Is “Generic” Baptism Biblical?
The New International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, following its 4 1/2 pages on baptism has a section entitled, “The Baptist View” and “The Reformed View” and “The Lutheran View.” In fact, the historical views about baptism down through the years (11 pages!) is longer than the discussion about what the New Testament actually teaches.
It is certain that many denominations practice some type of “baptism.” The question is – is a “generic” baptism – done at a minimum to “obey Jesus” – sufficient to meet the qualifications Jesus has commanded relative to this act? As always, we want to take a look at Scripture…
ACTS 2:38:
Some may note that “for the forgiveness of sins” and “gift of the Holy Spirit” are promises made based on the commands to: 1.) Repent; and 2.) be baptized. There is some disagreement among serious Bible students in the church over what “gift of the Holy Spirit” means. But if we receive it, regardless of how we understand it, does it not also mean that we would receive “forgiveness of sins” after we are baptized, even if we do not understand baptism is for that reason?
WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES TEACH?
First – Only Jesus Christ has all authority – Matthew 28:18-19. We cannot – we dare not – usurp Christ’s authority.
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Third – we dare not use our feelings as our guide (Prov. 14:12).
Fourth – Let’s go back and take a look at Acts 2:38. We notice that “for the forgiveness of sins” is both part of the blessing but also part of the command. In other words, we do need to understand that “for the forgiveness of sins” is part of the command to be baptized.
In Acts 2:38, Peter did not say, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and you will receive forgiveness of sins…” Notice closely what Peter said: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” Observe that the gift of the Holy Spirit is listed as a blessing while forgiveness of sins is listed as the purpose of the command.
The fact of the matter is that faith in Christ is the fundamental response to the Gospel. We must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24). We must believe that Jesus’ blood was shed for our sins (Eph. 1:7). We must believe that that blood cleanses us of our sins (Acts 22:16). That cleansing happens at baptism (Eph. 5:26). To put it simply, if you take “forgiveness of sins” out of baptism, you have entirely disconnected it from the blood of Christ!
Let’s not encourage anyone to obey man in order to go to heaven. Let’s point them to the Scriptures, to the words of Jesus. If we do that, they will understand what Jesus said to do and we won’t have to worry about the rest.
–Paul Holland
