The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, since I know for a fact that many of the groups on the receiving end of the negative, damning comments are thoroughly based upon biblical principles though perhaps not in complete agreement on the traditions practiced–and I use the word many  because I have not studied every Christian group.  I suggest that a better approach to biblical authenticity is to put into use the phrase put forth by the great Swedish theologian, Paul Petter Waldenström, who believed in asking, where does it stand written (in the Bible)?

What then should also be used in determining true Christianity?  That is something needing to be decided upon by each person or group with great caution, for this is where the line will be drawn which cannot be compromised.  It will be a promise between you and God.  For most Christians, that Jesus Christ must be confessed as being Savior and Lord (John 3:16), that there is One God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity–the Gospel of John), and that there are a minimum of two sacraments or ordinances as commanded by God– Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar, or Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper.

This is where it begins to get sticky– we are back to baptism.  That baptism is a commandment is of no doubt, though some do doubt it to be necessary.  Jesus said it Himself.  He didn’t say to think about it and maybe do it, He said to go and make disciples and to baptize.  The two key verses normally used, Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16, give the same basic, simple, two-part command.  As such, God is telling us first that we are to be a mission church, wherever and however we serve–within our families, at work, as witnesses through our lives, clergy, as called missionaries, or in another role .  Sometimes we look too far into the field and should stick closer to our own environments.  The statistic given that only 60% of all children raised in the faith continue on as adults is quite alarming.

It may interest those who are so set against Martin Luther to find out that he believed immersion to be the best way to baptize.  It may interest those who say that baptizing infants is a Roman Catholic tradition to discover that the practice dates back to before the Roman Catholic Church ever existed–but it does.

In my opinion, those who believe and practice baptism only when people are older are A-Okay in my book.   That they disagree with my belief in infant baptism is A-Okay, too.  What I don’t understand, however, is why I am often not shown the same respect.  To that end, I am going to examine the most-used Bible verse used to prove their point.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16 NIV)

I cannot tell you how many times in discussion the phrase believes and is baptized has been used as the absolute, positive proof of their right-ness and my wrong-ness.  Taking a closer look …

• The easiest is the word baptized.  We may begin by agreeing it means dip and immerse, though there is at least one New Testament verse that uses the word wash. 
• It is important to point out the context of this verse within the whole chapter.  More than once there is the comment made that Jesus’ followers didn’t believe he had risen.  As a matter of fact, Jesus had just rebuked their unbelief before giving the command to make disciples and baptize.
• Note that the conjunctive word is “and” and not “then.”  There is no indication of which is to be first or last–faith>baptism, or baptism>faith. 
• In Mark 16a, the word believes has a different meaning than the second use in the sentence.  Here it means to have faith or entrust on’e spiritual well-being to Christ. 
• The second half of the verse, Mark 16b, says nothing of the baptism, and is only against those who do not believe.   Other meanings (very similar) are unbelieving and disbelief.  The point that needs making is that the Greek word used for “not believing” is the same as for the strong word “apostasy” which means to reject or turn one’s back on their faith.  Here “condemned” means to receive a judgment against oneself, or to receive a (prison) sentence.
• Verse 17 gives further indication of what this verse is about, describing the signs of faith that will accompany belief–drive out demons, speak in new tongues, etc., which sounds very much like Baptism of the Holy Spirit, not of baptism with water.  This makes the ”immersion” point so often called the touchstone reason for not baptizing by dipping or sprinkling with verse 16 as the proof irrelevant.    In this context, 16b makes good sense, for the one unforgivable sin, according to Scripture, is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.
• Another point of view that can be assumed in verse 16 has to do specifically with infants and young children. The verse definitely states the necessity of baptism for salvation.  Nowhere does it exclude infants and young children.  As a matter of fact, not a single Bible verse about baptism excludes infants and young children from the command to be baptized.   As another matter of fact, the issue of not baptizing the very young when it is commanded creates the issue of whether their salvation is at risk.  This leads to another point–that is, if you are a believer who insists on adhering to only to what is specifically in Scripture, then to insist on an age of reason or accountability, to insist on infant baptism leading those who practice it to perdition, is to go on implied and assumed meaning.  You just can’t have it both ways, folks.   As Waldenstrom insists on asking, “Where does it stand written?”  
• Using this verse while excluding Matthew 28:19 (The Great Commission) may be convenient but not practical, since it should have an impact on belief.  The Matthew verse (a) says nothing about children being in- or out- of baptism, and (b) baptizes in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Baptism is not symbolic, it is not proof of salvation, it not only a command.  Baptism happens by the will and desire of God.  Baptism in God’s name tells us all we need to know.  It is a saving act, an act of grace performed through people by God.  We are not the baptizers, God is…. in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  As such, all other issues stand beneath–good for discussion, but in the long run not as significant.

Historically, infant and child baptism has been performed from the earliest days of the Christian Church.  Writings from as early as the third and fourth centuries prove this.  By this time, the first faithful who had accepted the Disciples of Jesus Christ’s invitation would have birthed children of their own.  These children would have been raised as Christians from infancy, and as an entry into the church of the faithful it makes sense to baptize.  We need to remember that baptism is an entry into the church, and as such the beginning of one’s faith journey.  If someone questions their faith following baptism or rejects it entirely and then returns to the fold, should another baptism be necessary?  Here I agree with Martin Luther completely.  Baptism as God’s act, not ours, need not be repeated because it stands.  What is needed instead is a return to the promise of grace given at the time of baptism.

I wonder at the reasoning for waiting on baptism for those children born to Christian parents who without a doubt will bring them to church and teach the Bible.  Don’t we believe that we are created by God in His image?  Don’t we believe that children are a gift from God?  In this case, why would we not baptize children, removing the stain of Adam’s sin?  Do we know for absolute fact that children, gifts from God, do not know Him?  Using myself as an example, there is no time in my life, from my earliest memories, when God’s existence wasn’t true. 

A final comment on one last argument against not only Martin Luther but other protestant Christians needs to be made, that is on baptismal regeneration.  Baptism is regenerative, because it comes from God as a salvatory act of grace.  As such, it is not a work of anyone, and is not to be taken as necessary along with faith.  Our faith saves us.  Returning to Mark 16:16, the second part of the verse said to not believe is to be condemned, with no mention of baptism. 

As a saving act, baptism is a beginning.  It is the transformation into a new life.  It may be a saving work, born anew into Jesus Christ followed by ever increasing faith (belief) in the One who will provide for every need if we let Him into 100% of our life.

Through exegesis of Mark 16:16 within the context of surrounding verses, it is clear that using this verse as proof for baptism by immersion in water is in need of further thought.  Also regarding this verse, the conjunctive word “and” leaves room for ”baptize” and “believe” to be reversed.  Regarding age of baptism, Scripture nowhere states specifically what that may be.  The necessity of baptism as given by Jesus allows for the possibility that without baptism infants and young children may not receive salvation, because there is no Scripture stating that they will.  Baptism as the beginning of life in Jesus Christ and as a saving act of grace brings into question why young children of believing parents would not be welcomed into the Family of God at an early age.

Sources

• Martin Luther’s Small Catechism http://www.lutheran.co.uk/docs/Small%20Catechism.pdf
• Christian Dogmatics Volume Two, Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson, Editors, copyright © Fortress Press 1984.
• Complete Sermons of Martin Luther Volume II, John Nicholas Lenker, editior, copyright © 2000 by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI.
• The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called The DIDACHE, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/richardson/fathers.viii.i.iii.html
• The Meaning of Baptism by Ray C. Stedman, http://www.raystedman.org/misc/0278.html
• New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, King James, James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D., Copyright © 1996 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN, 2000.
• Luther’s Large Catechism with Study Questions, copyright © 1978 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.
• Institutes of the Christian Religion, On Baptism 4:16 by Dr. John Calvin, http://www.apuritansmind.com/Baptism/CalvinInfantBaptism.htm
• Baptism: Definition from answers.com
• Notes on “Faith Alone” by J. W. Roberts, http://www.freedomsring.org/New_Index/Abraham%20Was%20Justified%20by%20Faith,%20No.%203.htm
• Subjects of Baptism by John A. Battle, Ph.D., http://www.wrs.edu/Materials_for_Web_Site/Courses/Theology_4/Chapter_7-Subjects_Baptism.pdf
• Baptism Questions and Answers, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2590
• Congregation for Doctrine of Faith: Infant Baptism (Roman Catholic) http://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDFINFAN.htm

What is ADIAPHORA?  Actually, it’s an important subject — something that theologians ponder and discuss, and something acutely important to all Christians.  It has a lot to do with agreeing to disagree.  What does one group of Christians, not wishing to compromise important Christian truths, agree to be allowable (respectfully disagreeing) in another Christian group?

I invite all of us non-theologians to ponder this important topic.  To do so, you must be very clear about what you DO believe.  Then, it will be necessary to find out what others believe and compare. 

Where do you draw the line?  Where are you willing to compromise without giving in?  I invite you to do the research, think and draw conclusions with the Holy Bible as your guide.

I have thought about yesterday’s post today–not too long, because I believe in living in the here and now and not dwelling on the future too much–and it seems clear thus far that the blending of faiths, the pluralistic philosophies, all leading to one unified, worldwide church is part of satan’s plan.  Underlying the one church will be the theology of individual divinity, or each person as god.  As gods, people will feel empowered to believe that all choices they make are failproof. 

With a worldwide church filled with gods, there will come satan masquerading as the one supreme god who will sound divinely wonderful to all.  This will usher in a worldwide police force to keep everyone under control–maybe with devices inserted under the skin, maybe with the 666 numbers on the forehead. 

At this point, anyone claiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, claiming the one true God, will be shunned, killed, starved–who knows what? 

Seems like something straight out of a horror movie, doesn’t it?  It seems ridiculous, crazy and bizarre, and I know many will think the same of me for saying so. 

Do you know that only 60% of all children raised as Christians are still walking the Godly walk of faith?  I have children, too, and grandchildren.  Let us pray without ceasing for our church, our children, our families, and our world. 

These times may come soon, they may not.  We must live our lives as witnesses to what is true and free.  God called all of us for this purpose.   Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.

Do you wonder why those who aren’t Christian continue to bring up atrocities performed in the name of Jesus Christ from the past–most of them centuries ago?  What do you say to those who do this?

Suggestion: Respond by inquiring who is doing the persecuting to whom in our present age?  Insist upon staying current.  There are no more Crusaders.  Queen (Bloody) Mary has long been dead.  The Reformation ended almost 500 years ago.

Do you ever feel uncomfortable as a Christian when you agree that all religions should be respected for their truths?  That if you don’t you hate those who practice other religions?

Suggestion:  Separate the issues of respecting those who practice religions other than Christianity vs. the issue of what is truth and true religion.  We are called to love and respect everyone.  We are called to proclaim only the one truth faith, one true God.

Do you find yourself on the short end of the stick when others are discussing religion and you offer your Christian beliefs?  Do you understand that Jesus said this would happen?

Suggestion:  Insist on sticking to the subject at hand.  A common way to deflect away the argument, since often in the face of Christian biblical truths there is no argument, is for the person(s) with whom you are speaking to attempt to turn the conservation away from themselves by attacking you.  If others will not discuss rationally back and forth, walk away.

Please be clear about the following:
The goal is not respectful pluralism with its many truths, respect for many religions.  The goal is ONE WORLD RELIGION where all compromise themelves for ONE UNIVERSAL TRUTH.  This is within the theology of Deep Ecumenism.

Here is the problem: (a) Unless force is used, such as what is named in the Bible,  one world religion is impossible.  (b)  The notion of one religion, one belief system, people each being divine and a god–not only cannot ever be true but also impossible.  How does anyone ever expect to get billions of people, all over the world, who think they are each God to agree on anything (without force)????

HERE IS THE TRUTH:  God IS within us, but we are not Gods.  There is absolutely not one Scripture, despite what anyone says, that states that people can be the same as God.

God is within us, be we are NOT gods.

HERE IS ANOTHER TRUTH: Father, Son, Holy Spirit: The Trinity: One God.  The Holy Trinity cannot now or ever be defined as Father, Mother and Child.

TRUTH 3: We are stewards of all God’s creation.  We have been given dominion over this earth and all that it contains.  WE SEE THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S CREATING POWERS, what we don’t see is God being every lump of dirt and blade of grass.

TRUTH 4:  THERE IS, HAS AND EVER WILL BE ONLY ONE GOD.  God has not incarnated himself as Budha, and Mahareesh Yogi, or anyone else.  GOD HAS ONLY INCARNATED himself as human in Jesus Christ.

TRUTH 5:  Be in the world, minister in the world in your called role, but do not compromise your faith.

UNTRUTH:  It is okay for Christians to not love homosexuals because they are sinners.  WRONG!!  Last time I reflected, I am still a sinner (and I think you are most likely in the same sinner category as me).

UNTRUTH:  It is my “duty” to tell gays, Catholics and whoever else some Christians decide to “lovingly” tell others they are going to hell.  (A)  They would have to be extremely simple-minded to not figure out on their own what the score is. (B)  It is very UNChristian to act in this manner.  (C)  Unless you live an absolutely perfect Godly life, you may want to check yourself out.  (D)  We are ALL sinners. (E)  Catholics ARE Christians.

CHRISTIAN ARMOR:  Part of your armor is to know what is going on, what people are thinking, what they are promoting as truth that is not truth at all.

The message of salvation is this:  John 3:16.  No reincarnation necessary–forgiveness and salvation is yours for the asking. 

Please remember, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the true Christian life respects, nurtures, and testifies to God’s will.  If the people of our world would claim Jesus as Lord and Savior and truly live the Christian life there would be no hunger, inequities of payment compensation, need for movements to save the earth, whale or anything other animal.  War would cease and persecution would stop.

Let us all remember to keep it simple, testify and witness our faith with our lives, not compromise our faith under difficult circumstances, duress, or to fit  with the crowd.  Let us pray without ceasing, know our Scripture, and know what is out there so we don’t unknowingly succumb.

Blessings,   babamarusia