Our young adult Sunday school class is studying basic fundamentals of the faith. This past week we began discussing baptism. We had recently finished discussing faith, repentance, and confession. I said that each of these are a part of the plan of salvation. Repentance is in many ways the most difficult step, because it requires such a change in mind and action. But none of these three are as controversial as baptism. Why?
We suggested these things: (I am not saying these are biblical or correct, but the reasons culturally today baptism is controversial.)
- Many see baptism as a “work” and object to it on that basis.
- There are so many teachings in the world about baptism that influence our reading of the biblical text and even how we define the word. (Interestingly enough this is why we have the term in English as it was a transliteration from the greek so as not to cause a controversy by translating it as immersion due to the current religious practice at the time of sprinkling).
- Baptism represents membership into the church either on a local or universal level.
- Baptism is often neglected today because of the predominant use of the “sinner’s prayer” which involves the idea of just “accepting Jesus into your heart to be saved.” This is more conducive for large rallies, mass media, and less controversial. This teaching and practice is so engrained in American religious culture that when baptism is taught it is often controversial.
- Baptism carries with it an expectation of commitment. It is like the wedding ceremony for a couple. So many will avoid it or delay doing it because of the commitment they understand it involves.
- There is a mistaken belief that we need to be perfect or good before we can get baptized.
You could possibly list more reasons why it is controversial. I invite you to share yours in the comments.
I then asked the class, how we can best go about teaching the Biblical teachings on baptism in this culture that sees it with such controversy?
We suggested these ways:
- Focus on Jesus and his teachings on baptism. Jesus is the Lord and Savior. He is the drawing power of Christianity. We should begin with what he did and said about baptism. For example, He was baptized himself (Mat 3:13-17). He baptized disciples and taught them that it was going to be how people entered his kingdom (John 3:1-5, 22). He gave baptism as a part of the great commission (Mat. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16).
- Focus on allowing the Word of God to define baptism. J.W. McGarvey, a scholar of past generations, preached a sermon on baptism where he began by pretending he and the audience did not know anything about it. Then he proceeded to progress through the New Testament reading the times it was mentioned. We have to listen to God’s word regarding baptism and not all of the voices of culture.
- Use a comparison study method. I often use this method in studying with someone. You simply discuss the person’s salvation experience or lack of salvation experience and then compare that to what we see int he book of Acts and the epistles. It involves the basic principle, “If we do what they did, we will get what they got!” The book of Acts is filled with examples of people being baptized (Acts 2:38-41, 8:5-13, 8:35-38, 10:34-48, 16:13-15, 16:30-34). The example of Paul’s conversion is a great comparison study (Acts ch. 9, 22, 26) plus you can compare what Paul taught in his epistles as well.
It is a shame that such a simple act has been so controversial for the history of Christianity. As Christians we must teach the truth on baptism, but not shed more heat than light. We need to understand why it is controversial so we will be wiser in approaching our culture today.
Why do you think baptism is controversial and what approaches can be used to study it without harsh divides?
(I uploaded a written sermon outline on baptism called Baptism-when salvation is attained Please look it over to study more.)
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