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Objections To Baptism (3)
John R. Gentry
We continue and conclude our series of articles discussing some of the more common objections raised to Bible baptism (for archives see website). When we read what the Bible says concerning baptism, we can understand (cf. Eph. 3.4). It is when we allow human traditions and opinions to enter our thinking that objections are raised. Let us continue our study.
“For” In Acts 2.38 Means “Because Of” Not “In Order That”
Peter proclaimed in Acts 2.38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins…” Some contend that Peter was not telling the Jews that they should be baptized in order that their sins might be forgiven, but because their sins had already been forgiven. This would be similar to saying that a person went to jail for murder, which would mean, of course, that he went to jail because of committing murder. However, the word “for” can also be used to mean “in order that.” For example, in Matt. 26.28 Jesus said, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” When Jesus’ blood was “poured out,” was it because “forgiveness of sins” had already taken place, or in order to bring about the “forgiveness of sins”?
The context of Acts 2.38 shows that the people’s sins had not yet been forgiven. They asked in verse 37, “What shall we do?” Clearly they were asking how to make their lives right with God after realizing they had killed and crucified the Christ. If their sins had already been forgiven, Peter would have said, “You don’t have to do anything because (or maybe he would have used the word “for”) your sins have already been forgiven.” If it were true that they had already had their sins forgiven and were saved, why did Peter continue to “exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation’”?
Additionally, we notice that Peter coupled repentance with baptism. Was he telling them that they should repent of their sins because their sins had already been forgiven or in order to bring about the forgiveness of those sins?
Conclusion
Obviously we cannot cover every objection in these brief articles. If you have any questions about any objection to Bible baptism, please contact me at anytime. We need to realize, however, that no matter how many objections can be raised against Bible baptism, the truth as taught in the Bible will never change: “Baptism now saves us” (1 Pet. 3.21).
originally published in the Banner-Gazette
2007.12.05