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Baptism by Immersion

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Are we immersed in water when we take a shower or only when we take a bath?
Only when we take a bath (and are completely covered). A shower sprays water (we are showered with water).

If you dip a pitcher into the water to pour over another's head then the pitcher is immersed in water.

Immerse means to completely cover with a liquid.


Same if you walk in the rain. You do get wet, but you are not actually immersed in water. If you jump off a bridge into a lake then you will be immersed in water.


Cooking is probably a better example. If you immerse a piece of meat the meat is completely covered in liquid. You could baste the meat, but this is pouring water over the meat.
 
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MrW

Well-Known Member
The water isn’t supposed to be immersed—it’s not getting baptized—the believer is.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Why are we arguing about the meaning of words. We all have dictionaries. We are all adults who attended at least some school. We all know that immerse means to submerge in liquid....or involve oneself deeply in a topic or activity.

Let's get back on topic. (Not that this isn't fun, but I think we all know that sprinkling and pouring is not immersion).
 

taisto

Well-Known Member
Would baptism by immersion in a vat of coca cola be allowed? Or, must it be water? Will chlorinated water be allowed? How about salt water?
Would immersion of a pinky finger but not the whole body be acceptable or must the entire body be immersed?

I await the legalists to inform on this matter. :Thumbsdown:Whistling
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Would baptism by immersion in a vat of coca cola be allowed? Or, must it be water? Will chlorinated water be allowed? How about salt water?
Would immersion of a pinky finger but not the whole body be acceptable or must the entire body be immersed?

I await the legalists to inform on this matter. :Thumbsdown:Whistling
This was a question (not other than water but what type of water). Some believed it had to be moving water as opposed to standing water.

The whole body has to be immersed for one to have been immersed (immersion means submerged....you are not just your feet).


Why this line of questioning?

Even ancient Judaism practiced water baptism....and pouring of water.....and sprinkling of blood.


It isn't a matter of legalism. Words have meanings.

For example, repent and believe does not mean feel sorry and believe. To point that out is not legalism. Repent simply doesn't mean to feel sorry.


It appears you insist that baptism is not important as long as whatever replaces baptism carries the same meaning. You may be right.

But you would do better to argue for replacing baptism but retaining the symbolism. That is, in fact, what you are arguing around. And that is a fair argument.
 

taisto

Well-Known Member
This was a question (not other than water but what type of water). Some believed it had to be moving water as opposed to standing water.

The whole body has to be immersed for one to have been immersed (immersion means submerged....you are not just your feet).


Why this line of questioning?

Even ancient Judaism practiced water baptism....and pouring of water.....and sprinkling of blood.


It isn't a matter of legalism. Words have meanings.

For example, repent and believe does not mean feel sorry and believe. To point that out is not legalism. Repent simply doesn't mean to feel sorry.


It appears you insist that baptism is not important as long as whatever replaces baptism carries the same meaning. You may be right.

But you would do better to argue for replacing baptism but retaining the symbolism. That is, in fact, what you are arguing around. And that is a fair argument.
My argument is so that we Baptists will be willing to accept our Christian brothers and sisters who are not Baptists in their mode of baptism. Since God does not prescribe the mode, I argue that we welcome all who have been legitimately redeemed by Christ our King.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
My argument is so that we Baptists will be willing to accept our Christian brothers and sisters who are not Baptists in their mode of baptism. Since God does not prescribe the mode, I argue that we welcome all who have been legitimately redeemed by Christ our King.
But that raises more questions.

Baptists do not reject Christian brothers because of a mode of baptism (Baptists do not believe baptism saves).

What you are speaking of, if legitimate, is Baptists accepting those who have not been baptized (immersed) as members of their church.

BUT as Baptists we do not prescribe this on other Baptist congregations.

Some Baptist churches require classes to become a member. Some accept those who have not been baptized (immersed) as long as they were dipped or sprinkled as believers. Some require baptism by a Baptist church.

When we start trying to make other Baptist churches confirm to our membership standards we cease being Baptist.


What I think is a strength in your argument is exactly what it means to be Baptist. Many think it is immersion. But it isn't (it's as a believer).

Even Primitive Baptists and Landmark Baptists consider Baptist churches that poured water over believers as like churches (see the "Trail of Blood"). Baptists have not always, historically, practiced immersion.
 

tyndale1946

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
If memory serves Primitive Baptists practice closed communion.

We don't close it to other Primitive Baptist who are of the same faith and order, in good standing but you're right it is closed to others... Brother Glen:)
 

MrW

Well-Known Member
We don't close it to other Primitive Baptist who are of the same faith and order, in good standing but you're right it is closed to others... Brother Glen:)

How do you tell if they are "of the same faith and order"? Ask them? Surely no one would lie.
Would the local church be punished for allowing them to participate?
Or would the participant be punished (by God) for taking communion unworthily?
 
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