Over the past few months we have been reviewing the doctrine of baptism. Recently, we put together a document in a Question and Answer format to present a condensed version of the more detailed teaching on the topic. Below is the third section of that document.
How are Baptism and Church Membership Related?
Baptism and church membership are closely related in the New Testament. As such, those who are baptized are generally added to the membership of the church by whom they are baptized.
If an individual desires to be baptized, but does not desire to join a church, there should be close evaluation and consideration of the New Testament teaching on baptism and church membership in conjunction with the particular circumstances of the person seeking baptism without connection to local church membership.
Why Is Baptism Required for Church Membership?
Even though there is not a verse in that Bible that directly teaches that baptism is required for church membership, we require all who desire to join this church to be baptized. This is because:
Baptism is where faith goes public. Baptism is the means that Christ gives for publicly declaring one’s faith in him. Baptism makes an invisible reality a visible reality. In a somewhat analogous way, membership in the universal church (simply being a believer) is made visible through joining with a local church.
Baptism is the initiating sign-oath of the New Covenant. That is, in baptism we identify as part of the New Covenant in Christ. So, when the church asks, who belongs to the New Covenant, the answer is those who have taken the oath of the Covenant—baptism.
The local church is comprised of New Covenant believers. If one has not identified with the New Covenant through faith and repentance followed by baptism, the New Covenant community (the local church) cannot receive that individual into membership.
Therefore, baptism is required for entry into church membership.
What Is the Difference Between an Irregular Baptism and a False Baptism?
The term “false baptism” refers to an act of baptism that falls outside the nature and description of baptism in the New Testament. False baptisms include acts of baptism that occur pre-conversion, such as infant baptism.
The term “irregular baptism” refers to an act of baptism that falls outside the description of baptism in the New Testament, but arguably coheres with the nature of baptism. These baptisms take place following conversion, picture one’s identification with Christ, and are intended to follow Jesus’ command. Irregular baptisms include acts of baptism that take place at a Christian camp, in a family reunion, or by a mode other than full immersion. Although the method of these acts of baptisms falls outside the norm, making them irregular, they are genuine baptisms.
Baptism Q&A: Part 3
Over the past few months we have been reviewing the doctrine of baptism. Recently, we put together a document in a Question and Answer format to present a condensed version of the more detailed teaching on the topic. Below is the third section of that document.
How are Baptism and Church Membership Related?
Baptism and church membership are closely related in the New Testament. As such, those who are baptized are generally added to the membership of the church by whom they are baptized.
If an individual desires to be baptized, but does not desire to join a church, there should be close evaluation and consideration of the New Testament teaching on baptism and church membership in conjunction with the particular circumstances of the person seeking baptism without connection to local church membership.
Why Is Baptism Required for Church Membership?
Even though there is not a verse in that Bible that directly teaches that baptism is required for church membership, we require all who desire to join this church to be baptized. This is because:
What Is the Difference Between an Irregular Baptism and a False Baptism?
The term “false baptism” refers to an act of baptism that falls outside the nature and description of baptism in the New Testament. False baptisms include acts of baptism that occur pre-conversion, such as infant baptism.
The term “irregular baptism” refers to an act of baptism that falls outside the description of baptism in the New Testament, but arguably coheres with the nature of baptism. These baptisms take place following conversion, picture one’s identification with Christ, and are intended to follow Jesus’ command. Irregular baptisms include acts of baptism that take place at a Christian camp, in a family reunion, or by a mode other than full immersion. Although the method of these acts of baptisms falls outside the norm, making them irregular, they are genuine baptisms.