Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 15
September 5, 1963
NUMBER 18, PAGE 2

"Christian Church Baptism"

Charles H. Crider

There has been much said concerning the validity of "Christian Church Baptism," leaving the impression that "Church of Christ Baptism" is not questioned but "Christian Church Baptism" is questioned.

Let me say in the beginning that the Bible has just as much to say in behalf of "Christian Church Baptism" as "Church of Christ Baptism." Therefore, "Christian Church Baptism" is just as valid as "Church of Christ Baptism."

There is, and has been, much confusion on the issue of "Christian Church Baptism." No doubt, much of the confusion comes from a misstatement of terms. Those who claim to believe in "Church of Christ Baptism" but opposed to "Christian Church Baptism" are perhaps ignorant of what the Bible teaches on the subject of baptism or they deliberately misstate the facts. Baptism is not a church ordinance in any sense of the word, denominationalism to the contrary notwithstanding.

The Bible teaches one is saved when he believes the gospel (Mark 16:16), repents of his sins (Acts 2:38; 3:19), makes a confession that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9,10; Matt. 10:12,33) and is baptized for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38, 22:16)

Some of the brethren who talk about "Christian Church Baptism" in contradistinction to "Church of Christ Baptism" will deny that one is saved when he believes the gospel, repents of his sins confesses Jesus as the Son of God and is baptized for the remission of sins, if the one doing the baptizing does not measure up to their standard. The brethren that follow this line of reasoning surely have some concept of preacher succession or baptizer succession. The word of God is sufficient to produce a Christian without the succession of anything. A person's being saved does not rest on whether or not the one doing the baptising is a succession of anything nor does it require that he be a Christian.

If a "Christian Church" preacher should teach one that he must believe the gospel, repent of his sins, confess Jesus as the Son of God and then the man submits to New Testament baptism administered by said preacher, the man is saved! or else the Bible is not sufficient; it is not the seed of the Kingdom.

It is not a question if someone has become a member of the Christian Church without New Testament baptism. That is a fact no one will deny. Neither will any well-informed person take the position that there are no members in the church of Christ, or recognized as such, who have never received New Testament Baptism Paul said: "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. What then: only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." (Phil. 1:15-18)

In a discussion along this line, a man was asked two questions: If a "Christian Church" preacher were to meet a man at the river and teach him that in order for one to be saved he must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for the remission of sins and the man did believe, repent, confess, and was baptized; would he be saved? The man said, "Yes, he would be saved." He was then asked if the same preacher taught the same things to the same man at the Christian Church building would he be saved? The man answered, "No!"

The misunderstanding on this point may stem from the idea that Baptism makes one a member of a local congregation. Baptism has nothing whatsoever to do with making one a member of a local congregation.

When one shows me the scripture for "Church of Christ Baptism" I am sure he will find, in the next verse, authority for "Christian Church Baptism."

Only one baptism is valid and that is New Testament baptism. When one has been baptized with New Testament baptism (as referred to in Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-11) he is saved and it doesn't take an "ordained Church of Christ preacher" to administer it.

One may obey the gospel and go into digression the same day, or he may go into digression thirty years later as is the case of many. The only difference is the time element. If one believes the gospel, repents of his sins, confesses Jesus as the Son of God and is baptized for the remission of sins and immediately identifies himself with the Christian Church, it only means he went immediately into digression. Should he wait thirty years then identify himself with the Christian Church, it would only mean he waited thirty years to go into digression. What is the difference? Only twenty-nine years, three hundred and sixty-four days.

If one should bring the Mormons in the picture: Mormons do not teach that baptism is the consummating act in receiving the remission of sins.

— Rt. No. 3, Box 2, Henderson, Tennessee