When I woke up yesterday I ran through my typical morning routine: lay in bed, pray, figure out what time it is, check Facebook. To he honest, I had slept in until 11:30 (which is cool when your church doesn't start until 1). So when I opened up Facebook I got to see all the mid-church tweets. Normally these are verses or just sermon application thoughts.
But yesterday I think I was literally sickened.
This past month New Life Church has held a series called "I Have Decided". And to top the whole series there was a weekend of "spontaneous baptism.". Now I wasn't there; I can't say how it was handled. What I can speak on is what I read/heard. And these were enough for me to at least make remarks.
Before I begin, I'll come right out with how I feel about NLC:good heart poor doctrine. And I know there are a lot of people who want to say that doctrine is minimal and we should focus on reaching people. The problem is that what we say once we reach them is doctrine. Every one has a theology, the question is does it line up with Scripture. And even Paul says we should seek true doctrine (Eph 4:14) so yes doctrine matters. Most of what I've seen from people who attend New Life is "temple worship". By that I mean the focus is on how great New Life is and hardly about Christ. If your focus is more on how great your church is -if that on Dave Ward or in a trailer park- that's idolatry, big time. Just saying statements like "chain me down" are semi worship of your church.
So as I'm reading things like "baptism is a life change" and "I'm being re-baptized to rededicate my life" I hit the floor. Not because baptism is bad (I think it's a beautiful picture of the Gospel). But the abuse of baptism is a big deal.
Why were people re-baptized?
Let's come back to that actually. I've got some things to set up.
Baptism is not regeneration nor does it cause regeneration. (I know these are big "seminary" words so I'll bring it down). The act of baptism is not what gives life to dead dry bones. Outside of Christ we are "dead in sins" (Eph 2:1-3) and so can't come to Christ on our own. (Rom 8:7-8). We need someone to come and give us a new heart that an respond to God. This is what is called regeneration. It is an instant uncaused life change. It brings about good works And obedience to God.
This comes apart from human freedom and before faith. It is the cause of faith. Faith is placing Christ's work on the cross as your only means of redemption. It is not praying a prayer or raising your hand. The Sinners Prayer has never saved anyone.
So baptism is a public declaration that Christ has become our highest joy. So back to the original question:
Why were people re-baptized?
Were they not following Christ? Was he not their chief joy? Were they ever saved?
See here lies my problem: Teaching people that a prayer or a decision is all it takes, teaching them to "love God and love people and it's all ok" kills them spiritually. Because these same people are walking into baptismal water straight into flames because they've only changed behavior not heart.
So what saved you, Christ or water? The Gospel or New Life?
What is the basis of your salvation? That you prayed a prayer and were dunked? That you read your bible and sing Christian songs?
Or had Christ become your highest joy? Because of that didn't happen for those who were baptized this week
You got wet
