Posted in Random ramblings

In an online discussion a few weeks ago, my minority view on baptism came up and I was asked to explain what scriptures lead me to my conclusions.  In response, I spent many hours pouring over my concordance, my Bible and some other materials and I came up with this.  In all of it's "glory", here is why I believe what I believe.

Baptism is mentioned 120 times in the book of Acts. Each of the 9 major conversion stories in the book of Acts culminates in baptism as the immediate faith response. Here are the scripture references for four of those accounts: Acts 8:35-38, Acts 10, Acts 16:11-15, Acts 16:31-34. In Matt. 3:13-17.  Baptism is the first act of Jesus' ministry. The great commission (Matt. 28:18-19) is the only command given in the name of the entire Godhead. The great commission commands us to baptize everyone who is made a disciple.
Baptism is for:
*forgiveness and  remission of sins:Acts 2:38, 22:16
*the place where we're united with Christ: Gal. 3:26, Col. 2:12, Rom. 6:1-11
*gives us membership in the Church: 1 Cor. 12:13
*allows us to inherit the kingdom of God:John 3:5

Paul said:
*we're baptized into Christ: Gal. 3:27
*we're baptized into his death: Rom. 6:3-6
*baptized into one body: 1 Cor. 12:13

The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Our response to the Gospel is our death, burial and resurrection and portrayed in Christian baptism.

Baptism is:
*commanded: Matt.28:18-19, Acts 2:38
*practiced: Acts 2:41, et. al
*connected with salvation: 1 Peter 3:21

Also see: Romans 2: 25-29,10:9; Acts 18:26

Many who disagree with me refer to the thief on the cross. Let me tell you what my understanding of that. The thief was still under the old covenant. Just as the many believers listed in Hebrews 11 were saved by faith in the coming Messiah and His death, burial and resurrection, so too was this man saved by that same faith.

One member of my "brand" of Christianity (we're technically not a denomination) suggests to those who disagree with him to just get out a concordance and read every scripture reference on baptism and prayerfully consider them all. He believes that if God's word isn't going to convince someone, he certainly won't be able to.  After reading all of this, you still might disagree with my conclusions but it's obviously not a belief that I've adopted without searching God's word for my answers. :)

Finally, here are three interesting links. Two are for a two part series on the history of baptism. The last one is a wonderful, grace filled column that put into words how I feel about un-immersed believers. The author says things I've always felt and could never articulate.
The history of baptism, part 1, from Paul to Luther
The history of baptism, part 2, The 16th Century origin of faith only salvation

'Not the Only Christians'