The Baptize Question

To Baptize Or Not To Baptize? That Is The Question

1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”

Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Is there a contradiction between Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 and the Great Commission as given by Christ in Matthew 28:19? If not, then how can we harmonize the commands of Christ, as found in  Matthew 28 and Luke 16:15-16 where the disciples are given the command to teach or preach the Gospel to the world and to baptize those who believe, with Paul’s statement that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the Gospel?

The Great Commission, in general, and Paul’s commission, in particular, will be discussed first. In Matthew 28:18-20, Christ sent his Apostles into the world to teach the Gospel to all nations and baptize them. In Mark 16:15-16 it is stated that they were to preach the Gospel to every creature and baptize those who receive the Gospel and believe it. In both of these passages, the preaching or the teaching comes before the baptizing. The preaching or teaching is given greater emphasis than the baptizing. That does not diminish the need for baptism. “Clearly the Great Commission envisioned baptism, but as a response to the preaching of the Gospel (Mk.16:15, 16). And, that is Paul’s point: The object is not to get men into the baptismal waters, regardless of their convictions, motives and intents.” (Bill Jackson; A Commentary on First Corinthians)

Paul’s specific commission was in keeping with the Great Commission, but was very specific as far as to whom it was to be taken. Paul’s stated purpose as given him by Christ is recorded for us in Acts 26:16-18. “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Paul was given the task of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Gentile world, in general, was totally and willfully ignorant of the existence of the true and living God. (Acts 17:22-31) They were wholly given over to the works of darkness and to the power of Satan. (Rom. 1:18-32) The task of finding a willing audience that would listen to the Gospel, much less receive it, was monumental. Paul spent the bulk of his time teaching and preaching the Gospel, as it was the reason Jesus sent him. But notice in Acts 26:18, the reason Paul was sent to preach the Gospel was that the Gentiles might receive the forgiveness of sin and an eternal inheritance in Heaven.

The “Good News” of the Gospel is that man’s sins can be forgiven. That man can obtain the remission of sins by coming into contact with the blood of Christ shed upon the cross. In Acts 2, Peter preached the Gospel to the multitude on the day of Pentecost. Thousands of people were convicted of their sins by this great sermon and responded in Acts 2:37 by asking this question, “What shall we do?” Peter’s response was “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”  In this example, we see the means by which sins are remitted – baptism. The preaching of both Peter and Paul was meant to convict men of sin, cause them to repent, and to effect the remission of sins through baptism.

Paul simply states that his purpose in Corinth had been the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. He had not gone there to immerse people in water. He was sent there to preach, but there was no guarantee that there would be a response. There was no guarantee that anyone would want to be baptized. If he had come there simply to baptize, without first preaching the Gospel, he would have been baptizing those who were without faith. Immersing in water cleans the outer man, but without faith in the Gospel, it won’t clean the inner man.

Baptism is a physical act with spiritual significance. The spiritual significance of it can only be taught by one who understands the Gospel. The New Testament had not yet been written, so inspiration was needed to preach the Gospel effectively. Paul, as an inspired man, had been the only one qualified to preach the Gospel when it was initially proclaimed to the Corinthians. There was no one else to do it. When the initial response to the Gospel took place, he could well have been the one who baptized those first converts. In fact, he did say in 1 Corinthians 1:14, 16 that he baptized Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas.

Who Can Administer Baptism?

Paul only mentions baptizing a few people in Corinth. Yet many had been baptized. If Paul was not performing all the baptisms who was? This brings up the question of who can baptize a penitent believer. It has already been stated in this document that Paul had initially been the only one qualified to preach the Gospel in its fullness. But, what knowledge or skill was necessary to immerse a person in water?

“Very little is said in the scriptures about who did the baptizing. Paul said that he did but little at Corinth, and the presumption is he did but little at any time. His mission was to preach the Gospel, not to baptize. This would indicate that baptizing was not necessarily to be performed by those who preach it. Saul is said to have been baptized by a ‘certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias.’ The church at Jerusalem ‘were scattered abroad,’ ‘and went everywhere preaching the word.’ The presumption is they baptized. I think it clear that no persons were specifically commanded to baptize. I think a baptism performed by any disciple, if the subject is right, would be accepted by God.” (David Lipscomp;  E.G Sewell; Questions Answered)

The command given by Christ in Mark 16:15-16 is that believers shall be baptized. In Greek, as well as in English, the phrase “and is baptized” is in the passive tense. Passive tense indicates that the action is done to the subject, not something the subject does to himself or another. Therefore, we know that someone has to administer the baptism. If not the preacher, then any other Christian could administer it.

Posted in Jack McNiel | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Baptize Question

Love Your Neighbor

The maxim of the “golden rule” is exemplified in many Christian stories, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which are unadorned replications of the Jewish Torah: “Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18).

THE BIBLE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN:

Luke 10:30-37 – 30 The Good Samaritan Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him. “Then Jesus said to him,” Go and do the same.” NASU

COMMENTARY

Luke 10:30–37. A certain man. A Jew of Jerusalem. Went down. It was a constant descent from Jerusalem to Jericho, over 3,000 feet in eighteen miles. Fell among robbers. The road is a dark, desolate, mountain pass, dangerous then, so beset by robbers still that no traveler dares go through it without a guard. Which stripped him. Not only of raiment, but of all he had; then left him, stunned, bleeding, unconscious, nearly dead. A certain priest. Jericho was a city of priests. A priest ought to be a holy man. The law commanded mercy and help to a neighbor (Exod. 23:4-5; Deut 22:1-4). The priest and Levite both disregarded the law in passing the poor sufferer. Likewise a Levite. A temple minister. He probably excused himself by the example of his priest. A certain Samaritan. The hereditary enemy of the Jews; despised and hated by the latter. “The Jews and Samaritans have no dealings” (John 4:9). If any man had excuse for passing the wounded Jew by it was the Samaritan. But he, unlike the priest and Levite, had compassion. His compassion leads to action, to self-denial, and inconvenience. He dresses the man’s wounds, sets him on his own beast, carries him to the inn, and when he left, left money for his care. For ancient inns, see note on Luke 2:7. Two pence was two days’ wages, and there was promise of more. Which of these three … proved neighbor? The stranger became the neighbor. So we are to be neighbors to all who need help. Christian love must know no narrow bounds of race or sect. Genuine philanthropy is a Christian spirit. People’s New Testament, The

Consider this:

There is no greater demonstration of the religion of Christ than to be considerate, kind, and benevolent, toward all people who are in distress of whatever kind. The story of the good Samaritan is further demonstrated in the Bible by the writers of the New Testament in several places; note the following …

Galatians 6:10 – So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. NASB

Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.  NASB

James 1:27 – This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. NASB Matthew 19:19 – Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. KJV

Mark 12:30-31 – 30 And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. James 2:8-9 – 8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU;

THIS IS A GOOD QUALITY FOR ALL CHRISTIANS TO DEVELOP IN LIFE.

Posted in Garreth L. Clair | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Love Your Neighbor

More Righteous Drunk

The Drunk Who Was More Righteous than One Sober

In Second Samuel 11, King David was on the rooftop of his palace one evening while the army was at war with the Ammonites. He saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba as she was bathing. Lusting after her, he brought her into his bedroom and committed adultery with her. In an effort to cover up his sin after learning that she was carrying his child, he brings home her husband—a righteous man named Uriah—and encourages him to go home to his wife. Nevertheless, he sleeps on the steps of the king’s house out of respect for his fellow soldiers. Two evenings later, David invites Uriah to a feast and actually gets Uriah drunk (11:13), but he still did not go down to his house. What a thought—Uriah was more righteous drunk than David was sober! Let us learn a few lessons from this familiar story.

First, note the danger of lust. This sin goes back to the Garden of Eden (cf. Gen. 3:6), because it implies evil desire. Other synonyms include “covet” or “covetousness” (cf. Ex. 20:17). Jesus warns, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’: But I say unto you, ‘That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart’” (Matt. 5:27-28). Paul warned the young preacher named Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22; cf. 1 Pet. 2:11). We are to model the righteousness of the grace of God after Titus 2:12: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Lust is a basic component of all sin (James 1:14-15; cf. 1 John 2:16-17). Many a man and woman have fallen to the snare of lust.

Second, note the seriousness of sin. We can see how serious sin is by examining the extent David went to commit and consequently, to cover up his sin. In the first place, he enquired about this woman after viewing her, instead of extinguishing any evil thoughts (11:3). The reference in the next verse to her purification from uncleanness implies that he thought and planned this out and waited until the time that he could sleep with her (11:4). Then, in an effort to conceal his sin, he brings Uriah home from the battle with a gift of food for him and his wife (11:8). When this did not work, he tried to get Uriah drunk two evenings later (11:12-13). When this did not work, he gave orders to his captain, Joab, to put Uriah at the front of the battle lines and pull back so he would die (11:14-17). When we see the extent David went to cover up his sin, this shows how serious a matter it is!

Third, note the beauty of forgiveness. Upon realizing the ugliness of his sin (2 Sam. 12), we see him write a beautiful confession (Ps. 51). Consider a portion:

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. (51:16-17, 19)

Thus, forgiveness is always dependant upon penitence and confession.

Can we not imagine what reaction David must have had when he saw Uriah in heaven? I can only imagine the conversation that must have taken place. At one point in their lives, a drunken Uriah was more righteous than sober David was! May we profit from these lessons, knowing that “…whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

Posted in Sam Willcut | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on More Righteous Drunk

Designer Labels

Designer Labels

Coworkers and friends may be good at it, but no one surpasses the skills of our own children. No one can see right through us better than those who live under the same roof. Those with whom we share our homes can instantly discern the truth, even if the truth does not match the words coming out of our mouths. Our children can see what is really important in our lives, and they know our real priorities—good or bad. Today’s young generation is intensely aware of the fact that we are suffering a nationwide epidemic of Christian apathy.

One wonders what the children of “the priest” who passed by the wounded and robbed man really thought about their father. Was he apathetic as well? Would he tell them about passing by the man, or did the day’s event even pierce his heart? Likewise, one wonders if the title “Levite” really impressed the children of that particular man. How long did it take the Levite’s children to realize that being born to a particular family line did not necessarily mean one was good at heart? Both men wore the “label” of religious men, but it was obvious they were not living the life. Jesus related the story about these two men as He was trying to teach a certain lawyer who the lawyer’s neighbor was (Luke 10:25-37). Sadly, however, both the priest and Levite viewed their religious titles as nouns instead of verbs. They were titles the men wore, rather than lives they lived. Both of these individuals saw the wounded man on the side of the road, but both passed him by. And if either of these men had children, one can safely assume their offspring would have been acutely aware that their fathers’ lives did not reflect true religious virtues. The priest and the Levite were only religious in the labels that they wore.

The third person was from Samaria. He was a stranger in this land between Jerusalem and Jericho. It was no secret during this time that there was mutual antipathy between Jews and Samaritans. But this man reached out to the stranger on the road who had been wounded by thieves. Not only did he stop to care for the injured man, but he also took it upon himself to make sure this Jew was cared for at a local inn. The Samaritan may have been an unlikely person to give of his time, energy, and financial means, but I suspect the Samaritan’s children would not have been that surprised. Their father walked the walk, he didn’t just talk the talk. His life reflected his righteousness.

When our children and grandchildren look into our heart of hearts, what do they see? Do they see people desiring to remain faithful until death, or do they see individuals just wanting to “do the minimum”? How many Christians living today wear the name “Christian” simply as a label, meaning it describes “who” they are, rather than “Whose” they are? The sad truth is for many, the word “Christian” is a noun, not a verb. The church building becomes viewed as a social club rather than a building to worship and praise God. For these, the word Christian has become just another bullet point on their resume, rather than a life-changing lifestyle. But our children see it.

  • Our children watch as we binge on a diet of worldliness during the week, only to dress in nice clothes and proclaim the name of Christian on Sunday.
  • Our children watch as we spend enormous amounts of money on designer labels, new cars, and high-end electronics, only to see us grudgingly toss in a few bucks in the collection plate Sunday morning.
  • Our children watch as we go from the soccer game, to the swim meet, to the mall, to the golf course, only to hear us say we don’t have time to help with church activities.
  • Our children watch as we wrinkle our noses at the thought of helping benevolent cases, only to see us invite church leaders into our home and discuss the good works of the church.

If we are really going to cure the nationwide disease of apathy in the church, one of the first things we must do is recognize the word Christian is a “verb”—a life we live. We must cultivate the love for Christ in our heart to the point that we would never even consider not living for Him. We must nurture and strengthen our love for Him so that our own zeal and actions daily demonstrate our Christianity. After all, it’s not simply a label we wear.

Posted in Brad Harrub | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Designer Labels

Attention: If You Are A Leper

Attention: If You Are A Leper

“…a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean’” (Matt. 8:2).

This man who came to Jesus had a physical infirmity that would eventually cost him his life.  His only hope to live was for Jesus to take away His leprosy. “Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’… immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed” (Mk. 1:41-42).

Spiritually speaking, sin is the equivalent to leprosy. Every sinner, therefore, is a leper who needs the healing touch of Jesus in order to live.  Would you like to know how? “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38). “…Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins…” (22:16).

Therefore, “lepers,” bring your sins to Jesus; for through baptism He is in effect saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Posted in Aaron Veyon | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Attention: If You Are A Leper