Indisputable Facts – I

Although baptism is said to involve the sprinkling, pouring or immersion of one in water, it is admitted that in the New Testament baptism involved a burial or immersion of the convert in water. Baptism is called a burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). John baptized at Aenon near Salim because much water was available there (John 3:23). When Jesus was baptized the record says He came immediately out of the water (Matthew 3:16). Obviously, if He came out of the water He had to go down into it. The only reason for Him to do that was the fact that His baptism required a burial in water.  The same can be said for the account of the Ethiopian’s baptism (Acts 8:38). In the New Testament baptism was indisputably an immersion in water! One who has undergone sprinkling or pouring has not been baptized.

Further, there is not one single account of infant baptism in the New Testament. That practice has no Scriptural authority. It developed in response to the false doctrines of total depravity and original sin. These are indisputable facts, neither of which can be sustained in the Bible!

Any student of the New Testament knows that music was an important element in the worship of the church (Matthew 26:30; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The introduction of any mechanical instruments of music into the worship of the church came centuries after the close of the New Testament and came without any New Testament authorization. According to the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Volume VI, page 759): “The general introduction of instrumental music can certainly not be assigned to a date earlier than the 5th and 6th centuries; yea, even Gregory the Great, who towards the end of the 6th century added greatly to the existing Church music, absolutely prohibited the use of instruments.” Music in the church, at least through the first five centuries of her history, was undisputedly singing without musical accompaniment of any kind.

If, as some argue, the use of mechanical instruments is authorized in the New Testament, it is clear that the disciples through the first five centuries of the church’s existence were unaware of it. That defies belief! Now you may reason that this is not a matter of any great concern to believers, but for those who believe that it is important to respect the Divine will, these are matters of grave importance. These are indisputable facts. Now we must determine how we will respond to them.