How does anyone live without coffee? My Christian friend and I were talking about the sacrament of Baptism so I thought I would talk about it this morning.
Baptism has always been a mystery to me. And once again, baptism is one of those things that Christian sects just can’t seem to get a handle on. Should we baptize babies or is it for believers only? Does sprinkling work or is immersion the only way? Is baptism just symbolic or does it actually save us? These are just a few of the questions that separate Christians and yet many apologists still claim that the Bible is clear about baptism. Here’s a quote from one Christian apologist:
“In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation is a faulty interpretation.”
And here’s another view from a different Christian apologist:
“Believing and being baptized to be saved, as Mark 16:16 says, does not nullify the grace of God, but it activates it… Baptism is a very serious matter. According to the Bible, baptism is for the purpose of salvation.”
These are just two examples out of a multitude of ideas about baptism. You’ll notice that each author is basing their interpretation from one passage of Scripture. By choosing which scripture is true, aren’t you saying that the other parts of the Bible are not correct? Or are you saying that man has not interpreted Scripture correctly – and who’s interpretation is correct?
I believe that it is man’s nature to try and figure out how everything works. But when it comes to God, who is an omni-God, can we really say why, when or who about anything He says or does? Life is a mystery. Nature is a beautiful mystery. Love is an exciting mystery. Can we not let it be – just a mystery?
I think that I will immerse myself in another cup, please.
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