If you were asked to define the word “church” would you be able to provide an accurate definition? Some people define the church as a building. Others define the church as a club. How would you define the church? Often the way the church is defined will determine how the church functions. In our present day, it is not uncommon to find the local church involved in things that seem to raise the eyebrows of many people. Some local congregations cancel services and hold concerts, comedy night, or even movie night. Should the local church be involved with these specific practices? In our day many people are discussing the functionality of the church – and the conversations are often heated. The goal of this series of posts on Delivered By Grace is to examine the practices of the early church in order to determine the health of our own local assembly.
In The Beginning
After Peter preached his famous confrontational message on Jesus the Christ – thousands of people were saved. Immediately these people became a close family who assembled together for the purpose of worship and business. In Acts 2:37-47 – we see many practices of the early believers as they assembled together in the local church. It is important for us to view these early believers and their practices on a regular basis in order to ensure that we keep our congregations on the right path. When numbers and people are often the measuring stick of success, it is easy to sway toward entertaining people rather than ministering to people with the message of Christ!
Practice #1 = Baptism
Acts 2:41 - “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized . . .“
The first thing we must understand is that baptism is essential to becoming a part of the local church. While it may not be necessary to becoming a part of the global church, it is essential to becoming a part of the local church. Before going further, it is important to consider whether anyone is a part of the global church without being apart of the local church? We see the thief on the cross who was saved and never followed in believer’s baptism. However, he was completely limited and unable to be baptized since he was on his death bed. If baptism is the most accurate means of providing a public witness and profession of personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, what true believer would reject baptism? Mark Dever in his book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church said, “Rejecting baptism or the Lord’s Supper or any other clear biblical command is rejecting membership among Christ’s disciples-among those who follow His commands (160).” As we see these early believers accepting Jesus as the Christ – they followed in believer’s baptism in order to be identified with Christ and to be apart of the assembly of believers.
Questions for consideration in our present day:
1. Is baptism important in our churches or do we simply major on the conversion and forget about the need for baptism?
2. Should people from other denominations be accepted upon their former baptism if they were not immersed?
3. Should people from denominations who believe in “baptismal regeneration” be accepted into the membership of our church or should they be required to be rebaptized?
4. What is the youngest age a person should be baptized in the local church?
5. Should a person with an illness or a fear of water be exempt from baptism? Is sprinkling an alternative practice?
6. Is baptism to be practiced on the mission field, youth trip to the beach, or at the Southern Baptist Convention? Should baptism be reserved for the local church only?
Conclusion:
The early church practiced baptism, and we must do the same in our day. Baptism is one of the two ordinances commanded in Scripture. The issue of baptism should be thought through with an earnest desire to remain biblical – all for the glory of God! As we consider the early church’s practice of baptism, we must wrestle with the issues listed above in order to make sure that our own local assembly is seeking to remain biblical in our own practice of baptism and acceptance of church members.
Rev. Josh Buice
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15 Responses to “Acts 2 – Practices of the Early Church – Part 1”
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“The first thing we must understand is that baptism is essential to becoming a part of the local church.” While I agree that believers should be baptized and follow the Lord’s command however, man has established the step of baptism to become members. I personally talk with people about becoming a part of the local church before just accepting them on the fact of baptism.
Should people from other denominations be accepted upon their former baptism if they were not immersed? Personally, no because being sprinkled is not being immersed. To baptize is to immerse, therefore, we have baptism!
Should people from denominations who believe in “baptismal regeneration” be accepted into the membership of our churches – even if they were baptized? Baptismal regeneration is that one must be baptized to be saved– indeed, that baptism itself saves the soul even when administered to infants. If one hold to this doctrine the issue of baptism might not be the biggest problem. It could be they need to understand how to be truly born again. In a nut shell the answer in my opinion would be no.
What is the youngest age a person should be baptized in the local church? If they are born again then one should explain baptism to them. Once explained and the importance of it and the reasons for it if they are four, five or ten baptism should be followed through.
Should a person with an illness or severe fear of water be exempt from baptism? Is sprinkling an alternative practice? I suppose this is my literal streak in me but sprinkling is not being immersed. I know there are some who not physically able to be baptized. I honestly do not have a direct answer to this point. If some are fearful of water and refuse to go under…well I suppose they weren’t baptized right? Hard for me to answer this one. Hope someone can.
Is baptism to be practiced on the mission field, youth trip to the beach, or at the Southern Baptist Convention? Should baptism be reserved for the local church only? “And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Acts 8:36
Great topics Josh, thanks.
Bro. Brad,
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your involvement in the site and on this very important subject.
1. Is baptism a “man made” entrance into the church or is it a requirement by God? Can you provide evidence of anyone or group who was a part of any local church in Scripture but remained unbaptized? Furthermore, would you agree that baptism is a commanded ordinance along with the Lord’s Supper?
2. In regard to the ordinance of baptism being performed on the mission field and at the Southern Baptist Convention – does Acts 8 provide an ample example and proof for baptism being performed outside of the church body?
Points for consideration:
a. Are flying deacons a normal thing? Phillip flew away in the Spirit’s power after the baptism. That is not a normal situation.
b. The Eunuch was going to a land where no church existed. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be baptized prior to going to evangelize Africa.
c. Since this was a strange situation – it was in the early days of the church, and the man was headed to a pagan land with no local church – it seems that this case should be considered an isolated case and not the normal situation for baptism. Therefore, I do not agree with the SBC observing baptism at the annual Convention.
What are your thoughts?
Is baptism a “man made” entrance into the church or is it a requirement by God? I believe it is a command God gives us who are born again. It represents the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus and each believer should be a part of this as it has great spiritual application. My “man made” statement is I heard all my Christian life you can join the church by baptism and many think that baptism is required by the church. In other words if someone was baptized in the creek five years ago but there was no “sound” church around and now they have found one they can unite with. Furthermore, if that person has not been baptized but has been saved and wants to join the church I have no problem with them joining the church by being baptized. Since of course they have not been baptized and they should in order to follow the ordinance of God.
Since this was a strange situation – it was in the early days of the church, and the man was headed to a pagan land with no local church – it seems that this case should be considered an isolated case and not the normal situation for baptism. (Ref Acts 8) I did not see it in this light until you brought up the point. Point well taken and accepted.
Therefore, I do not agree with the SBC observing baptism at the annual Convention. I was not aware of such that was taking place. I do not understand why baptism is taking place at the SBC convention. Any ideas?
While missionaries are on the field and people are saved I believe they should be baptized as the scripture has commanded. But aren’t most missionaries on the filed involved in some sort of church fellowship? What if its against the law to have a Christian church fellowship? If they are baptized and meet secretly aren’t they still a part of a “church fellowship?”
For Him!
Brad
Brad,
I understand your point on baptism now . . .
Regarding the SBC – baptisms have been done in a baptistery in front of thousands of people at the SBC in recent years . . . and as I attended the Convention in Nashville a few years ago, I witnessed it first hand – and it caused be to search the Scriptures on the issue. Those who are doing it at the Convention claim that their church and pastor are present – and it just happens to be done with hundreds of witnesses . . . but I still question the motive.
Yes, on the mission field, the missionaries and natives of the land would be working together in a local church ministry and baptisms are expected to be performed in those situations, but I was referring to more short term mission trips or even “para-church” ministries such as Campus Crusade For Christ. In other words, I would not agree that Campus Crusade has authority to baptize new converts on beach projects over the summer. I think the new convert should be baptized in a local church – or with a local church – that they desire to join.
Just my rambling thoughts . . . what do you think?
When I first started to pastor where I am at now they considered baptism like ordaining deacons….they wanted me to charge the candidate. I quickly set the record straight.
Baptism should not be taken lightly as with the Lord’s supper. (In other words, I would not agree that Campus Crusade has authority to baptize new converts on beach projects over the summer. I think the new convert should be baptized in a local church – or with a local church – that they desire to join.) Amen. The use of such methods there and at the convention is removing the importance and spiritual application of it. At least it seems that way to me.
Even if I started a local fellowship church on the back forty (if I had a back forty) that met together once a week as many other established churches I would practice the ordinance of baptism if they wanted to fellowship with us.
This is why an exhortation of the scripture is important! Amen.
Josh, Brad;
What is being born again?
According unto Jesus Christ, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again or he would not even see the kingdom of God…(John 3:3)
Nicodemus said, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter into his mothers womb a second time?
And Jesus Christ said, Verily, Verily,I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God…(John 3:5)
The water meaning being baptized in the water in the name of Jesus Christ…The Spirit meaning being filled with God’s spirit, the Holy Ghost…
Baptism is part of of our salvation, God did not say, well, you should be, or it doesn’t really matter, God made a commandment to be baptized or you would not even see the kingdom of God…
I noticed that you said, after being saved that they were baptized…God gave specific instructions on how to be saved, and that is to, Repent, to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost…
And how many were saved that day? 3,000 souls…
Baptism should not be treated as a membership to a church, Baptism is part of our salvation…
When I was baptized, I was baptized in my local Church, however, there were camp meetings where people were baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost as well, although, this may not be what you are referring to….
Humbly;
Johnnie
Johnnie,
Most conservative New Testament scholars would agree that the “water” spoken of in John 3 when Jesus spoke to Nicodemus is a reference to the washing of the soul by the Word of God!
Ephesians 5:26 – That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word
———————
If you look at the Scriptures as a whole – Johnnie – we have been down this road with you before – you will see that being dunked under water has no effect on the soul! I have personally baptized people who are still not saved. Baptism has no saving effect! It is a symbol!
Romans 6:4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9,10
Johnnie said “Baptism is part of of our salvation, God did not say, well, you should be, or it doesn’t really matter, God made a commandment to be baptized or you would not even see the kingdom of God.” I do not see any Biblical evidence for such. If you are saying that baptism is a part of salvation then the finished work of Jesus Christ for the atonement of our sins is not enough? Yes, thank God it is enough. Yes, thank God we have a Savior who’s sacrificial atonement is enough.
If I were to get saved and die on the way to baptism would I not be eternally with Jesus because I had not been immersed? As I have stated baptism is a command and ordinance of God and would not take it for anything less. However, to imply that is is a finishing part of salvation is a misinterpretation of the text.
Josh, Brad;
(1) Ephesians 5:26 – That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word..
This means, By the word – The doctrine of Christ crucified, through which baptism is administered, sin canceled, and the soul purified from all unrighteousness; the death of Christ giving efficacy to all. We must go by the doctrine of Christ, which is, (Matt. 28:19) (John 3:3-5) (Acts 2:38)…
With the washing of water – Baptism, accompanied by the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit.
We cannot interpret the word of God and come up with our own way of being saved, as it is written;
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
By mans own thinking and interpretations is where scripture is defiled, the word of God is defiled…Therefore, scripture shall interpret scripture, not man….
The way you explain it, we are to believe, and we are saved, Christ died on the cross, therefore, we are saved, we are saved by grace, which in a sense is true, however, grace teaches us how to be saved, grace teaches us how we are to conduct our lives after we are indeed saved….
By God’s grace and mercy, we are saved, but there is a whole lot more to being saved, we have to follow the doctrine of Christ and his commandments that He set forth for us to live by and to die by….
The baptism of the water buries us with Christ, it nails sin to the flesh,washes our sin away by Christ blood, so as you can see, without baptism in the water, you will not be saved,because no sin shall enter into heaven, however, it is only a step unto salvation…
Humbly;
Johnnie
As I understand what you are saying…Romans 10:9,10 is not what it means, that the finished work of Christ as our atonement is not enough? If I believe Jesus died and rose again and am on my way to be baptized and a rock falls on my head and kills me that I am not saved?
By saying that you MUST be baptized to be saved is saying that the death was not enough. I beg your forgiveness but I cannot find that support in the scripture. What if someone cannot be baptized because of a physical condition?
Johnnie,
What would you say about those people who I have personally baptized – but they refuse to live the Christian life? Are they saved because they have been dunked under the water?
Grace Alone,
Josh Buice
To All Who Have Ears To Hear,
We must believe in the simplicity of the gospel as set forth in Scripture. Baptism is not a part of salvation; it is a fruit of salvation.
The atonement of Christ is sufficient for the remission of sins. Baptism is a work that man performs, and God states that salvation is not of works lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).
Those who believe that baptism is essential for salvation are really communicating the idea that Christ’s atonement was not sufficient, as Elder Horton commented earlier.
Sir Johnnie, I hope you can understand what I’m trying to say. Salvation is 100% God’s work and 0% man’s work. It is a work of God whereby God takes out the heart of stone and offers a new heart, a heart which desires Him. Man cannot change his own sinful heart. That work is reserved for God alone. Baptism is the natural result of a heart that already has been wrought upon by the Holy Ghost.
May we trust Him and not ourselves. As it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Faith Alone,
Chipley McQueen Thornton
Johnnie,
If the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ is God’s part and baptism is our part — doesn’t that make salvation dependant upon God and man to “peform” and carry out?
If baptism is part of the saving effect in the great plan of salvation set forth by God – wouldn’t you and I be able to boast about it in some way?
If baptism is truly part of the saving effect in God’s plan of salvation – why is there specific cases of individuals who were promised salvation, but were never baptized, such as – 1) The thief on the cross next to Jesus Christ, 2) Abraham (and any Old Testament person)?
Please provide me with answers to the questions above – I greatly appreciate your involvement on the issue in order to help me better understand where you stand and what you believe on the subject of baptism.
Josh Buice
Josh;
I will answer you soon…I lead a very busy life right now and will be for another nine months or so…Between going to school, working and going to church, I do not have very much time to spare…
I do enjoy our conversations about God and his gospel…
Answer to one of your questions:
It is true that God came to earth and manifest his self in the flesh and His name was Jesus Christ to save the people of this world from their sins…(Jesus sacrificed himself and nailed our sins to the Cross, to the flesh)..
It is also true that man is to obey the Lord’s commandments that He set forth for man to live by and to conduct our lives by…If man does not obey God’s laws and commandments, he will not be saved and he will not enter into God’s kingdom…
Of course, we do not live under the law today,(Thank God), but under grace, However, it does not make the laws of none affect…God’s grace teaches us to be obedient unto the word of God…
Man cannot do anything without God, we are nothing without God…God does however, use man to carry out His word, just as He used woman to be born, is that not also a work? I do not believe in a works based salvation, I do believe in being obedient unto the word of God…
Was not Enoch translated that he should not see death?
Do you believe that God can do anything?
So, it was nothing for Him to forgive the man on the Cross…In the Old Testament, man was to sacrifice animals for a sin offering…When Abraham offered up his son Isaac for a sacrifice, was that not a works?
When you pray, is that not a works?
When you worship, is that not a works?
When you sing praises, is that not a works?
When you Repent, is that not a works?
When a Pastor preaches the gospel, (the word of God unto the saints), is that not a works?
When we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,(Not in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost), is that not a works?
So, I guess what I am saying, even though all these things are works that man must do in order to be in step with the Word of God, they are never the less, commandments from the Almighty God Jesus Christ to abide by in order to be saved…
Now, it is true that God sacrificed himself for our sins, however, when we go in the water to be baptized, we are forgiven our sins up to that point in our life…When God made this commandment for us to be baptized for the remission of our sins, God knew that we were not perfect and that we would fall time to time…
So, He gave us an alter to go to and repent for our sins when we fall and stumble throughout this life…That is why He also commanded us to repent or we would perish, Repenting means to turn away from sin…Did not Paul say, that he died daily, and was he not chosen of God to preach the gospel to the unlearned, even the so-called Christians of that time…
The Bible as a whole tells us what we must do to be saved…I have known many men that were called and chosen to preach the gospel by God, and then for what ever reason, they walked away from truth back out into the world to live a lie…Look how many times Israel fell away from God and the truth, and what happened, they repented of their sins and God forgave them and took care of them….
There was a period of time, if my memory serves me correctly, it was 400 years and the heavens were quiet, nothing came from heaven, not even to the prophets…My God can do anything, anywhere, and anytime He chooses…
We cannot boast of anything that we do because quite simply, it is God given…We can do nothing of ourselves but fail…
Didn’t mean to babble, there just isn’t enough time to say everything that I want to say, so I try and touch on many things….
Humbly;
Johnnie
Johnnie,
Thank you for your response. I am still unclear on how you place baptism central in salvation. Yes, all of the things you mention are works, and if you examine the text, none of them are commanded in order to bring about salvation.
Yes, our God can do anything, but He and His character are settled and perfect. He is immutable and He never changes from perfection. Therefore, He will never violate His Word since He is perfect. That being said, He will never allow a single person to be saved differently than another. God’s plan of salvation is the same yesterday, today, and forever – faith alone in God alone. That was what Abraham had – faith alone in God alone. That is what Martin Luther (Father of the Reformation) argued for! That is what Paul preached! That is how the thief on the cross was saved . . . . and if anyone will be saved – it must be through Jesus alone. Salvation is not Jesus alone for the thief and then Jesus + water for us. God would have violated His word if that was the case. God’s plan of salvation is a never changing and never altering plan – and it does not require water to occur.
Now, that being said – I will say that I do not agree with people who claim they became a Christian but refuse to be baptized. I think something is severely wrong with that picture. Those who are saved and have been redeemed by God’s grace WILL desire to follow in believer’s baptism. It is an ordinance not a sacrament, and we must do it in obedience and as a means of public testimony that we are believers in Jesus as the Christ of God!
Saved by Grace – not the water!
Rev. Josh Buice