False Teachings and Divisive Movements: Schisms in Modern-Day Christendom

© 2013 Steve Urick. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   12/11/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4918-3764-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-3765-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013921570

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Table of Contents

Preface

1   Christianity vs. Religion

2   Baptismal Regeneration of Infants

3   The Lutheran Teaching on Water Baptism

4   Calvinism vs. Arminianism

5   The Covenant-Reformed Movement

6   The Lordship Salvation vs. Easy Believism Debate

7   Tongues and the Modern Charismatic Movement

8   The World Council of Churches (Liberal Protestantism)

9   The Neo-Evangelical Movement

10 The Teachings of Modern Dispensationalism

Appendix I    The King James Only Movement

Appendix II   The Word of Faith Movement

Appendix III  The Emerging Church Movement

Appendix IV  The Great Water Baptism Debate

Appendix V   The False Gospel of Sacramental Salvation

Appendix VI  The Socialist Seduction of Black Churches in America

Appendix VII Preterism Answered

Recommended Books & DVDs

All Scripture quotes are taken from the King James Bible.

FALSE TEACHINGS AND DIVISIVE MOVEMENTS

Copyright © 2001, 2013 by Steve Urick

This book is an edited and expanded compilation of ten Soul Seeker tracts, written between 1991-1998.

Other paperbacks and eBooks by the author include:

Acts One Dispensationalism

The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith

Christian Discipleship and the Local Church

Practical Christian Living

Major Cults and False World Religions

Evangelism and Christian Apologetics

Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the End of the World

The Church in the Coming Great Tribulation

Nowmillennial Dispensationalism

The Truth about Roman Catholicism

Copies can be obtained by contacting:

www.amazon.com

www.authorhouse.com

Sound doctrine matters.

"I hear that there be divisions among you . . .

For there must be also heresies among you."

1 Corinthians 11:18-19

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.

1 Timothy 4:1

"Preach the word . . . exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap upon themselves teachers, having itching ears."

2 Timothy 4:3

". . . it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

Jude 3

If you don’t stand for something,

you will fall for anything.

"STAND therefore, having your loins girt about with

TRUTH, and having on the breastplate of

RIGHTEOUSNESS; And your feet shod with the preparation of the GOSPEL of PEACE."

Ephesians 6:14-15

Preface

Sound doctrine matters. Without it, the church becomes adrift in a sea of confusion and error. The Bible is God’s infallible Word that tells us what is true. The Holy Spirit inspired its human authors to pen divine truth. There are no errors in it (2 Tim. 3:16). However, men often misinterpret the Word, and even twist it to their own destruction, so we need to be careful how we handle it. When rightly divided, it demolishes anything that sets itself up against God and provides a solid foundation of spiritual truth to build upon.

This book examines several teachings and movements within Christendom that I believe constitute false teaching that has divided many Christians and hurt non-Christians. Some are more serious than others because they pervert the gospel of grace. Others are just plain divisive and need to be corrected by shining the light of God’s Word upon it (one thing that causes division is when men adopt teachings that are not found in the Bible). The goal is not to ignore things in order to get along, but to produce Christian unity based on sound Bible doctrine.

Many of these teachings that I write about in this book are diametrically opposed to each other, thus they cannot all be true. Not only that, they conflict to a certain degree with the Word of God. But what really amazes me though, is how many professing Christians, even entire denominations, that have settled in after many years (even centuries) and just accept and/or tolerate various false teachings and practices in their churches, even though they clearly contradict the Bible. And in most cases, they have not held a church council to examine, correct, and/or drop anything that is wrong. This is inexcusable. There are several reasons for this compromising attitude which I list below:

•   Traditions of men (we’ve always taught this, even though it’s not biblical).

•   Lukewarm attitude and apathy toward the Word of God (a low view of Scripture).

•   Fear of man (being afraid to confront the leaders about their wrong teachings).

•   False concepts of love to keep peace and unity (but love without truth often leads to heresy).

•   Ecumenical deception (let’s all just put doctrine aside, ignore our differences, and join together).

•   Unsaved people leading and playing church (the natural man cannot discern the Word of God).

•   Unchecked teachers who pass down tenuous and/or false teachings (a failure to check out what is being taught, according to Scripture, and reject any and all error).

•   Confusion that is never dealt with by church leaders. Members tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine as the church tries to appease everyone with any belief.

•   Laziness and lack of commitment by the members to study on their own and learn the Word of truth, resulting in an unhealthy infantile dependency on their leaders to tell them what the Bible means (instead of being teachers by now).

•   Failure to question and examine things that don’t measure up with Scripture.

The apostle Paul desired that the brethren all speak the SAME THING, and that there be NO DIVISIONS among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the SAME MIND and in the SAME JUDGMENT (1 Cor. 1:10). In order to achieve this, sound doctrine is crucial. Can it be done? In theory, yes, but in practice, it has not happened (many church councils down history have tried, but failed). However, it remains true that much of the error and division in Christendom today can be eliminated when Christians carefully compare scripture with scripture, and are willing to abandon any tradition or teaching that does not line up with the Bible, especially as revealed in the New Testament.

This book will inevitably raise the ire of some readers who will accuse me of judging those who hold to a particular doctrine. That would be a mistake on their part. I do not believe that if you disagree with me at any point, then you are not saved (unless, of course, you reject Christ or are promoting a false gospel) or are automatically backslidden, carnal, and weak. Sometimes a Christian just needs simple correction. However, this book does examine and judge various teachings as Jesus commanded us to do (Matt. 7:15-20; Jn. 7:24: "judge righteous judgment").

The apostle Paul commended certain noble believers from Berea in ancient Greece who searched the scriptures daily to see what was so (Acts 17:10-11). They didn’t just take Paul’s word for it; they checked out what the Bible actually says to confirm things. This required that they make judgments in what they were being taught, and reject anything false. Paul also warned that after his departure grievous wolves would come into the church and lead many astray (Acts 19:29-31). Ignorance of scripture is never commended by God and can cause serious harm. The only way to combat error is to know what the Word of God says (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14-17), refute what is false, and not allow it to continue and spread in the church (Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3:5-9, 13; 4:2). This requires that Christians, especially church leaders, discern truth vs. error.

The problem today, however, is the average church member does not understand sound hermeneutics (how to properly interpret the Bible). Instead, they are totally dependent upon their pastor (many of whom are theologically off-base) to teach them what God has said (this is fine as spiritual babes, but not forever). As a result, this makes them vulnerable to whatever a teacher dishes out, and whatever direction he or she wants to lead them, right or wrong. But God wants us to grow up and become mature in the faith (Heb. 5:12). How? Be like the Bereans mentioned above and search the scriptures to see what is true. Ultimately, you alone are responsible for what you believe and what you tell others.

This book is both apologetic (a defense of the faith) and polemic (to make war). If you are the sort of person who is slothful in spiritual matters, or likes to have their ears tickled, avoids all criticism and debate, and gets easily offended when error is confronted and exposed, then you will not like this book and probably won’t get very far. Like many today in traditionally dead and modern lukewarm (seeker-friendly) churches, you are not able to endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3-4). You want a watered-down, Christian Lite message. There are plenty of other authors out there today who only write about soft topics, personal success, felt needs, etc., and tell you what you like to hear. But if you are one whose attitude is humble and teachable, accepts the Bible for what it says (not what you want it to say to suit you and your lifestyle), and are committed to impact your world with the true gospel and sound teaching, then keep reading. This book provides clear biblical answers to questions you might have.

I do NOT claim to be infallible. Nor do I claim to be a know it all or have a special in concerning divine truth that no one else has. Over the course of 34 years of being a Christian, I have often searched the scriptures by using normal, literal, and grammatical principles of interpretation and been corrected many times in my own understanding of theology. I have never had a problem with changing and abandoning certain views when I found out that a particular teaching was wrong. Why? Because, first and foremost, I want to know and hold onto the truth (sound Bible doctrine).

(Over the years I visited various churches—conservative and liberal—to learn what they taught and meet some of their members. I attended various Baptist (American, Southern, GARB, Independent Fundamentalist, etc.), Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapels, Word of Faith, etc.), nondenominational Bible churches (conservative and seeker-friendly type), Evangelical Free, Alliance, Plymouth Brethren, Grace Movement churches (Mid-Acts Dispensationalists), Lutheran, Methodist, United Church of Christ, Orthodox, Calvinistic-Reformed, Presbyterian, Arminian, Nazarene, Church of Christ, even some full-blown cults (Mormons, Oneness Apostolics, etc.), and read up on the beliefs of many more. The odd thing is that many of the Christians I knew in the beginning (over 30 years ago) are still attending the same type of churches many years later. Not that that is necessarily wrong, but very few have adjusted their views on anything or grown in their theological understanding of the Bible, even though they profess to be ardent disciples of Christ.)

No wise person spends their whole life teaching and/or supporting error. That only results in eternal damnation for anyone who perverts the gospel, or loss of eternal rewards (not salvation itself) for Christians at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jas. 3:1). This requires that students of the Bible be objective and honest at all times. We must set aside all emotions, undue loyalties to men (no matter how revered in present or past church history they are), and any pre-conceived ideas, and diligently study and rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

Over several decades as an evangelism worker, I have talked to and debated thousands of religious folk (some saved and others unsaved) who held to various beliefs. I have learned that oftentimes people, including many pastors, will tenaciously cling to a particular doctrine no matter what the Bible says to the contrary. Jesus referred to them as doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:9). Some are dangerous because they pervert the one true gospel. Others, though not as serious, cause confusion, division, and strife between individual Christians and within churches, all which is against the will of God.

I have studied many teachings and movements (and was even involved in some) that I am convinced are not biblically sound (contrary to the tolerant and pluralistic spirit of our age, not all religions and ideas are true). But as always, don’t take my word for it (or any other person’s word), but study the scriptures for yourself to see what is true. Any teaching that does not agree with the Bible should be rejected. My motive for writing this book is not to cause division (although truth does divide), but to create unity, based on sound doctrine and a more perfect understanding of the Word (Acts 18:26).

So what should we do when we find out a teaching is unbiblical? Ignore our conscience and cling to it for the sake of tradition, unity, and keeping the peace? No! It should be abandoned and even exposed, especially if you are a teacher, since God will hold teachers more accountable for what they teach to others (Jas. 3:1). We cannot afford to be apathetic in our churches or fearful of men, especially nowadays when so much deception is rampant in the world, vying for the souls of men, women, and children. The way to overcome confusion and apathy and is to search the scriptures and boldly stand for the truth (that’s why I say always talk about, even debate, with people about God and the Bible, because it will force you to learn it and grow in knowledge).

As I wrote before, some teachings have serious consequences and can negatively affect not only the unity of the church, but also the eternal destiny of people. If you are in a church that is violating scriptural standards, and refuses to be corrected and stand for biblical truth, then my advice to you is leave it and find a church that is faithful to the Word of God. God does not want believers to be children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, but rather, be established in the faith and grow up spiritually (Eph. 4:14-15). Many people are searching for clear and solid answers. As Christians, our job is to give it to them. If we don’t, who will? We should never take on the foolish and even deadly attitude to never discuss religion. Remember, souls are on the line!

Paul told Timothy to preach the word; be instant [ready] in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2). He also said, "The servant of the Lord must not strive [quarrel]; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves . . ." (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

One final thought, I have run into many false religionists, skeptics, and scoffers over the years who have accused Christianity as being hopelessly divided, thus not reliable. Considering the divided state of Christendom, they do have a point. Therefore, it behooves Christians and churches (even entire denominations), especially after almost 2000 years of study, discussion, and debate, to get things right as much is possible so we can be a united, powerful, and convincing witness to a lost world that is groping around in spiritual darkness, especially in these last days before our Lord returns.

I do not expect 100% unity in all things (and it is very doubtful that will ever happen until Jesus returns), and some things are not as clear or crucial, so there is liberty of conscience. But we can get rid of a lot of false teachings and long-standing traditions of men if we get back to the Bible alone, rightly divide it, and then strictly believe and follow it. At the very least, all Christians should be able to agree on what the gospel is, who it is for, the fundamentals of the faith, holy living, and what it means to walk in the Spirit (whatever does not conform to sound doctrine should be abandoned).

Proverbs 1:5, 7, "A wise man will hear, and increases in learning; and a man of understanding shall obtain unto wise counsels . . . , The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (cp. Prov. 27:17).

My prayer is that you be open and willing to listen and be corrected if necessary (as I have often been), and go out and bear much fruit for God (the Word of truth sharpens us as iron sharpens iron). As Christians, we are all in the ongoing process of learning and being corrected. In the end, we should want to hear God to say to us, Well done thou good and faithful servant.

[There are thousands of false teachings, cults, and heretical movements in the world that has billions of people in bondage, which this book cannot cover. For more information that exposes the more common ones and help ground you in the faith, read two of my other books: Major Cults and False World Religions and The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.]

1

Christianity vs. Religion

There is a big difference between Christianity and Churchianity. Many people attend church and hold to all sorts of religious beliefs (some right and some wrong) concerning God, salvation, and spirituality. But few, according to the Lord Jesus Christ, are headed down the road that leads to eternal life (see Matthew 7:13-14). Many name the Name of Christ and claim to be Christians, but few understand what a Christian truly is, or how to become one by trusting in the gospel of grace. Many know about God but few know Him personally. In short, many are religious but few are right with God. They think they are spiritual, but in reality they believe and practice error based upon false teachings.

Jesus said His sheep hear His voice (He is the good shepherd) and they follow Him only (John 10:1-5). They also know His doctrine (John 7:17; 18:9). Jesus also said He did not come to bring peace on earth; but rather, division (Luke 12:51). This is because Jesus is the truth and the only way to God and eternal life (John 14:6). All other ways are false!

Since our eternal destiny depends upon a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus the Messiah (simply being sincere about our spiritual or religious beliefs, regardless if they are wrong, is not enough to be saved), it is therefore crucial that we understand the differences between CHRISTIANITY (as set forth in the Bible) and RELIGION.

[Note: Truth will always cause division between error, thus, division is not always bad. However, God desires unity among His followers, especially in the area of sound Bible doctrine (see 1 Corinthians 1:10).]

RELIGION

Salvation is something I must DO. I must somehow earn salvation by the way I live, or by law-keeping, or by rituals and duties I perform.

CHRISTIANITY

Salvation is something only God can do. Salvation is of the Lord. In short, Christianity is summed up in one word—DONE! Christ died on the Cross to save sinners (John 19:30; Romans 5:8; Titus 3:4-7). Salvation is offered to us all as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

[Note: The Law commands, but grace entreats. The Law curses, but grace blesses. The Law condemns, but grace forgives. The Law says DO and you shall live. Grace says LIVE and you shall do. The Law never saved anyone, but was given as a tutor to show us our need for Christ (Galatians 3:24; Romans 3:9-28; 4:16). This does not mean Christians are opposed to obeying God’s commandments and doing good works, but rather, law-keeping and good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it (see Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8).]

RELIGION

A religious quest that produces FALSE worshippers, based upon false doctrine, resulting in a false spirituality (Matthew 15:7-9; Romans 10:1-3; Galatians 3-5; Colossians 2:16-23).

CHRISTIANITY

A real relationship with God that produces TRUE worshippers (John 4:22-46; Romans 8:9-17), based upon a true knowledge of God.

RELIGION

Blindly following man-made rules and traditions or believing doctrines of demons (Matthew 15:3-9; Colossians 2:8-23; 1 Timothy 4:1).

CHRISTIANITY

Knowing God, growing in grace, walking in liberty, and enjoying eternal life in His Son (John 6:47; 10:10; 17:20-26; 1 John 5:11, 20).

RELIGION

Promotes pride, SELF-dependence, fear, and insecurity.

CHRISTIANITY

Promotes humility, CHRIST-reliance, peace of mind, and security (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; 1 John 1:3-7; 5:11-13).

[Note: Only Christianity guarantees eternal life through faith in the gospel of Christ. No other religion on earth offers assurance of eternal life or any certainty that one will be with God after they die. For more information about the eternal security of the believer, read the author’s book: The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.]

RELIGION

Offers MANY FALSE ways to God (universal and ecumenical).

CHRISTIANITY

Offers only ONE TRUE way to God (through Jesus Christ alone).

[Note: Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME [not Buddha, Allah, Vishnu, Mary, etc.] (John 14:6). When a sinner turns to God and trusts in Christ as Savior, God immediately imputes (credits to one’s account) the perfect righteousness of Christ to the believer (Romans 4:5). For more information about the position and walk of the believer, read the author’s book: The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.]

RELIGION

Man TRYING to appease God by working hard, performing rituals and oblations (offerings), etc. I must REFORM my life and turn over a new leaf.

CHRISTIANITY

Man TRUSTING in Christ alone for salvation and all things necessary for life and godliness. I must be BORN AGAIN and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 7; Romans 12:1-2).

Final Questions:

What about all the billions of people in non-Christian religions? Are they all lost?

Yes, for several reasons. First of all, Jesus said, "none is good, save one, that is, God" (Luke 18:19). The Bible also says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). If you think you can make it to heaven by being good, then you must be perfect, but no one is.

Second, since non-Christians reject the payment that Jesus made on the Cross for their sins, they have no Savior, thus are not reconciled to God. They will stand before God, dead in their sins, on Judgment Day and give an account for everything they said, did, or thought (Romans 2:1-16). Since no one is good enough to merit salvation by their works or their own righteousness, they will not be allowed to enter into the kingdom of God. That is why false religion is so dangerous. It can save no one!

Jesus warned that unless we believe in Him, we will die in our sins (John 3:18; 8:24). To reject Jesus Christ is to reject the only pardon God offers sinners, thus insult the Spirit of grace and trample on the blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:29).

Third, contrary to popular belief, not all religions lead to God or heaven. Jesus said, "I am the way [not a way], the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Buddha, Mohammad, and Mary did not die for your sins, and reincarnation is a lie (see Hebrews 9:27). None of the world religions, except Christianity, has a Savior-God. Sadly, Hell will be filled with many sincere, but sincerely wrong, people who failed to realize or admit their hopeless sin condition, and turn to Christ in repentance and faith for deliverance.

[Note: Down through time, the early heathen families and tribes, that later became nations, turned away from the one true God and adopted various false religions and anti-biblical philosophies (Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Islam, Native tribalism, New Age mysticism, pantheism, reincarnation, evolution, humanism, pluralism, universalism, syncretism, atheism, paganism, hedonism, etc.), in order to appease their false god/s, and to obtain paradise or nirvana, or deaden their conscience against God. But the true religion of blood atonement provided by Jehovah God has always been in existence since the fall of man (read about Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and the Jews in Genesis and Leviticus, and finally Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world, once and for all on the Cross, in the New Testament). In the present dispensation (age) of grace, God now calls ALL MEN EVERYWHERE to repent and believe the gospel of Christ (John 3:16; Acts 17:30). It’s an all or nothing deal—believe and be saved, or don’t believe and be damned. It’s your choice.]

But isn’t God all-loving,

merciful, and forgiving?

God is love and merciful, but He will not forgive everybody. Only those who admit that they are guilty sinners and trust in the redemption God provided through the shed blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, are forgiven (Romans 3:23-26; Hebrews 2:3). There simply is no other way to be saved and escape God’s wrath (see John 3:16-18, 36).

Conclusion

Religion is man’s futile attempt to gain salvation or the approval of God by his own works, morality, false beliefs, and/or vain traditions of men. Religion blots out the plan of God and was designed by demons (1 Timothy 4:1) to make human beings antagonistic or apathetic toward the grace plan of God. It is bondage to the law and slavery to a system that cannot provide salvation, nor true spirituality.

Christianity is a right relationship with God (justification) based on saving faith in the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf, upon the Cross. It results in a daily walk with God (sanctification) through knowledge of His infallible Word, the Bible, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers Christians to live a godly life, day by day.

2

Baptismal Regeneration of Infants

There is only one salvation message—the gospel of the grace of God working through man’s faith in the person and atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary, totally apart from any works or merit of man (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Eph. 2:8-9). Any teaching that adds to or takes away from Christ’s all-sufficient work is a perversion of the true gospel and nullifies God’s grace (see Rom. 11:6).

The Apostle Paul warned, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8). Anyone who tampers with God’s salvation plan, or accepts a false gospel, does so at the cost of their own soul for eternity in Hell (Mk. 9:43-48; 2 Thess. 2:10; 2 Pet. 3:16; Rev. 21:8)!

Baptismal Regeneration: A Different Gospel

The distorted teachings of the Judaizers (Jewish false religionists) in the first century church presumed to be a form of the Gospel, but Paul declared that their gospel was no gospel at all (Gal. 1:6-7)! These false teachers rightly believed in Christ crucified and His resurrection, but they wrongly added that in order to be right with God, and to maintain salvation, a person had to keep the Mosaic law (e.g., ritual circumcision).¹ In doing so, they undercut the power of the one true gospel and brought their followers into legalistic bondage (Gal. 2:2-5:13).

Likewise, there are ministers in Christendom today who propagate a false gospel that is similar to the heretical gospel of the Judaizers (i.e., infants are regenerated with justifying faith at the time of their ritual baptism). Thus, little infants, who cannot comprehend the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ yet, are said to be born again because they were water baptized. Yet the Bible recognizes no other way to receive imputed righteousness from God than by hearing, believing, and receiving the word of God through faith.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Rom. 4:3).

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart [the inner seat of a person’s thinking] man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom. 10:9-10).

Furthermore, the New Testament knows no water baptism except that which follows faith (personal trust) in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-38).

Sacramental Salvation?

The position held by baby baptism salvationists is that water baptism is a birth, thus is the only means whereby infants can be regenerated (born again).² They teach baptism has taken the place of circumcision, which was administered to infants when they were eight³ days old under the Mosaic Law Covenant (Lk 1:59). They assume that when the Apostle Paul baptized households, he included infants (Acts 16:15, 31-34). They also hold that at the baby’s baptism, on the faith of its parents and sponsors (god-parents), the devil and all his works are renounced and a vow is made to serve God. In short, the sacrament of baptism is viewed as the effectual means of salvation whereby the Holy Spirit seals our engrafting into Christ and washes away original sin.

Martin Luther’s Large Catechism states:

"Baptism is simply water and God’s Word in and with each other; that is when the Word accompanies the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith be lacking."⁴

Sacramentalists will admit there is no explicit command in the Bible to baptize infants, and there is not a single instance in which we are told that infants were baptized. Yet they fail to realize they have formed another gospel, based on ritual works, all from an argument of Scriptural silence! Furthermore, Scripture never teaches that someone can proxy saving faith for another person, and John wrote that no one can be born of God by the will of men (e.g., the infant’s parents or pastor—Jn. 1:13). It must be a personal choice of each person to believe.

History and Harm of Infant Baptism

When did infant baptism begin? There is no biblical record of it being practiced in the 1st century church. It resulted from the false doctrine of baptismal regeneration, the teaching that says water baptism regenerates. Eventually it was decided that children should be baptized as soon as possible because without it they could not go to heaven. After the supposed conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity in 312 AD, and merging of church and state, infant baptism was eventually made compulsory by law throughout the Roman Empire. In time, the Bible became a forbidden book as churches were filled with unconverted pagans who had been baptized into favor by Roman Catholic priests.

Nonconformists, such as the Anabaptists (meaning: re-baptizers because they rejected infant baptism and re-baptized only those who had come to personal faith in Christ), were bitterly persecuted. They were imprisoned, tortured, impaled upon stakes, drowned, burned and hanged. Untold millions were martyred during the Middle (Dark) Ages (500-1500) by the Roman Catholic Church. Sadly, even many Protestants (such as the Lutherans in Germany and Calvinists in Geneva) stuck to the hurtful error of union of church and state and infant baptism salvation. They then used their power to persecute, condemn, execute, and/or force others to conform to their false religious views.

The Lutheran’s Augsburg Confession, Article 9, states:

"Baptism is necessary and that grace is offered through it. Children… in baptism . . . become acceptable to him [God] . . . Anabaptists who teach that infant Baptism is not right are rejected."

Even in early America, persons opposed to infant baptism were subject by law to banishment. It was a Baptist pastor in a place called Providence (Roger Williams’ Rhode Island colony) who established the first government in history predicated on total religious liberty. The settlement was founded in 1638 and legally established in 1663. The second time was in Virginia, in 1786. Congress then declared the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States to be in force December 15, 1791, granting religious freedom to all its citizens.

Controversial Passages

Confusion over baptism stems from the failure to discern the different kinds of baptisms in Scripture. Some examples are:

RITUAL WATER BAPTISMS

1.   Divers (Various) Baptisms of the Law—washings and sprinklings done under Judaism, symbolizing spiritual cleansing (Ex. 30:17-21; Num. 19; Mk 7:1-9; Heb. 9:10).

2.   Baptism of Repentance—performed only on the JEWS to prepare them for the coming Messiah and the kingdom of God (Mk. 1:2-3, 15). It symbolized cleansing of sins in connection with confession of sin and true repentance (Matt. 3:3-6; Mk. 1:4-5). It was required for backslidden ISRAEL (who already had a covenant relationship with Jehovah God) to be forgiven for slaying Jesus, their Messiah, and to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22-23, 38). This baptism was not required of the Gentiles to be forgiven, nor to receive the Holy Spirit (see Acts 10:43-48).

3.   Christ’s Baptism—performed by John the Baptist to fulfill all righteousness in view of the coming kingdom of God (Matt. 3:1-17). This unique baptism (done under the law) of the sinless Son of God was His official consecrating step upon entering His redemptive mission.

4.   Christian Baptism (via immersion) today follows conversion to Christ and initiates one into discipleship. It is a doctrinal aid and dramatic proclamation that symbolizes cleansing of sin and pictures our new position and spiritually raised life in Christ (Acts 8:36-38; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 31-33; 18:8; Rom. 6:3-5).

[Note: The ordinance of baptism (Gr. baptizo), means to dip, to immerse or to submerge. To be baptized into (Gr.: eis, because of, in view of, with respect to, in order to) Christ simply means believers are baptized in view of their identification with, and faith in, the death, burial and bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.]

REAL BAPTISM

1.   Holy Spirit Baptism—a supernatural, post-salvation baptism, evidenced by tongues-speaking, that came upon some Jews (Acts 1:4-5; 2:4), Samaritans (Acts 8:12-17; 11:15-17), Gentiles (Acts 10: 43-46), and 12 disciples of John (Acts 19:2, 5-6) in the early church as a sign that God had received each ethnic group into His church/kingdom.

2.   Spirit Baptism into Christ—the supernatural operation of God that joins every believer to Christ the moment s/he believes the gospel. This Spirit baptism is the baptism that saves and places us into Christ (Jn. 3:3, 16; Rom. 6:3, 4; 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12).

   (Some view Rom. 6:3, 4; Gal. 3:27 and Col. 2:12 as water baptism in view of or with respect to the death and resurrection of Christ, instead of Spirit baptism. Regardless, either interpretation works.)

3.   Death Baptism—martyrdom and crucifixion (Mk. 10:38, 39).

FIGURATIVE BAPTISMS

1.   Baptism of Moses—gave the sense of identification with Moses, the deliverer, who was a type of Christ (1 Cor. 10:1-2).

2.   Anti-type Baptism—pictures Christ’s baptism of death upon the Cross where the billows of God’s wrath flowed over him. It is through faith in this death baptism of Christ that we are saved (1 Pet. 3:18-22).

Final Questions

1.   What about Acts 2:38: "Repent, and be baptized . . . for the remission of sins"?

The word for translates the Greek preposition eis, which may be translated: for, into, because of, in view of, on the basis of, with respect to, in order to, according to its context in the sentence. For example, in Matthew 12:41, where it says the people of Ninevah repented at [eis] the preaching, eis is given the meaning because of or in view of the preaching of Jonah. In Acts 2:38, we can give eis the same meaning, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the remission of sins . . ." (more on this below).

In the Old Testament, under the dispensation of the law (Gal. 4:4), water baptism (washing) was a purification rite that symbolized cleansing of sins (Num. 9:21; 19:9, 12). John the Baptist later came preaching a baptism of repentance, in order to prepare ISRAEL for the coming Messiah and the kingdom of God (Matt. 3:1-11). It not was a baptism for salvation, per se. Rather, baptism symbolized remission of sins