CPR – Baptism
In this episode, Pastors Neal Radichel and Nathanael Mayhew discuss the topic of Baptism. They cover many topics related to the form and function of baptism from Scripture. First, God reveals clearly that Baptism is not a work of human beings, but rather the work of God (Titus 3:5-8). God is at work through water and His Word to wash away our sins. They talk about “Believer’s Baptism” the “Age of Accountability” and “Infant Baptism.” Children are sinful and have Original or Inherited Sin and are in need of the cleansing which God offers through baptism (Psalm 51:5; Acts 2:39). Scripture also reveals that children can believe (Matthew 18:6). God’s work of faith is a miracle of His Grace, and it is no less a miracle in a child than in an adult. Baptism, because it is an act of God and not depending on us, is a one-time act. There is no need to be rebaptized again and again because you have fallen into sin. There is also a connection between Circumcision in the Old Testament and Baptism in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11-12) which point to the foundation for infant baptism. Regarding the form of baptism they show that the idea of immersion in baptism is forced on the Biblical accounts of Matthew 3 and Acts 8 in particular. The Greed word “Baptizo” means to “wash” and does not neccesitate washing by immersion. What a blessing God has given to sinners through Baptism!