Southern Baptist Polity In 1948

[pilgrim_99]

Here is perhaps another hard case. Several years ago, I witnessed a baptism in a Baptist church I visited in which part of the man's arm, perhaps 12 inches, give or take, did not appear to go under. I'm not sure if he or the pastor realized this. Probably not.

Is it thus invalid?

 

[Squire Robertsson]

This is a much easier case. There was no attempt to modify the procedure. Any problem was inadvertant on the part of the administrator and the candidate. This is turning into a rather rabbinical thread.

Here is perhaps another hard case. Several years ago, I witnessed a baptism in a Baptist church I visited in which part of the man's arm, perhaps 12 inches, give or take, did not appear to go under. I'm not sure if he or the pastor realized this. Probably not.

Is it thus invalid?

 

[Michael Wrenn]

Great. I think that's exactly what he's say. Glad you're on board.

No, Jesus would never say that; He was opposed to legalism and Pharisaism in His day, and somehow I don't believe He's changed.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

This case proves the dictum:

"Hard cases make for bad law."

As such, it should not be used for guidance. Another congregation would be well within its rights to not recognize it as a valid immersion of a believer.

Well within its rights, and out of its mind.

This is incredible!

 

[Squire Robertsson]

Brother Wren, to those of us who hold to an only full immersion constitutes a valid baptism, it's not incredible at all.

But, then what are the odds this sister will transfer her membership by letter or statement of faith and of baptism? So small as to be statistically zero. Therefore, another church won't have to make any decision on the matter.

What is baptism? It's an ordinance not a sacrament. It is a visible step of obedience. Baptism does not convey to the candidate any special spiritual beefit other than the knowledge the candidate is obeying the clear command of Our Lord. If this is the case, does our Lord expect a believer to be baptized who (for medical reasons) can not (with practicality) be fully immersed? I think not. I believe God holds us accountable for what (in His Providence) we can do. He does not hold us accountable for wht we are Providentially hindered from doing. At the end of the day, all the sister is unable to do without baptism is hold membership, in a local church. And unless the church she attends believes in closed communion, she can partake of the Lord's Table. A waiver for that is an easier and less controversial decision.

Well within its rights, and out of its mind.

This is incredible!