Steve Ray and Baptism
Steve Ray has an interesting post about being born of water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5). He lists nine places in the Bible where water and the Spirit represent new birth, and then concludes:
Too bad many Evangelicals and Fundamentalists refuse to see it but the Bible is pretty clear about new birth through the sacrament of baptism. Jesus is not ambiguous in this matter and he is alluding quite clearly to new beginnings in the Old Testament. The Early Church is also very clear and so is the teaching of the Catholic Church today.
We’re assuming that the seven Catholic sacraments are Biblical. While the link provides an excellent argument against these seven sacraments, I should note that I believe very strongly in baptism, and I believe that it was commanded by our Lord Jesus that we should receive it. I don’t believe that it is necessary for salvation–for that is by grace through faith. Baptism is a clear command–it is one of the ways that we demonstrate our love for Him (Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3), not a way He confers grace on us.
I agree with Steve Ray’s premise but cannot support his conclusion. It would be interesting to track down the context of the Augustine quote to see if Ray is using it correctly.
Now don’t get me wrong–I’m not trying to downgrade the importance of baptism. I just don’t agree that it is any more necessary than any other work for salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10). The works we walk in are prepared by God for us to do; they are not the linchpin that saves us. This includes baptism. Walking in God’s commands shows our love for Him to the world–a witness without words. Those who are in Him should be willing to do whatever He commands, and this includes being baptized.
First of all, it’s self-evident that baptism can’t be absolutely necessary for salvation.
(1) It can’t be by faith alone, then, that would be faith AND baptism.
(2) The thief on the cross beside Jesus wasn’t given a baptism break. Unless the doctrine is “faith and baptism, except for those being crucified beside Jesus.”
As is often the case, a sign has been substituted for the thing it’s supposed to represent.
I agree with wickle. I’m Baptist. I grew up Methodist. When joining the Baptist church I at first was very resistant to being re-baptised by dunking-but eventually was convinced that doing it was more about witnessing my faith to others than re-accepting Christ-which is unnecessary. I agree that the Bible commands it-but I also agree that it plays no role in salvation. Bible also commands 10 other items–many of which are broken by Christians each day.–Salvation comes from Christ alone.
All teaching is based on how much we accept the authority of God’s Word. In every religion there is some Biblical teaching. Some may have 90% others may have 5%. But when one reads all what is taught, there is some type of principle(s), precept(s), holy living, command(s), etc that derived directly or indirectly from God’s Word. It has been noted that a humans’ genetic make up is 90 - 98.5% the same as non-human primates. Debating on the validity of this comparison is not of concern. But to note that small variations can have a BIG difference. Chemistry gives us similar examples as well as nature. My point to make is; can one be 90% right and 100% wrong? If Jesus Christ said that water baptism is required for salvation, Mk 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Pet 3:21. Are we going to accept God’s Word 100% or just 90%? And if we accept these verses, does it contradict the others? I know that His Word does not have any contradictions. We just need to learn to have His understanding. Does it take faith to accept Jesus’ divine conception, miracles and His bodily resurrection from the dead? Or what faith does one need to have on the words He had spoken? I accept His words as 100% true in Mk 16:16. This does not contradict other passages, it compliments them.
With these thoughts read Jh 12:48. Salvation comes from Christ alone and the words He says.
If the words of Jesus Christ don’t convict you to be water immersed for salvation, well then Satan has convinced you to believe only 90% of God’s word.