Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Elders studying baptism
Our elders at Southern Hills are studying various topics together this year -- not with any agenda in mind but just because it is important for us to study Scripture both as an example to our flock and to be able to lead our flock. Our first topic was baptism and in our first session we primarily just looked at Scriptures dealing with baptism.
So let me share a few of my personal reflections after this study.
Baptism in Scripture is seen as the response to Jesus. It is variously seen as the way to die with him, to participate in the gospel, to believe in him, and to call on his name.
It is not so much a doctrine as it is a decision to follow Jesus. In Churches of Christ we have historically emphasized the fact that baptism is where sins are forgiven and the gift of the Holy Spirit is recieved (tho we did not give that near as much emphasis). While these facts are true, that emphasis does not adequately reflect how core baptism is in Scripture.
I am struck by how narrow our view of baptism has been when we reduced it to one of five steps that led to salvation. I am not sure at all that is a Biblical view.
Baptism is the response to Jesus. I just cannot see how even a casual reading of Scripture could lead anyone to think that one could become a follower of Jesus and not be baptized. You would never believe that based on a reading of Scripture.
The truest Biblical description of baptism is death. It is when we are crucified with Christ.
Those are my initial reflections. By the way, this month we are going to look at various ways these passages have been interpreted in our fellowship and by others. I suspect that will solidify some of the thoughts I have expressed here.
Feel free to react. I enjoy learning from you.
So let me share a few of my personal reflections after this study.
Baptism in Scripture is seen as the response to Jesus. It is variously seen as the way to die with him, to participate in the gospel, to believe in him, and to call on his name.
It is not so much a doctrine as it is a decision to follow Jesus. In Churches of Christ we have historically emphasized the fact that baptism is where sins are forgiven and the gift of the Holy Spirit is recieved (tho we did not give that near as much emphasis). While these facts are true, that emphasis does not adequately reflect how core baptism is in Scripture.
I am struck by how narrow our view of baptism has been when we reduced it to one of five steps that led to salvation. I am not sure at all that is a Biblical view.
Baptism is the response to Jesus. I just cannot see how even a casual reading of Scripture could lead anyone to think that one could become a follower of Jesus and not be baptized. You would never believe that based on a reading of Scripture.
The truest Biblical description of baptism is death. It is when we are crucified with Christ.
Those are my initial reflections. By the way, this month we are going to look at various ways these passages have been interpreted in our fellowship and by others. I suspect that will solidify some of the thoughts I have expressed here.
Feel free to react. I enjoy learning from you.
Comments:
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First of all, how wonderful that the elders are studying this topic, and without (apparent) fear of where that study will lead them. Having been (lovingly) outside the CofC brotherhood for some years, I understand how some of the other lines of thinking go. That said, I tend to agree that an open-minded reading of Scripture will generally lead one to a belief that baptism is really important. My thoughts, as usual, have to do with the context. How did a first-century Jew SEE John's baptism? The 'mikveh' was a familiar place and an understood ritual. Jesus submitting to the waters under John's teaching of repentance is more interesting in this light. The question of whether baptism is "salvific" is, for me, open to discussion and, since some of us certainly get it wrong, that imperfect understanding must certainly be subject to the forgiveness accorded us through grace by the blood of Jesus. - Dave Wright, San Jose, CA
# posted by 
: 3:33 PM PST
: 3:33 PM PST
Shepherd Ridgell...great reflections.
We have inherited a lot of interesting things from our history...some good, and some not so good. As I understand it Alex C. and Barton S. came to baptism not from a theological understanding but more out of a point of mutual convenience. In order to meld their two groups they had to bring Stone’s group’s Holy Spirit experience that signified salvation with Campbell’s more “age of reason” thinking and compromised w/Baptism as the point where someone was saved.
In the intervening centuries their offspring have taken off on many tangents for many reasons. I think the CofC off shoot has labored and struggled with this because we have primarily used baptism as a proof of being “right” as compared to others but have failed to grasp the Holy Spirit dimension you alluded to. By not growing in our theology of the Holy Spirit alongside other faith issues we are now a mere shadow of what our lives and churches could be.
Godspeed on you guys as you study to know…but also study to hear God’s directions for transforming the lives of a crowd of listeners into an army of world changers.
Blessings bro - Reg
We have inherited a lot of interesting things from our history...some good, and some not so good. As I understand it Alex C. and Barton S. came to baptism not from a theological understanding but more out of a point of mutual convenience. In order to meld their two groups they had to bring Stone’s group’s Holy Spirit experience that signified salvation with Campbell’s more “age of reason” thinking and compromised w/Baptism as the point where someone was saved.
In the intervening centuries their offspring have taken off on many tangents for many reasons. I think the CofC off shoot has labored and struggled with this because we have primarily used baptism as a proof of being “right” as compared to others but have failed to grasp the Holy Spirit dimension you alluded to. By not growing in our theology of the Holy Spirit alongside other faith issues we are now a mere shadow of what our lives and churches could be.
Godspeed on you guys as you study to know…but also study to hear God’s directions for transforming the lives of a crowd of listeners into an army of world changers.
Blessings bro - Reg
Hey David, there are those who think the main thing Jesus did was give new meaning to an old ritual, framing it in the context of obedience. You will find it interesting that in our 3rd session on this subject we are going to talk about the implications of baptism theology. I am sure we will deal with the issue you speak of.
Reg --it is interesting how we came to emphasize one aspect almost to the neglect of the other. And yes, our theology of baptism has become almost defensive. That is one reason I have enjoyed taking a fresh look at this whole subject.
I like that phrase: army of world changers. Amen. Keep preaching it brother.
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Reg --it is interesting how we came to emphasize one aspect almost to the neglect of the other. And yes, our theology of baptism has become almost defensive. That is one reason I have enjoyed taking a fresh look at this whole subject.
I like that phrase: army of world changers. Amen. Keep preaching it brother.
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