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 In
one section we know the question of “private” vs. “walking
down the aisle” baptism is being rolled about. We were asked
to comment.
Reply:
As
regards what is scriptural, surely no Bible student would
contend that either had an exclusive claim. Acts 2: pictures no
“invitation song” sort of doings (nor do I know of such in
the scriptures) but the baptism of 3,000 people in one day, in
Jerusalem, beginning with the preaching of the twelve to the
multitude, was certainly no private thing. Nor was that of Acts 3:
4: 1-4.
An
orderly process, such as the preaching of the Word, and then the
exhortation (invitation) to sinners to heed the Lord’s invitation
and obey, is in keeping with the spirit and tenor of the N,T.,
(1 Cor. 14:40). It violates no teaching known to me. Even the
question regarding one’s faith, and the public acknowledgement
of such faith, is right. (Rom. 10:10)
But
I say “even” because traditional procedure has a way of
clothing itself with “authority” — until some brethren
seem to think that the apostles preached, sang an invitation
song, “took” the confession, and then retired to the
dressing room to don the robes for baptizing. There is nothing
in the scriptures to justify this conclusion.
On
the contrary, Acts 2: indicates an interruption of the “sermon”
when certain ones were “pricked in their heart, and said unto
Peter and the rest of the apostles,
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Brethren, what shall we do?” (v.37)
Years ago I had concluded a sermon preached on the bank of a
small creek, and was waiting for several to change clothes for
baptism, when I heard a loud sob. Before I could turn, a man
fell across my shoulder, shaken with emotion, and said, “I
have rejected Jesus long enough — I want to obey Him now.”
I
started to tell him to wait, and he could be baptized with the
others, but he was not waiting. He walked, shoes, watch, wallet
and all, right out into the water. I followed, and baptized him
into Christ. “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” If you
believe with all your heart, there is not a thing that can
rightly hinder; even on a deserted road, with only a traveling
party and a preacher present. (See Acts 8: 26-39)
Perhaps
some have objected to so — called “private” baptisms,
thinking it shows a lack of courage, and faith to “stand up
and be counted.” Some think baptism is a “church”
ordinance needing “official” sanction. But Baptism is not of
the church, it is between the subject and Christ. We are
baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27) not into the local church. If
the subject lacks faith in Christ he/she must be taught the word
of God more perfectly. The necessary faith will not be supplied
by forcing a “church tradition” upon the subject.
A
properly taught subject will understand that he now accepts the
obligations of service to Christ, and with other saints. He
should appreciate their interest, and their desire to share with
him this new joy.
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