Pet Peeve: Jordan River Baptism (cont.)
At worst, it could be seen as a sinful display of pride, a cheapening of the ordinance, or a misplaced faith in external rituals to accomplish something internal. For example, some people feel they need to be baptized again to mark a new iteration of their Christian maturity.
I’ve heard people compare baptism to renewing your wedding vows. But the Bible doesn’t tell us how to do wedding vows, so that practice is open to variations. The Bible does tell us how to do baptism. And an important part of the instruction is that it’s a one-off ordinance. It’s unlike communion, which Jesus tells us to celebrate repeatedly and regularly.
Occasionally, a church group visiting Israel with their pastor will include new believers who haven’t yet been baptized. Then the pastor baptizes them for the first time, with members of their church present as witnesses. This is a big step closer to the ideal.
But if those people were baptized at their local church? Then the whole congregation would be blessed and encouraged, rather than just those who could afford the time and money to go to Israel. What water you get immersed in isn’t important. No baptisms are “better” than others. Each believer’s baptism is equally significant.
Paul rebuked the idea that a baptism by an apostle was better. “I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.” (1 Corinthians 1:14-15)
I might sound like a curmudgeon, ranting about this pet peeve. I’m curious to hear your thoughts about Jordan River baptism. Please share comments below!
This article originally appeared here.
