I've been hearing a story lately from a friend of mine recently about one of their experiences. They were looking getting re-baptized into a particular church and while going through the preparation for the event, it came to light that there were certain statements that had to be agreed with before they could be baptized into the church.
Now, this brings up some interesting questions, chief among them: should we require people to agree to certain statements (what I constitute as addendums) that are in addition to the primary requirement of accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and repenting of your sinful ways?
While I agree that it's helpful to study what that particular church believes and follows, I do not subscribe to the idea that a person should have to accept all of that in order to be baptized into that church. John the Baptist didn't require it, Jesus didn't do it, and that is our example.
Perhaps you think that I'm wrong, but allow me to express myself in even stronger, and hopefully, clearer terms. Expecting people to agree with certain statements above and beyond what the Bible calls for in order to be baptized smacks of something very scary, indeed: Communism. I know that the ideological differences between the actual form of government and what we're discussing are quite different...I can appreciate that.
However, when there is an expectation that is set down from before a person is baptized that they will need to "tow the party line," I get very, very worried. Who are we to put those kinds of conditions on someone joining the family of God?
Which brings us to the central issue of whether we are trying to baptize people into a particular church or into the family of God? I believe we are called to do the latter, not the former. IF we change our mindset and perspective to match that VERY fundamental Biblical teaching, we'd be amazed at how God can work when we can manage to get ourselves out of the way!
What do you think?
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6 comments:
God’s method of getting His message to the world is through His Spirit working in His “church.” Man has been applying rules to membership in “a” church ever since the beginning. Like joining a club, the “no girls allow” kind of rules for membership have always been set up to keep some people out and allow others in. Add the bad press “the church” has been getting lately and it’s a miracle anyone finds Christ, but then God is in the business of miracles.
I agree with Tim, if you want to join a church, than you will have to sign up for their rules. There are all kinds of churches with all kinds of rules for membership. Some good, some bad. However, if you want to show the rest of the world what you believe in your heart, that you are washed in the blood of Christ, by being Baptized in water as a symbol of that washing, then you need to find a church which does not attach other strings, because there should not be any.
Hi Tim,
First, let me thank you for putting up a thoughtful and compelling blog about these subjects. I think more people should have the bravery to discuss such things in a safe and *mature* environment.
My opinion is that all Christians share the same core beliefs. The belief in one God, Salvation, etc. These are held as truths in the holy text of Christians (the Bible). However, with organized religion, humanity and its failings (such as a desire for power) come into play. When we create rules we draw lines not just between what the Bible says and what our rules say, but between us and God and amongst one another (prejudice).
I firmly believe that once you are baptized and accepted God into your life you shouldn't have to go through the process again for an organized faith. When you do, it seems like you are accepting that religion and its belief system rather than acknowledging your belief in God. I understand some people wish to be re-baptized when they change faiths as a symbol of their commitment but that's different.
It funny you should mention this. I have to work with the pastor a bit before he thinks I'm ready for baptism into Seventh-day Adventism. I let him know I don't have any particular issues with any of the 27-28 doctrines but did say I have my reservations regarding the Millerites and the whole issue of quickly backstepping during that whole 1844 debaucle. Plus, I let him know I don't know how I feel about Ellen White. Apparently, it does give us something to talk about, but I personally don't understand the hesitation. My belief is strongly for God, Jesus Christ. Why must I be "forced" to accept without reservation the beginnings of later became the Adventists. Secular over spiritual? No. Thank you because you've given me a real vehicle to discuss in my next pastoral visit.
I'm glad you guys are finding this helpful; it's been something I've wanted to do for a long time but didn't have the courage; afraid of the potential backlash.
But I think it's worth questioning practices and policies that don't have their basis in Scripture but in men. I'm sure these doctrines have their justifications, and some even make sense, but how they are put into practice should never be above reproach.
Anyway, I'll be writing more as inspiration hits, but please feel free to email me with topic ideas! timato1@gmail.com
I stumbled upon this when looking up references, I thought it was a great little something to mull over regarding this particular topic.
http://www.crosswalk.com/pastors/11628888/
Great read, and he's so right!
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