From the time of the New Testament until now, no doctrine has been more controversial than that of baptism. Rome and her children have perverted and twisted Scriptural baptism, and shed the blood of many millions who have stood on the Biblical position. Today, the subject of baptism has been ignored, set aside, and deemed as “non-essential” by many who do not understand the importance of this doctrine.
In order for baptism to be Scriptural, it must be conducted under the proper authority, with the proper subject and method, having the proper purpose, and by a proper administrator. The only institution with Scriptural authority to baptize is the New Testament church. I believe that the Great Commission was given to the church that Jesus built while still on this earth. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus stated, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” He followed that statement by the command, “Go ye therefore.” In this passage of Scripture, Christ is transferring His Divine authority to the church to carry out His commission here on earth. The New Testament church is the only institution with authority to baptize converts. John the Baptist came with authority given by God for the baptism of repentance. (Matt. 21:23-32; Mk 1:1-4) Our Lord submitted Himself to this authority in order to fulfill all righteousness. Christ transferred this authority to the church that He began. The church delegates this authority to those it ordains to the ministry. Scriptural baptism is pleasing to the Lord, for it recognizes the authority of the church.
The proper subject for baptism is one who has been born again. We find no example in Scripture where one was baptized, who did not first repent from sin and trust Christ by faith. (Acts 2:41; 8:12, 35-39; 9:17-18; 10:44-48; 16:14-15, 30-34)
The method of baptism should not need much discussion. The mode always mentioned in the Bible is that of immersion in deep water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost. This pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of our Saviour. Baptism also pictures the death of the old man, and the believer being raised to walk in newness of life as a new creature. (Matt. 3:16; John 3:22-23; Acts 8:38; Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 3:21)
I believe the Scriptural purpose of baptism to be two-fold. It is a public testimony of a believer’s profession of faith, as it demonstrates one’s commitment to Christ. Baptism also identifies one with the church body into which they are being baptized. Baptism is church membership, in that it is the door into the church. (Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 12:12-13)
The only qualified administrator of baptism is one who has authority delegated to him by a local assembly. All examples of Scriptural baptism in the New Testament were conducted under Divine authority or church authority. The authority to baptize comes from the sending church, as they ordain and send a pastor/evangelist. Only a properly ordained pastor/evangelist can be authorized by a church to administer baptism. The Apostle Paul in the book of Acts is one example, as he is sent with authority from the local church. (Matt. 3:1-17; 21:23-27; 28:18-20; Jn. 4:1-2; Acts 1:21-22)
From these points, we can make the following statements: Any baptism not administered under the authority of a New Testament church is not baptism. Any baptism not by an authorized administer is not baptism. Any baptism not by immersion is not baptism. Any baptism that does not follow salvation is not baptism. Any baptism conducted for any purpose other than a public testimony and church membership is not baptism.
“Where there is no scriptural baptism, there are no scriptural churches of Christ, no scriptural ordinations, no scriptural ministers, no scriptural ordinances.” (J.R. Graves)
“Baptists have ever held, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism; and when they baptize those who have received the infant rite, or have been immersed without the authority of Jesus Christ, they do not regard it as rebaptism, as they regard such performances as invalid—no baptism at all.” (D.B. Ray)
“Christian baptism is not the celebration of a religious rite by modes indifferent; but a specific act to be administered by a specific body, to persons of specific qualifications, for the profession of specific truths. When one of these properties is wanting, the transaction is “null and void,” since, unless the ordinances are observed as Christ commanded, they are not kept, but perverted, and bring upon the parties, not the commendation but condemnation of the Master.” (J.R. Graves)
Is your baptism Scriptural?
As I have studied the Scriptures in this matter, God has shown me that my own baptism is not valid. I was baptized in a Baptist church which began from a church split. A group of people left one church and started another. While the intent may have been good, I believe this violates the the New Testament pattern for starting churches. The only authority to plant a New Testament church is another New Testament church. A church ordains a man and sends him with the authorization to baptize converts. It is from these converts that a church is to be constituted. If a church has no authority, it cannot administer the ordinance of baptism. I will be baptized under the authority of Truth Baptist Church.
Luke Mace
Kaltag, Ak
Truth Baptist Church is in agreement with this author.
