Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 15
July 11, 1963
NUMBER 10, PAGE 6

Is Christian Church Baptism Valid?

Carol R. Lumpkin

As I write this article I am well aware of the fact that there are those who believe the above question may be answered in the affirmative. I do not believe that "Christian Church" baptism is in accord with the teaching of the New Testament.

In this study, as well as in every study, we have only the Word of God as authority. Paul said there was "one" baptism. (Eph. 4:5) Again he declared baptism was for the purpose of putting on Christ (Gal. 3:27); and that by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. (1 Cor. 12:13) Peter adds, "For the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38) Here we notice three things baptism does:

1. Grants remission of sins.

2. Puts one into Christ.

3. By it one enters the body (church).

Christ purchased the church (Acts 20:28); this is the "one" body mentioned in Eph. 4:4. To this body all the saved are added. (Acts 2:47) Now the Christian Church is not the "one" body of Christ, if so the Lord must have two bodies (churches) and Paul did not write the truth. If the Christian Church teaches baptism for the remission of sins and also for to enter the Christian Church, one may well see that this could not be so. This would make the Christian Church the "one" body, if not this it would be on a par with the "one" Body. The Mormons also teach baptism for the remission of sins and to become a member of the Mormon church. To say Christian Church baptism is valid, one would also be forced to say the same about the Mormon baptism.

The Christian Church will accept people from other churches (denominations) on their baptism. She believes herself a denomination and that there are saved people in all churches. Since they believe and teach this how can one be saved believing such?

Let us consider two questions which we direct to Christian Church members:

1. Were you a member of the Christian Church before baptism? Answer: No.

2. Were you a member of the Christian Church 'After baptism? Answer: Yes.

From these questions one may well see that most of those who have received Christian Church baptism would at once admit that one of the things baptism did was to make them a member of the Christian Church. So to say their baptism is valid is to admit there are two bodies (churches). Obeying in baptism "for the remission of sins," "to put on Christ" and "to enter the church" are all essential. If the purpose is not for these reasons it would not be valid.

Christian Church members believe they are baptized into the "one" body. They understand this body to be the Christian Church. Thus they are not saved though they think they are.

The seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11) Seed is to produce after its kind. The gospel (seed) when preached will produce Christians, members of the Lord's church. Gospel (seed) plus Christian Church (doctrine) will not produce New Testament Christians nor members of the New Testament church.

Summary

1. For one's baptism to be valid, it must be the "one" baptism. (Eph. 4:5)

2. If Christian Church baptism is the "one" baptism then it is possible for false doctrine to produce Christians.

3. Those baptized according to the New Testament are to: (a) receive remission of sins, (b) put on Christ, and (c) enter the church or body of Christ. Baptism is valid when this is done.

I believe we need to be firm in our stand against all error. The above leaves no reason for doubt. When this is taught one is sure he is doing as God commands.

— Weiner, Arkansas