Why is Baptism a controversial subject?

Why is Baptism a controversial subject? It’s controversial because of the interjection of Calvinism. John Calvin's international influence on the development of the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation began in 1500’s. Of course Calvin was not a Calvinist just as Martin Luther wasn’t a Lutheran, but their works were injected into many of the doctrines we have today. Prior to the 1500’s the subject of Baptism was not controversial. The only controversy surrounded how Baptism was performed.

The five points of Calvinism are known by the acronym TULIP: T=Total Depravity (Total Inability), U= Unconditional Election, L= Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption), I= Irresistible Grace, P= Perseverance of the Saints. Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints together are called, “Once Saved always Saved” this or variants are a popular Doctrine in many Denominations today. As a result of these doctrines have be adopted and has cast dispersion upon Biblical Baptism to the extent that some oppose Baptism out right or look on it as negatively. Most objections against baptism are similar in nature.

· Objection to Baptism based on, Baptism is a Work

· Objection to Baptism based on, the thief on the cross

· Objection to Baptism based on, the Death Bed Confession Scenario

· Objection to Baptism based on, the what if someone's in the desert when he hears the gospel? He couldn't be baptized

· Objection to Baptism based on, the Qualification of the Baptizer

· Objection to Baptism based on, sentence structure

· Objections to Baptism by Immersion

It really all boils down to one question “Where did the teaching of Baptism come from is it from Heaven or Man”? If its from man then one denominational doctrinal teaching is as good as the next. But if its from God! Will those who oppose it be found fighting against God?

The ancient religious elites were no different than we. They opposed the Baptism of John for somewhat the same reasons as denominational leaders do today. The bible doesn’t record nor does John claim that he heard a voice from heaven, an epiphany or an angel ordering him to preach baptism. The Bible merely says in Matthew 3:1-6 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

In MT 21:25 Jesus asked a rhetorical question in response to the religious elites of the day questioning his authority and had not submitted to the teachings of John the Baptist. Matthew21:23And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? The question is basic enough; what give you the right to teach? The method of Jesus’ answer links Johns and his authority as being the same source. Matthew 21:25a The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? (KJV) The question asked, being rhetorical, because the answer is suggested and no answer is expected.

So if you had to answer the question what would your answer be? Would you say Johns doctrine of Baptism is from Heaven or would you say no John the Baptist is just plan wrong? It is obvious that many of the Religious leaders of the day didn’t believe John’s message or except his authority. Matthew 21:25a-27 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? 26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. 27And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. (KJV)

What did John teach? John’s principle mission and teaching was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. The scriptures describe John’s Messianic preparation preaching as; Cry out in the wilderness “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”; Fill every valley, Bring every mountain and hill low; Straighten every crooked; Enable all flesh to see the salvation of the LORD GOD. John’s message was to prepare the peoples hearts for a turn of events, a new revealed truth.

John’s preaching contained several elements telling the people to; bringing fruits worthy of forgiveness; he warned them not to rely on the hereditary promise made to Abraham; Warning them of the coming impending judgment; encouraged all those who received his teachings to do good works and live a peaceful life.

John’s message also contained; Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (KJV). This baptism of repentance was for errant Jews and had a requirement of good works and a life of truth associated with the washing away of sins. Previously those of the Mosaic Covenant were required to perform cultic sacrifices of animals. Hebrews 10:1-4 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. In Heb 10:2 he is saying that if sins could be removed once and for all then there would be no need for animal sacrifice. Thus sins were never completely forgive only rolled forward till the next year on the “Day of Atonement, ” John’s teaching offered something new. John’s teachings offered actual forgiveness of past sins.

One objection to Johns Baptism may have been that it by passed the priest and sacrificial system.

Another objection to John’s baptism would be for personal preservation. The entire Jewish Government and economy was built around the business of sin and forgiveness of it. If Sin were to be forgiven once and for all and not just roll forward until the next year then the Temple complex would be out of business. There would be no need for sacrifices or Priest to administer them. It would mean the end of the Jewish Cultic Ritual system, Aaronic priesthood, temple and social structure. All of those who held seats of power and prestige would become obsolete. It would mean a complete economic and social reversal. The ancient Jews all knew this and not only rejected John the Baptist but plotted to kill Jesus for the same reasons. John 11:47-48 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.(KJV) I think that’s a very good reason the religious leadership rejected John’s Baptism.

John’s Baptism was only valid until the death of Christ on the Cross.

Acts 19:1-5 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In this scripture those who had the Baptism of John were immediately re-baptized in the name of Jesus.

We asked a question earlier. Is the Doctrine of Baptism from Heaven or Man? Jesus asked the same question about the Baptism of John and it is clear the right answer was, “Heaven.” Heaven is where the Baptismal doctrine John taught and preformed originated.

Of course we are asking the same question about the origin or the doctrine of New Testament Baptism into Christ. The baptism of Jesus was from what source, from heaven or from men? What is its origin and by what authority is it preached and performed?

So may be saying Baptism Doctrine is there such a thing. In Hebrews 6:2 Baptism is mentioned as one of the First Century Doctrines.

Would you agree with me that if Jesus Christ initiated the doctrine baptism, then the authority and origin would be from Heaven? Consider the following: Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Here Jesus giving his last face to face instructions to his Apostles and he tells them to go teach the Gospel, and to baptize those who they taught.

Consider this a parallel scripture. Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV) Once again it shows Jesus saying, go teach and baptize those who believe.

In Acts 2: the bible records the Apostles obeyed exactly what Jesus had told them to do. After Peter spoke to a large audience around 3000 were baptized. Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.(KJV) Here the hearers of the Gospel message believed (pricked in their hearts) and asked what are we to do? The apostles could have told pray the sinner’s prayer and you will be saved or they could have said you have believed from the heart already you need not do anything you are saved already. Peter didn’t say that nor will you find an example of anyone becoming a Christian any other way than as what Peter told them to do in verse 38. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins .” Interesting that Peter said every one of you. He didn’t say only those who are physically able or feel well enough; no he said ever one of you. If it were not important then he would not have told them to be baptized.

In conclusion, answering the question, Is the Doctrine of Baptism from Heaven or Man? The answer is the same as when Christ asked it so many years ago. Jesus didn’t get an answer. Matthew 21:25a-27 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? 26But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. 27And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. (KJV)

Friends don’t be like those who would not give an answer search it out. Is the Doctrine of Baptism from Heaven or Man? If it is from man then it’s not required but if it is from heaven then it needs to be obeyed! Only you can make that decision.

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Thanks and have a Blessed Day

Randy9

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