Truth Magazine

By Randy Blackaby

Fear is one of those dichotomies of scriptural teaching. We are told, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). But we also are told, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).

There are at least two kinds of fear. One is that feeling that extends from stark terror to reverence and can be either good or bad, depending upon the circumstances; and the other is better defined as cowardice, always condemned in the Scriptures.

The primary interest of the Christian, however, is in the command to “fear God.” There is a tendency among Christians to either misunderstand or minimize this command.

Why Should We Fear God?

Any student of the Bible recognizes the awesome power of God. He is the very creator of life, having formed man from the dust of the ground. Such power, when fully realized;.is cause for fear. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). God’s omniscience is compelling reason for fear as well. Imagine the power possessed by one who can read every inner thought of a man.

God’s righteousness, the fact He never errs in judgment, compared to our frequent errors, is yet another cause for fear. We often use the word “reverence” to describe this feeling, but its basis is in fear of anyone so superior.

Perhaps the most often cited cause for fearing God is the Bible teaching concerning His judgment. The writer of Hebrews, in describing the plight of those willfully sinning after receipt of the truth, says of the future: “But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and bath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, said the Lord …. It is a fearful thing to fall unto the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:27-31).

That each of us will be held individually accountable (2 Cor. 5:10-11) and that God is “no respecter of persons” (1 Peter 1:17) builds that fear in light of the impossibility of anyone escaping that answering to God. The punishment promised to the wicked is no slap on the wrist for Romans 6:25 says “the wages of sin is death.” God has created a place of punishment called hell, where “the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched” (Mk. 9:44). The very description of that burning place of torment sends an involuntary shudder through the believer. Beyond that, the bottom line of God’s punishment for sin is eternal separation from Him, a situation not even faced by the vilest sinner as he lives in this world today.

Judgment and punishment are sufficient causes for fear but the love of God likewise compels us to fear. Paul describes God’s love by saying, “He that spared not his own son, but delivered him for us all. . .” (Rom. 8:32). God’s own son was the sacrifice for our sins. Imagining a man, much less our creator, offering his only son for savage abuse and tortured death certainly commands reverential fear in the face of such love. On the other hand, to ignore that sacrifice and its purpose is justification for stark terror of His judgment as righteousness is vindicated.

What Fear Accomplishes In The Life Of A Christian

Fear of the Lord brings obedience. We have in Noah an example of this incentive nature of fear. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house. . .” (Heb. 11:7). God has always warned His people. He has threatened punishment and given the opportunity for fear to accomplish obedience in the hearts of those who believe Him.

Fear also serves to keep the obedient holy. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, the Apostle Paul put it this way: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Explained yet another way, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it” (Heb. 4:1).

Knowledge is a by-product of godly fear. The writer of the Psalms said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” and Proverbs 8:13 explains, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” Summed in these passages are the elements of true knowledge, philosophy and life goals.

Fear Exemplified In Father/Son Relationship

Often Christians find difficulty understanding how they should fear a loving God. Attempts are made to explain this relationship by substituting for the word “fear” the words “respect” and “reverence.” This, however, really is unnecessary for in our own relationships as parents to children we can see how fear operates in the heart of “a child of God.”

My sons fear my power. While short of stature, I still loom twice the size of any of them, am capable of delivering a spanking, lifting them off the ground and any number of other acts based on size and age that show the differential in physical strength. The difference in knowledge plays a role in this fear in the mind of a child as well.

Having felt the sting of a spanking, they fear what violation of certain rules can bring, especially when punishment is promised. This is a proper situation, as evidenced by Hebrews 12:5-9, which says, “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” The Scriptures very clearly make analogy between the fear and discipline an earthly father commands and exerts and that of our “heavenly Father.”

Even deeper often times than the fear of daddy’s spanking power is the simple fear of offending. Dad’s displeasure is often worse than the spanking. What parent hasn’t wrinkled his forehead in a frown of displeasure with a child’s act only to receive a tearburst before any discussion of punishment is voiced. We call that respect.

Love is involved in this latter aspect of a child’s fear of his parent. It is a desire to please and a fear to displease. Again, this sums up the duty of a child and the role of fear in shaping acceptable behavior. The person who doesn’t fear doesn’t love. This is evident in the current lack of respect (fear) of authority in our society. It reflects the absence of any fear of offending others, a basic component of love.

Godly fear is modified as we mature. The fear I once had of my father’s hand on my posterior is replaced today with a fear of displeasing him. My fear, or respect, or love, has matured. So it is with the maturing Christian. Initial obedience to the will of God often is response to the dread of eternal hell, the fear of punishment. As the Christian matures, however, obedience is based on a deeper concern than fear of punishment. It is based on a commitment to do nothing that would offend our Father in heaven, who created us, redeemed us and has prepared a place for us. Fear has become love.

That fear alone is not enough to save is evidenced in the fact that the “devils believe and tremble.” Yet fear when blended with love brings obedience and obedience salvation.

Conclusion

Fear is a motivator. Because of fear we don’t step in front of speeding cars, or jump from a top high building or place our hands in a fire. Our fear of pain and death constrains us. The Bible utilizes fear in the same mode, commanding us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” and threatening everlasting punishment to all those unwilling to obey the will of God.

We can fear the wrong things. Fear of men, their ridicule, of being an outsider or different, or even of being harmed or killed, is discouraged by the teaching of Scripture. Yet we are commanded to fear God. The latter fear, as it develops, chokes out the first fear. First century Christians were beaten, castigated, even fed to hungry lions but refused to renounce their loyalty to the God of heaven.

Fear and love often are spoken of as if they exist at opposite ends of a spectrum. In fact, neither exists without the other.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 4, pp. 118-119
February 17, 1983

By A. C. Grider

During the last several years, I have met Baptist preachers in public debate more than twenty-five times. I feel like I know about as much as anybody about the Baptist Church and its teachings. I have decided to set forth some of the things I consider to be wrong with this religious organization.

The Baptist Church Is Unknown To The Word Of God

The first thing that strikes me when writing concerning the Baptist Church is that the Bible knows nothing about it and says nothing about it. That’s right, the Bible doesn’t mention the Baptist Church. You cannot find, in the Bible, how to become a member of the Baptist Church. You have to go onward and abide not in the doctrine of Christ to find anything about the Baptist Church. You have to transgress the doctrine of Christ to find out how to become a member of the Baptist Church. That, of course, is the first thing wrong with it.

Jesus said, in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church…” Thus we have no trouble finding the New Testament church and the founder thereof in the Bible. But history (even Baptist History) records that the first Baptist Church of record was formed by John Smythe, who had been a clergyman in the Church of England, in 1607 (Benedict’s History of The Baptists, p. 304). The first Baptist Church in America was founded by Roger Williams at Providence, Rhode Island in 1639 A.D. We can see that the Baptist Church was founded by the wrong man to be the New Testament Church. And of course, since the New Testament Church was to be built in Jerusalem, (Isa. 2:2-4; Luke 24:46-49; Zech. 1:16; Acts 2), the Baptist Church was founded at the wrong place to be the New Testament Church. And since the first Baptist Church was founded in 1607 it was founded at the wrong time to be the New Testament church since it was founded in A.D. 33. How can a church founded by the wrong man at the wrong place and at the wrong time bear any resemblance to the New Testament Church? It cannot!

The Plan Of Salvation

Not only was the Baptist Church started by the wrong man at the wrong place and at the wrong time, but the plan of salvation espoused and propagated by the Baptist Church is also wrong. Actually, it would be difficult to put down the exact position of the Baptist Church on becoming a child of God. Some say one may be saved by praying. Others say one is saved by faith without further acts of obedience. Others say salvation is by grace alone. But all Baptists deny that salvation comes through obedience to Christ, which puts them in opposition to the Bible.

Hebrews 5:8-9 records that Christ, through His sufferings, became the author of salvation to all them that obey Him. This is plain enough to be understood by all. But further, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 records that those who do not obey the gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction. Thus, God has said He will save the obedient and will punish the disobedient.

Salvation is by faith and it cannot be denied. Many passages could be cited to substantiate that fact. John 3:16, Acts 10:43, Ephesians 2:8-9, and a host of other verses attest to salvation by faith. But the word “faith” is a comprehensive term many times when used in the Bible. The three passages cited are cases in point. The people on the Day of Pentecost heard the word preached, believed it, repented and were baptized. Yet they are described as people who believed (Acts 2:44; 4:32). The Philippian Jailor was told that he could be saved by believing. He heard the word and rendered obedience unto it, including being baptized the same hour of the night. Then he is described as a believer (Acts 16:30-34). So it took obedience to constitute the kind of believing that is indicated. The people at the house of Cornelius were told that they had to fear God and work righteousness to be accepted with God. Then they were told that they could have remission of sins through faith (belief) in God (Acts 10:43). Then they were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:47).

The Divine Order

In 1 Chronicles 13, 14, and 15 we have the incident of the moving of the ark of God from one place to another. The record says they carried the ark in a new cart. God had said many years earlier, that they should not touch any holy thing lest they die. When they came to a certain place, the oxen stumbled and the -ark was in danger of being thrown out of the cart; so Uzza put his hands on the ark. The anger of the Lord was kindled against him and He smote him that he died.

David was concerned about the matter and began to consider what caused the tragedy. He concluded that God had made the breach upon them because they “sought him not after the due order” (I Chron. 15:13). God was concerned that He be sought after the due order. When we look at the New Testament concerning baptism and salvation, we find that the due (divine) order is baptism then salvation every time they are mentioned together. I will reproduce the Scriptures that mention baptism and salvation (or its equivalent) together so we may see what the “divine order” really is:

Mark 1:4 – “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Baptism then remission.

Luke 3:3 – “And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Baptism then remission.

Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. But he that believeth not shall be damned.” Baptism then salvation.

Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Baptism then remission.

Acts 22:16 – “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Baptism then sins washed away.

1 Peter 3:21 – “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscious toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Baptism then salvation.

Thus the unmistakable divine order is baptism then salvation. But the Baptist Church comes along and decides that the divine order is wrong every time and that it should be salvation then baptism. Would God reverse the correct order every time it is mentioned in His word? The only conclusion to be drawn here is that the Baptist Church is wrong in its approach to this matter.

Why Should One Be Baptized In The Bible?

Jesus said teach and baptize the people (Matt. 28:19); Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16); baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38); baptism is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16); people justify God when they are baptized (Luke 7:29); people reject the counsel of God when they refuse to be baptized (Luke 7:30); to be baptized is to be born of water (John 3:5); to be baptized is to put on Christ (Gal. 3:27); to be baptized is to get into Christ (Rom. 6:3); baptism is a part of regeneration (Titus 3:5); baptism puts one into the one body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); God operates on one in baptism (Col. 2:12); baptism is a command (Acts 10:48); we are baptized so as to walk a new life (Rom. 6:4); and baptism is a part of believing in Christ (Acts 19:1-5).

Why, in the light of the foregoing would the Baptist Church come along and say baptism has nothing whatsoever to do with being saved? Why? Because the Baptist Church is wrong about the matter. We should be willing to take exactly what the Bible says about these matters if we expect to go to heaven when we die.

Look Further At A Deadly Contrast

Mark 16:16 God’s way: Believe – Baptize – Saved

Man’s way: Believe – Saved – Baptism

Acts 2:38 God’s way: Repent – Baptized – Remission

Man’s way: Repent – Remission – Baptism

Acts 22:16 God’s way: away sins

Man’s way: Baptized

Rom. 6:2-4 God’s way: Die to sin – Baptized – Arise to new life

Man’s way: Die to sin – Arise to new life – Baptized

Gal. 3:27 God’s way: As many as – Baptized – Put on Christ

Man’s way: As many as – Put on Christ Baptized

1 Cor. 12:13 God’s way: By one Spirit – Baptized Into one body

Man’s way: By one Spirit – Into one body – Baptized

Col. 2:12 God’s way: Dead – Baptized – Risen with Him

Man’s way: Dead – Risen with Christ Baptized

Matt. 28:19 God’s way: Teach – Baptize – Teach

Man’s way: Teach – Teach – Baptize

John 3:5 God’s way: Water – Spirit – Enter kingdom

Man’s way: Spirit – Enter kingdom Water (baptism)

Titus 3:5 God’s way: Saved us – Washing Renewing of Holy Ghost

Man’s way: Saved us – Renewing of Holy Ghost -Washing

Rom. 6:17-18 God’s way: In sins – Obeyed – Then free

Man’s way: In sins – Then free – Obeyed

Once again we can see that the Bible is wrong every time it mentions these matters, or the Baptist Church is wrong every time they mention them. So it becomes a matter of whom we shall believe. Wouldn’t it be good if people would be willing just to take what God’s Word says?

The Final Security Of The Believer

There is another thing on which the Baptist Church is wrong. They teach once in grace always in grace, or final security for the believer. On this subject the Baptist Church makes three fatal mistakes. They fail to recognize that we can nulify that by which we are saved; they fail to recognize that salvation is conditional; and they fail to recognize what a child-of God can do. Let us notice these three things:

Nullifying That By Which We Are Saved

We are saved by faith but some may depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1).

We are saved by grace but some may fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15).

We are saved by hope but some may be moved away from the hope (Col. 1:23).

We are saved by blood but some may count the blood unholy (Heb. 10:29).

We are saved by Lord but some may deny the Lord (2 Pet. 2:1).

We are saved by truth but some may err from the truth (Jas. 5:19).

We are saved by love but some may not keep in the love (Jude 21).

We are saved by gospel but some may believe it in vain (1 Cor. 15:1-2).

We are saved by promise but some may come short of it (Heb. 4:1).

We are saved by God but some may depart from God (Heb. 3:12).

We are saved by Spirit but some may do despite unto it (Heb. 10:29).

We are saved by enduring but some may not endure (Matt. 10:22).

It is easy to see that the love of God, the truth of God, the grace of God, the promise of God, and all the other things that enter into our salvation depend altogether upon what disposition we make of these blessings.

Salvation Is Conditional

We are saved if we keep in memory . . . (1 Cor. 15:2).

We are the Lord’s house if we hold fast (Heb. 3:6).

We are holy if we continue in the faith (Col. 1:23).

We are cleansed if we walk in the light (1 John 1:7).

We shall never fall if we do these things (2 Pet. 1:10).

We are disciples indeed if we continue in the word (John 8:31).

The Father will honor us if we serve Christ (John 12:26).

We shall reap if we faint not (Gal. 6:9).

It doesn’t take a Solomon to see that these blessings are based upon what we do about them. Meet the conditions and you can’t fail. Fail to meet them and you already have fallen!

Things A Child Of God Can Do

He can fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15).

He can be led away with error of the wicked (2 Pet. 3:17).

He can err from the truth (Jas. 5:19).

He can turn aside after Satan (1 Tim. 5:15).

He can fall from his steadfastness (2 Pet. 3:17).

He can perish if he is weak (1 Cor. 8:11).

He can forsake the right way (2 Pet. 2:14-15).

He can turn from the holy commandment (2 Pet. 2:21).

He can fall into condemnation (Jas. 5:12).

He can be a castaway (1 Cor. 9:27).

He can be cast forth as a branch and be burned (John 15:1-6).

He can become neither hot nor cold (Rev. 3:14-18).

He can be spoiled through deceit (Col. 2:8).

He can be moved away from the hope (Col. 1:23).

He can deny the Lord that bought him (2 Pet. 2:1).

He can do despite unto the Spirit if grace (Heb. 10:29).

He can depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12).

He can come short of the promise of God (Heb. 4:1).

He can believe the gospel in vain (1 Cor. 15:1-3).

He can count the blood of the covenant unholy (Heb. 10:29).

He can depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1).

He can fall after the same example of unbelief (Heb. 4:11).

If one should do all of these things would he still be saved? If he did part of these things would he be saved? If he did only one of these things would he still be saved?

Conclusion

The Baptist Church was started by the wrong person, at the wrong time, and at the wrong place to be the New Testament church. The Baptist Church teaches a plan of salvation unknown to the word of God. You can do everything in the New Testament and you still won’t be a Baptist. The Baptist Church does not seek God after the due (divine) order. They change the order every time. The Baptist Church rejects every word the Bible says about being baptized. The Baptist Church perverts every thing the New Testament says in the “Deadly Contrast” which I have drawn. The Baptist Church misinterprets and misapplies every word the Bible says in their teaching concerning the final security of the believer. The Baptist Church nullifies every thing the New Testament says about what we may do with the things by which we are saved. The Baptist Church fails to take into consideration that salvation is conditional and depends upon what we do about the matter. The Baptist Church ignores every thing the Bible says about what a child of God can do.

In short, the Baptist Church teaches you don’t do anything to be saved and then that you can’t do anything to be lost. They are wrong on both ends.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 4, pp. 114-116
February 17, 1983

By Lynn R. Wessel

The doctrine of Perseverance of Saints is familiarly identified with the Baptist church. While it is not accepted by Free-Will Baptists and perhaps some others, the teaching of “once in grace, always in grace” is characteristic to most Baptist churches. Some try to make a distinction between “perseverance” and “security,” but the end result is the same. The basic concept is that once an individual is in a saved state, it is impossible to sin so as to be eternally lost.

Historical Background

This doctrine is an inseparable part of the “package” of Calvinism. As one author stated, “For he (the Christian) can know that if he really has put his trust in Jesus as his Savior, then he can never slip away and be lost, whether because of his own sinful weakness and tendency to unbelief, or because of the wiles of the Devil. This . . . hangs or falls together with the other four points (of Calvinism) . . .”(1) This system of doctrine was named after John Calvin (1509-1563), a leader in the Reformation Movement. The five points which summarize Calvinism are: (1) Total Hereditary Depravity, (2) Unconditional Election, (3) Limited Atonement, (4) Irresistible Grace, and (5) Perseverance of Saints. As you see, the subject of this article is the fifth point in this system. In spite of their human origin and destructive effect upon faith in God’s word, these things are taught by many churches as a part of their denominational doctrine. The Baptist church is in this group.

Calvinism has had a strong influence on the Baptist church almost from its beginning. The earliest Baptist church (1607), and some to follow, were known as General Baptist churches. In 1633, under John Spilsbury, the first Particular Baptist church was formed in London with the primary difference being that Particulars held to the teaching of John Calvin. Since that time, Baptists have drawn up many Confessions of Faith with varying degrees of Calvinism. Among the more notable is the Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742) which is strongly Calvinistic in content. It had such a strong influence on the early Baptist movement in this country that one historian said it “. . . had been recognized as the standard of orthodoxy by most of the Associations . . .”(2) The influence of this and other Calvinist confessions of faith account for the “once saved, always saved” doctrine~of many Baptist churches.

Clarifying The Issue

An examination of this doctrine requires that we have the issue clearly before us. This can be done by first eliminating any dispute over the power of God. Missionary Baptist debater Oscar Hill said, “I’m affirming tonight that the child of God, one that has been saved by the blood of Jesus, that it is impossible for him to die and go to hell, because he is kept by the power of God . . .”(3) Such teaching implies that to deny absolute perseverance or security of saints is to impugn God’s keeping power. This is not the issue! There is no question about God’s ability to protect saints from temptations and adversities (John 10:27-29; Jude 24-25).

Rather, the issue concerns the power of man to choose and God’s reaction to the choice man makes. Can a Christian choose to sin and depart from God? If we exercise volition to leave Satan and turn to God, it stands to reason that we can choose to leave God and return to Satan. If not, when is our free moral agency taken away? If a Christian chooses to go back into sin and remains impenitent, will God react to usher him and his sin into heaven against his stubborn will? If so, the doctrine of perseverance stands; if not, it fails.

What The Bible Teaches

When we accept only what the Bible teaches, the Baptist’s unconditional perseverance falls. A child of God will persevere by faithfulness in making his “calling and election sure”; but, he can sin so as to fall away from the grace of God and be lost. Biblical evidence is in the following forms:

(1) Conditional promises. Promises pertaining to eternal life are conditioned upon “if’s.” Paul told the Colossians they would be saved “if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:22-23; cf. 2 Pet. 1:10-11). This implies the possibility of not continuing and falling away from the hope of the gospel.

(2) Warnings. The saved are warned, “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). At the close of Revelation, Jesus said, “If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city …” (22:19). The fact that a Christian’s part in the tree of life can be taken away and his name blotted out of the book of life shows he can be cast into Hell (Rev. 3:5; 20:15).

(3) Exhortations to restore. (Gal. 6:1; II Tim. 2:24-26). These have meaning only if erring Christians are in a dangerous condition. This is confirmed in James 5:19-20: “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.” When an erring saint is restored, a soul is saved from death! Such a one was “once saved,” but not “always.”

(4) Definitive statements. (a) John 15:1-6. If a branch (disciple) doesn’t bear fruit, “he is cast forth …and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (b) Romans 11:22. God’s goodness “grafted” the Gentiles into His family while His severity cut the unbelieving Jews off. Gentiles (along with believing Jews) must now continue in the goodness of God through an obedient faith or “otherwise thou also shall be cut off.” (c) Hebrews 6:4-6. A child of God can fall away by rejecting Christ and His atonement. As long as this is done, “It is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (cf Heb. 10:26-31). If these statements aren’t teaching that a child of God can be lost, what would have to be said?

(5) Actual cases. (a) Simon the Sorcerer, (Acts 8:13, 18-24). He “also” (as did the others) believed and was baptized; yet, he sinned and needed to repent and pray for forgiveness to avoid perishing. (b) Certain false teachers (2 Pet. 2:18-24). They had turned back from the holy commandment and their “entangled again” state was worse than their former lost state. The “true proverb” explains how “it has happened unto them.” (c) The Galatians (Gal. 1:6; 5:2-4). Some of the Galatians were removing themselves from God by going to the law of Moses for salvation. Paul informed them, “Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace” (5:4). How much more definite could the Word of God be than to illustrate the truth with actual cases of those “once saved” falling into the snare of the devil (2 Tim. 2:26)?

Conclusion

The truth is revealed with undeniable clarity. We either have to accept the Baptist doctrine of perseverance of saints with its roots in Calvinism or accept the Bible. We can’t have both! May we all humbly accept only what the Bible teaches.

Endnotes

1. Edwin H. Palmer, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 59, as quoted from Calvinism In The Light Of God’s Word, by C.A. Feenstra, p. 10.

2. A.H. Newman, A History Of The Baptist Churches In The United States, p. 490.

3. Ramsey – Hill Debate, p. 55, published by Star Bible and Tract Corporation.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 4, pp. 112-113
February 17, 1983

By Harry L. Lewis

The general subject of baptism has troubled the waters called Christianity for many hundreds of years. It has not been a dead issue in any decade since our Savior walked the hills of Palestine.

Areas of Agreement

The Baptist people have nearly spoken with one voice on one who is the subject of baptism. Almost without exception, scholars of the Baptist persuasion have said that only those who had a personal faith could properly receive the ordinance. Believer’s baptism has been the very mainstay of conservative Baptist doctrine for these past three hundred plus years. These people are to be commended for their zeal in holding to this portion of truth against the infant baptizers who have been sweeping the land. The Baptist teachers and preachers have been strong and true to the Book on this point.

The action of baptism has also been gallantly and zealously propounded and protected by those who call themselves Baptists. While great numbers of men and women in other denominations were accepting the sophistry of those who sprinkle and pour, instead of immerse, the Baptists were holding high the banner of truth. They stood firm on a “thus saith the Lord” on immersion in place of the innovations. Such passages as Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4 and Acts 8:35-39 have been made household words among Baptists and their friends because these passages set forth in words the very picture of immersion. Men and women of this religious movement are to be commended when they stand for the Book of God on any subject, but especially on this one. The reason this subject stands out is because men have had to pay with their life for teaching it. Men have had to suffer the loss of nation and property for its truths.

Area of Disagreement

I am reminded of Galatians 3:1 where Paul referred to the Galatians as foolish because they had stopped listening to God’s word, and begun to listen to the doctrine of men (Matt. 15:9). On the “subject” of baptism the Baptist people have been traditionally right! On the “action” of baptism they have been right on target, but on the cause, need or reason for baptism they could not have been less foolish than the Galatians! Their practice could not be more vain! Their doctrine on this originates in the heart of men. This doctrine must be laid at the feet of those preachers and teachers among the Baptists who reverence the words of their own historical past more than the words of the Book!

Baptist preachers have taught their people to cry “water salvation” when they hear the Bible doctrine of baptism taught. These preachers know, if they would just listen to what we are saying, that we know that Jesus is the only Savior. The question is not one of who saves the sinner from past sins, but the conditions upon which the salvation takes place. The Bible teaches that baptism is one of those conditions, but the Baptists say it is not. Let us enter into a study of the Baptist doctrine of baptism, and see if we can understand why the division exists between us.

The Origin Of Baptist Baptism

The origin of this doctrine is rather difficult to pin down. One group will make their whole case on a line of decent through individual men who taught (?) baptism, while others insist that the connection is through a long line of churches. Most of the reasoning done by Baptists on church decent have included the idea of doctrinal decent as well. The fact is obvious that the doctrine of the Baptist people cannot precede the people themselves. The history of churches known as Baptist churches is recognized to have begun in the seventeenth century even by Baptist historians. This fact is clearly shown in another article in this issue. When this is clearly understood, the conclusion should be obvious that if the Baptist church did not exist in the first century neither did the Baptist doctrine on baptism. We find many statements alluding to doctrine in the New Testament. There was Jesus’ doctrine (2 John 9-Il). Also we find the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). There is even a reference to the doctrine of devils (I Tim. 4:1-4). However, we find not one reference to the doctrine of Baptists or Baptist doctrine. The reason is very simple. Their doctrines did not originate on the pages of the Bible.

Where Did Baptist Doctrine Come From?

Let us look at page 22 of The Standard Manual For Baptist Churches by Edward T. Hiscox. “It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but `one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,’ and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, ‘baptism was the door into the church.’ Now it is different: (emp. mine, hll) and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons.”

Now it is different! Who made if different? Making it different is warned against in Rev. 22:18-19; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 9-11; etc. If it is different now than it was in the first century, those who changed it must be held responsible for violating what is taught in these passages. The day it became different to Baptists was the day Baptist doctrine began! Now that we can see the origin of Baptist doctrine of this subject, let us learn something about the nature of the doctrine itself.

1. Baptist doctrine on baptism is confusing. “No man can preach the Baptist doctrine of baptism without contradicting both the Bible, other Baptists and himself. I know of no better way for a man to be convinced of that fact than to read Dr. Albert Garner’s tract on Campbellism and W. Curtis Porter’s reply called Dissolving a Few Baptist Aspirins. One of the confusing things about their doctrine has already been alluded to in Hiscox’s manual. These people refuse to see how confusing it is when they claim to follow the Bible only, and admit that the Bible taught baptism as the entrance condition to the church, then turn around and say “Now it is different.”

Another confusing and contradictory thing Baptist’s teach about baptism is that it is not essential and that it is essential. They say that folks are saved by faith alone, before and without baptism. Baptism then, according to them, is not essential to being saved, but it is essential to obedience. The same manual says, (p. 20 article #8), “Baptism is not essential to salvation, for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of “baptismal regeneration”; but it is essential to obedience, since Christ has commanded it. It is also essential to a public confession of Christ before the world, and to membership in the church which is his body.” It is a shame that the simple doctrine of baptism has been made so confusing and contradictory that the beauty and truth of it is lost. No wonder Paul said he feared that some would be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3). The only sense in which Baptists teach that baptism is necessary is that it is essential to a list of things that themselves are not essential. Essential to non essentials, that is the nature of Baptist doctrine on baptism.

2. The effects of Baptist doctrine on baptism are far more far reaching and devastating than may be noted at first glance. There is an evil effect produced by any false doctrine which is contrary to the good produced by truth. There are several effects produced by Baptist doctrine in general, and their doctrine on baptism in particular, which I would like for us to consider.

a. It encourages men to put their trust in men and not the inspired word of God (1 Cor. 2:1-4). When Mr. Hiscox says “Now it is different” that opens the door for others to react the same way about other things the Bible teaches. This attitude toward the Bible breeds more changes and more disrespect for what it says. This doctrine on baptism determines what a faithful Baptist teaches, feels, and does in relation to confessing, and being a part of the church. If baptism is non-essential to salvation, but is essential to confession and church membership, then confession and church membership are not essential to salvation (cf. Acts 20:28; 2:47; Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32).

b. Baptist doctrine on baptism encourages people not to obey the gospel. By the very nature of this doctrine, obedience is rendered useless or even wrong. If baptism is a work of man as they say it is, and use Ephesians 2:9 to prove it, then no person who trusts Baptist doctrine can also trust what the Bible says about baptism. In Romans 1:16 Paul said the gospel is God’s power to save. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 we are told by the writer that those who obey not the gospel will reap the vengeance of God. Along comes a Baptist and says obedience is a non-essential. This doctrine will prevent people from going to heaven (Heb. 5:8-9; cf. Mark 16:16).

c. This doctrine taught by our Baptist friends encourages people to remain in their sins. Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Ananias came from Christ to teach Saul what he must do. He told Saul to “arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Along come the Baptist preachers and say “You do not have to obey one thing.” Or they might say “Baptism is essential and not essential, it is and it isn’t, you do and you don’t.” These people may very well have told Saul, “now it is different. ” Jesus said “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” The Baptist says, “He that believeth and is baptized (for the remission of sins, to wash away his sins) is damned!” According to this doctrine, if you believe baptism is an essential in bringing forgiveness of sins, it condemns instead of saves. Who can believe it, and still believe the Bible?

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 4, pp. 14-16
February 17, 1983