Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Biblical Historical Baptism – Baptism – Spiritual Authority vs. Popular Practice – Part Two

Thomas E Kresal December 6, 2019

The water baptism of Protestant Evangelicalism or Protestant Fundamentalism is ultimately, therefore, tied to salvation as an illustration of their mystical-invisible “true” baptism (while they adamantly claim their water baptism has nothing to do with salvation). In contrast, the Scriptural baptism of the New Testament church remains clearly distinct. It is not an inferior proxy baptism of a mystical, “true” baptism. It does not illustrate an invisible baptism of salvation. It is the believer’s literal, visible means of identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and our addition to His visible body on earth, the New Testament church. Water baptism is an ordinance that Jesus Christ set in His church. Therefore, the New Testament church esteems its baptism far greater than the Evangelical Protestants do theirs. This should seem a paradox considering that Biblical baptism has no part in salvation. Biblical doctrines, however, are always stronger in their pure form. They are weakest when “improved” upon by men.

Let the reader note that mystical imitations counterfeit ordinances did not begin with Rome. The Bible and history record there are fraudulent replications to nearly every truth from the beginning of time. From outward appearances, they are often indistinguishable in practice. When heathen idolaters sacrificed to false gods, they did so with devotion and in the same manner as those who sacrificed to the God of heaven. From the viewpoint of heaven, however, the differences were stark. Those differences are ultimately rooted in doctrine and authority. Likewise, the chaste bride of Christ and the whore of Babylon may share some similarities to the eyes of the flesh. When we view them Biblically, however, they starkly differ by their root of doctrine and authority.

(to be continued)

Thomas E. Kresal from: Baptist Baptism – A Heritage by Scriptural Authority vs. The Corruption of Popular Practice by Pastor Les Potter and Pastor Mac Woody, pg. 19-20

To purchase this book by request: Shiloh Baptist Church, 664 Dahlstrom Rd. Gwinn, MI 49841 send a check or money order for $10 and specify this book – “Baptist Baptism.”