The Baptism Debate Essay - 3011 Words

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THE BAPTISM DEBATE A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO PROFESSOR MARSHALL WICKS, PHD IN COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THEO 350-B02 BY RANDY WILSON LYNCHBURG, VA MAY 28, 2011 Introduction The debate over baptism has become one that encompasses so many areas. Where most theological discussions are concerned with a primary topic, baptism debates consist of many. Debates on the purpose of baptism, the benefits of baptism, who baptism was designed for, and what is the biblical mode of baptism are just some. These areas will be discussed here in this paper. It will be discussed (1) the purpose and benefits, if any, of baptism, (2) was baptism designed for infants or just those who have believed†¦show more content†¦This refers back to Gregory’s comment â€Å"water is just water.† If a person is just performing a ritual then all they are getting is a religious bath. This point is much more difficult to defend. However, when a verse contains salvation and baptism in the same line it does create nostalgia about performing a ritual for salvation. â€Å"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be co ndemned.† (Mark 16:16) Where as when salvation is granted and the person not being baptized, such as the criminal on the cross gives a very different feel. â€Å"And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’† (Luke 23:43) The rite of baptism, in this sense, gives one a great deal of benefits. A person will receive salvation, new birth (regeneration), the Holy Spirit, remission of sins, sanctified, set apart, etc. The list could go on. However, it seems all those benefits should come with faith in Christ and if they do, why is baptism necessary for salvation. If baptism is necessary then sacramentalism should be more important that evangelism. This would shift salvation from a â€Å"personal relationship in Jesus to a proper relationship with the church.† The words of Paul should never be forgotten, â€Å"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.† (1 Cor. 1:17) Lutzer admits, â€Å"†¦ if baptism was necessary for salvation, Paul would have made sure that all who believed were baptized.† There is no needShow MoreRelatedThe Baptism Debate2175 Words   |  9 PagesOften held as a rite of passage and entrance into the Christian church, baptism is much more than just symbolic ritual. Baptism was commanded by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission recounted in the book of Matthew. Even though we are simplistically called to be obedient by being baptized the Christian church has long debated the aspects of this ordinance. Denominations are divided on the basic meaning, types and modes of baptism even two thousand years after the founding of the Christian church.Read MoreIntroduction. Historically, Baptism Has Not Been Understood1659 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Historically, baptism has not been understood to be an optional practice. It is commanded by God. But there has often been disagreement about whom baptism is for, how it should be done, and why it is significant. This debate has divided Christians over the years, and it is mainly focused on what the purpose and merits of Baptism are; of whether baptism should be only for adults or infants as well; or on the correct mode of baptism. As any debate, there are two sides to each area. WeRead MoreIs Baptism Essential For Salvation?949 Words   |  4 PagesFor centuries, Christian believers have debated the importance of baptism to the believer’s faith. 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The more that we know of the genetics of human differences, ironically, the more fractious the debate seems to get, and the more entrenched the various positions seem to be of skin color. The reality remains alive, so will profound differences in black and white Americans understandRead MoreThe Powerful Gifts Of The Holy Spirit1489 Words   |  6 Pages The adversary causes plenty of division within the church over many issues. One debate in particular is the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fortunately, it’s not the argument of whether or not the charismatic spiritual gifts were part of the first century. However, the major issue at hand is whether or not the charismatic spiritual gifts are still used in today’s church, or not? There are many beliefs of charismatic gifts, based off denominational sectors, church affiliations, personal