Historical Posts

Blinded by a False Theology

Don't embrace a false theology like justification by faith alone and ignore anything which demands an action or response on man's part in addition to faith. Baptism is more than just a symbol.

Starting with a False Theology in mind blinds us to the Truth of God’s Word.

One would be hard pressed to find any doctrine in the New Testament more clearly set forth than the doctrine of baptism. Both Jesus and his disciples spoke plainly about it. This is seen in the fact that, with the exception of the Quakers and Christian Scientists, every other “Christian” group practices some kind of baptismal rite involving water. It is hard to overlook the facts. Jesus, himself, was baptized (Matthew 3:16). He commissioned his disciples to go throughout the world teaching and baptizing (Matthew 28:19). Every account of conversion in the book of Acts culminates in baptism. And, the epistles remind us of the place and importance of baptism (Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:20-21). Still, there are those who seek to minimize the place of baptism in man’s response to Christ.

Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter’s great sermon at Pentecost, “they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and the other apostles, `Brothers, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37). Then “Peter replied, `Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” We cannot escape that word repent. (Page 147).

Did you notice the conclusion, “We cannot escape that word repent?” What happened to the words “be baptized”? Apparently they did escape notice. Ironically, baptism has escaped the attention of a large segment of the “Christian” world in its preaching and teaching. This has occurred, as I mentioned earlier, in spite of the emphasis placed upon it in the New Testament.

How can folks be blind to what the Scriptures say on the subject? The answer is really quite simple. They go to the Bible with their minds already made up. Having embraced the false theology of the concept of justification by faith alone, they ignore anything which demands some action or response on man’s part in addition to faith. That is why Martin Luther rejected the epistle of James. In that epistle a clear correlation between faith and works is set forth. This was contrary to Luther’s theology, so it he rejected it.

No honest Bible student could ever forcefully argue that a man can earn, achieve, or merit his salvation by good works. And, no honest Bible student can ever demonstrate a living faith apart from works (James 2:17-20).

Baptism is intrinsic to the whole scheme of redemption as set forth in the New Testament. It is neither more nor less important than the other commands of Christ. It is, like the others, an essential part of His plan, and those who ignore it commit a serious error. One which will have eternal consequences.

Have you been baptized? If we can help, please let us know.