Most people are not aware that infants are sprinkled, calling it baptism, because of the doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity. Walter Conner, in his book Christian Doctrine, a presentation of Baptist theology for ministers and laymen alike, states:

“…makes it not only possible that he may sin on account of his power of choice, but certain that he will sin on account of his moral weakness and inherent tendency toward evil. This depravity of man’s nature is inherent and universal…but in saying that depravity is inherent in human nature is meant that man as fallen is born depraved.”

» Continue reading “Do Infants Need To Be Baptized?”

In the article “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”, it was pointed out that the gospel of Christ was preached in every case of conversion in order to produce faith. As that faith builds in our hearts it leads us to repent of our sins and that is made known by the confession of our faith in Jesus Christ. That faith finally culminates in what the Bible calls the new birth, baptism. It is from this watery grave that one rises to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4).

Those who attempt to refute the teaching of the Word of God regarding conversion often respond to this evidence by stating, “But what about the thief on the cross? He was saved without being baptized!” » Continue reading “What About The Thief On The Cross?”

Did you ever wish you knew more about the Bible? These 9 lessons will provide you with some guidelines to help you in studying the Bible. This series focuses on the gospels and the book of Acts.

1. Introduction to the Scriptures for Daily Bible Reading
2. Daily Bible Reading Guide
3. An Introduction to the Gospels
4. An Introduction and Outline to Matthew
5. An Introduction and Outline of Mark
6. An Introduction and Outline of Luke
7. The Parable of the Prodigal Son
8. An Introduction and Outline of John
9. An Introduction and Outline of the Book of Acts

Baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ. In the Great Commission Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20 NAS). Mark gives this same commission as, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16 NAS).

The word “baptism” is an anglicized word that was coined in 1611 in the translation of the King James’ Version. Sprinkling was introduced as a substitute for and on a par with baptism at the Council of Ravenna in 1311 and subsequently has been adopted by protestant denominationalism. In the 1600’s when the Anglican translators were confronted with translating the Greek baptizo (and other forms) into English, they found themselves in a dilemma. » Continue reading “Is Baptism By Sprinkling, Pouring Or Immersion?”

This is essentially the same question that Nicodemus asked of Jesus after Jesus had told him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NAS). Nicodemus replied: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (vs 4). Jesus then explained, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Jesus explained that entering the kingdom of God one must be “born again.” Notice very carefully what was said in this conversation: (1) One must be born anew before he can enter the kingdom; (2) This new birth is not physical, but spiritual (because one cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born); and (3) This spiritual birth involves two elements – “water and the Spirit.” What is the significance of “water” and “the Spirit” in this connection? » Continue reading “What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?”