Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Blog
    • Grace in Focus International Blogs
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Email Subscription
    • Bookstore
    • Online Tracts
  • Store
    • Main Page
    • On Sale
    • Return Policy
    • Your Cart
    • Your Account
  • Events
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Free Grace Church and Bible Study Tracker
    • Free Grace Jobs
    • Ministry Links
  • Donate
    • One Time Donation
    • Monthly Donation
    • Your Account
  • Search
Home
→
Grace in Focus Articles
→
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

November 1, 1990 by GES Webmaster in Grace in Focus Articles

Dear Bob,

Having read the latest Journal [Spring 1990] with great delight, I wanted to ask a question.

Should we baptize believers or disciples? Although we do not believe in Lordship/Discipleship Salvation, are we to practice Lordship/Discipleship Baptism? Is belief the only requirement for baptism, or is the desire, intent, and commitment to turn from one’s sins also a requirement?

Thanks,
MC
Chase City, VA

 

Dear MC,

Good question!

Let me state up front that GES has no official position on this question. I imagine members of GES are somewhat divided over the issue, although I imagine most would take the position that only faith in Christ is required–the position which I take as well.

In the Book of Acts people were routinely baptized immediately upon coming to faith in Christ. Luke does not entertain the question you ask; however, from Acts it appears that the sole condition of baptism is faith in Christ. For example, both the Samaritans of Acts 8 and Cornelius and his household of Acts 10 believe in Christ and are immediately baptized with no mention of any additional requirement.

On the other hand, Matt 28:19, in my estimation, indicates that baptism is the first step of discipleship. We make disciples by baptizing them and by teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded. Baptism precedes teaching people to observe all that Christ commanded.

Thus a person being baptized is deciding to start down the discipleship trail. By submitting to baptism a person suggests that he or she wants to learn and grow in Christ.

I think that we should exhort new converts to be baptized ASAP. While I don’t think that we should put any added requirements on baptism, I do think that we should tell people that it is something the Lord wants them to do and that it is a first step in following Christ.

Baptism in the United States is not risky or traumatic for most people. However, in Israel and in the Arab world to submit to Christian baptism one risks being disinherited and disowned by his or her family. Thus while you as a pastor would not require anything other than faith in Christ, in some cases the person considering baptism may well need to count the cost. For some the price of baptism is steep indeed.

So, go ahead and baptize all who indicate faith alone in Christ alone and who are willing to follow the Lord in this way. Don’t first inspect their fruit.

Ed.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Cart

Recently Added

June 9, 2023

Do Christians Get Crowns? Do Some Christians Really Get More Rewards Than Others? Is This What Peter Means to Say?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Steve Elkins are answering a question from a listener about possible different levels of Christians...
June 9, 2023

Is Seventh-Day Adventism (SDA) a Cult? 

A friend at the conference said he was surprised to see that Dallas Theological Seminary had published an article by an SDA pastor in the...
June 8, 2023

How Can I Possibly Maintain Fellowship With God if My Sinning Breaks That Fellowship?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Steve Elkins are responding to a question about intrusive thoughts, false guilt, sin, and what...

Grace in Focus Radio

All Episodes

Listen to Stitcher

Listen on Spotify

Grace In Focus Magazine

Grace In Focus is sent to subscribers in the United States free of charge.

Subscribe for Free

The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. GES uses all contributions and proceeds from the sales of our resources to further the gospel of grace in the United States and abroad.

Donate

Bookstore Specials

  • Romans: Deliverance from Wrath $24.99 $15.00
  • A Gospel of Doubt: The Legacy of John MacArthur's The Gospel According to Jesus $22.00 $11.00
  • Turn and Live: The Power of Repentance $15.00 $10.00
  • The Gospel Under Siege: Faith and Works in Tension $16.00 $10.00
  • The Epistle of James $15.00 $10.00
Grace Evangelical Society

(940) 270-8827 / ges@faithalone.org

4851 S I-35E Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210
P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube