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Denominational Baptism: Is It Valid?
Denominational Baptism: Is It Valid?
Scriptural Text: Acts 19: 1-5
Denomination means unity in diversity among religious groups; one of a series of related churches to make up a whole; the act of off-naming or un-appointing Christ from His position as Lord. Baptism is the complete immersion of an individual in water. By combining both terms together to create a phrase, which will be discussed in this article, we learn Denominational Baptism is the act of immersing someone in water based upon the teachings of a group of people who practice division by off naming and un-appointing Christ from divine Lordship; the act of being baptized according to the dictates and teachings of a denomination. Based upon what a denomination is, what it does, and what it stands for indicates ANY baptism a denomination administers is invalid and unaccepted by God.
If it can be proven denominationalism is wrong, then it ought to be clear the baptism administered by its teachings is wrong. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, the Bible reads, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them, which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” Christians are commanded not to have divisions among themselves. However, denominationalists practice division among themselves. This is what makes them a denomination. Already they are not adhering to God’s command of unity.
In the same verse, Christians are commanded to speak the same thing. This does not mean we become puppets of each other and practice being copy cats to everything a preacher preaches, but Peter makes it very clear what it means to speak the same thing in 1 Peter 4:11, where the Bible reads, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” As Christians, if we are going to speak, then we need to speak the oracles of God or in other words, we need to speak the words of God. God’s word is the Bible. Therefore, we need to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent. The Bible speaks against denominationalism because denominationalists do not speak the same thing. They speak as the oracles of their preachers, leaders, and creeds, and not as the oracles of God. So, we too are to speak against denominationalism. The Bible speaks nothing about denominational baptism. So, since the scriptures are silent on this subject, then God has nothing to do with it. As far as God is concerned, there is no such thing as Denominational Baptism. So, how can it be valid?
Christians are to be perfectly (completely) joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. The children of God are to be united in understanding, resolution, counsel, and consent. Denominations do not have the same understanding because if they did, they would be trying to restore unity and not promote division. Denominations do not have the same resolution because each denomination teaches a different methodology on how to get to heaven. They are not of the same counsel because if they were, they would follow the deliberate purpose and design of the Bible. They are not of the same consent because when it comes to God’s word, they cannot agree on anything. The only thing they can agree on is to disagree.
Jesus Christ did not die for something He is against, but rather Christ prayed we all be one (John 17:20-21). Denominationalism does not represent oneness. According to the dictates of the Bible and what they stand for, denominationalism is wrong and false to the core. Therefore, ANY baptism for ANY purpose is still predicated upon the foundation and teachings of this satanic ploy to drive individuals away from Christ. Hence, their baptisms are invalid.
Anyone would think this is enough on the subject, but the devil did not give up in Job 1 and 2. The devil did not give up in Matthew 4:1-11, and the devil has not given up on this particular subject. There are some brethren who believe with all their being denominationalism is wrong. They believe if a person is in a denomination, then that person is lost. They believe everybody practicing denominationalism should repent of this religious error and give their life to Christ. However, these same folk will affirm if a person is baptized and understands their baptism was for the remission of sins, then God has saved this person and added them to the church, thus making this person’s baptism valid. Some have even stated God promised remission (forgiveness) of sins to the person who is baptized. So, since God promised it, He has to give it to you. This is where the meat of our study will pick up.
Bible Baptism Puts One Into Christ. Denominational Baptism Does Not!
The anomaly that arises as a result of this reasoning is limiting baptism to a two-fold purpose, which is remission of sins and salvation. Although baptism accomplishes both, it does so much more. Baptism put us into Christ. To affirm denominational baptism remits a person’s sins and provides salvation, also affirms denominational baptism puts a person into Christ. In Galatians 3:26-27, the Bible reads, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” If a person claims to be in Christ, then they must be aware it was their baptism that put them in Him. If an individual does not believe their baptism put them into Christ, then their baptism is invalid.
If a person was baptized, then it was because of their faith. The Bible teaches in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith is based upon what a person hears. Faith only comes by the word of God. If a person’s “faith” prompted them to be baptized, then it prompted them into believing denominationalism or the doctrine of the denomination they identified with is right also. Since, the Bible does not teach denominationalism as being right before God, then the person who accepted it and practiced it based upon what they were taught and embraced it as a result of their baptism could not have been baptized by faith in the first place. If their baptism was not based upon faith, which only comes by hearing God’s word, then their baptism did not put them into Christ.
Salvation is only in Christ Jesus. In 2 Timothy 2:10, the Bible reads, “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” If salvation is only in Christ, baptism is the only thing that puts an individual into Christ, baptism has to be predicated upon faith, faith only comes by hearing the word of God, and denominationalism is not a result of faith because the Bible speaks out against it, then anybody and everybody baptized with a denominational baptism was not baptized into Christ, thus making denominational baptism invalid. Hence, ANY and ALL baptisms taught and administered by ANY and ALL denominations are invalid.
God Gives His Holy Spirit To Those Baptized With Bible Baptism And Not A Denominational Baptism!
When we are baptized, God gives us His Holy Spirit. In Acts 5:32, the Bible reads, “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” If we can find out what the Holy Spirit is suppose to do in the life of a Christian, then we will also know whether this person’s denominational baptism is valid or not. In 1 John 3:22-24, the Bible reads, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit, which he hath given us.” The Holy Spirit of God enables us to live a righteous life by keeping the commandments of God and by doing those things, which are pleasing to the eyesight of God. Denominationalism is not pleasing to God. If we practice denominationalism, then we are disobeying the commandments of God. So, this simply means the person baptized with a denominational baptism, who believes they are keeping a commandment by attending, identifying, practicing, and worshiping immediately with ANY and ALL denominations, has just received an invalid baptism for the Holy Spirit of God does not lead an individual into a denomination. Therefore, based upon this person’s baptism, they never received the Holy Ghost God promised to all them who obey Him. Although, they were baptized, they were not baptized according to the dictates of the Bible, for if they were, they would have received the Spirit of God, but they did not. Hence, if denominational baptism fails to accomplish the purpose of an individual to receive the Holy Spirit, then denominational baptism has also failed in its purpose to put an individual into Christ, to save a person’s soul, and to forgive them of their sins.
We Are Born Again By Way Of Bible Baptism. Denominational Baptism Does Not Accomplish This!
When a person is baptized, then they have been born again. You cannot be born again without baptism. If denominational baptism is valid, then the person baptized with it has been born again. If we can prove a person baptized with a denominational baptism has not been born again, then we have just proven denominational baptism is invalid. Jesus explains to all of humanity what it means to be born again. In John 3:3-5, the Bible reads, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” If a person wants to be born again, then they have to be born of the water and of the Spirit. Those advocating denominational baptism are placing emphasis only on the water and not on the Spirit. They understand what it means to be born of the water, but have failed in their understanding to know what it means to be born of the Spirit. This is the process in which one is born of the Spirit. First, this person must receive (that is to accept) Christ and His teachings to be true and not false (John 1:12). If an individual can accept this, then God gives this person the right, the ability, the power to become a child of His. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in and does His part in the born again process. The tool the Holy Spirit uses to accomplish this purpose is the word of God, which is His sword. In Ephesians 6:17, the Bible reads, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” No individual can obey God’s commands in regards to their salvation without knowing what “Thus saith the Lord.” The Spirit uses the word of God to instruct the lost soul what they must do to be saved and what salvation does for them. This all takes place by way of the word of God. In 1 Peter 1:22-23, the Bible reads, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” The Holy Spirit is very crucial to the process of being born again. When an individual has been born of the Spirit, they are not born again with a corruptible seed, but of an incorruptible seed. If an individual believes the denomination they “joined” is PART of the New Testament Church, then this person has been born of corruptible seed and their denominational baptism is invalid. If a person believes they have the right to “join” themselves to a denomination before and after baptism based upon what they have been taught by a denomination, then this person has been born of corruptible seed and their denominational baptism is invalid. If a person believes God has added them to the denomination they identify themselves with believing it is the church of the New Testament scriptures, then this person has been born of corruptible seed and their denominational baptism is invalid. For a person to believe it is okay to worship, accept, and identify with a denomination, then the Holy Spirit of God had nothing to do with this individual’s baptism because the Holy Spirit would not neglect to inform an individual by way of the word of God denominationalism is wrong and God only has but one church and He only adds the saved to His church. Since the Holy Spirit had nothing to do with denominational baptism, then although they might have obeyed the water part of the plan, their baptism is still invalid because it was based upon the teachings of a corruptible seed and not an incorruptible seed.
Bible Baptism Adds One To The Church Of Christ. Denominational Baptism Does Not!
When a person is baptized into Christ, then God adds them to the church. In Acts 2:47, the Bible reads, “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Those who believe denominational baptism is valid will not deny this point. They believe God adds this person to the church whether they believe the church exists, does not exists, or the denomination they are worshipping with is the church God adds them to. I must make it clear the church has many designations given to it in the scriptures. The church is the kingdom of God. In Matthew 16:18-19, the Bible reads, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” So, when God “added” this person baptized with a denominational baptism to the church, then He also “added” them to His kingdom because the church and the kingdom are the same thing, according to the advocates of this doctrine. However, this is untrue according to the context of John 3:5. The Bible teaches unless an individual is born of the water AND of the Spirit, he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God (the church). ALL individuals baptized with a denominational baptism may have been born of the water, but due to their resolve that denominationalism is right, they have not been born of the Spirit because this person has been baptized with a corruptible seed. According to Luke 8:11, the seed is the word of God and according to 1 Peter 1:22-23, the word of God is the incorruptible seed. Valid baptism is the result of an incorruptible seed, which is the word of God by way of the Spirit. Denominational baptism is a result of a corruptible seed. To even suggest denominational baptism is valid is to suggest the word of God is corrupt, but the word of God is not (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has already spoken! If a person is not born of the water AND of the Spirit, he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God. Since a person baptized with a denominational baptism was not born of the Spirit, then God has not added this person to His church because they are not allowed entranced into the kingdom. In Colossians 1:12-14, the Bible reads, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” When God adds an individual to His church: (1) He has delivered or rescued them from the power of darkness (sin and error) and (2) He has translated, transferred, or carried them away into the kingdom of His dear Son. I have been delivered and translated because I have been redeemed by way of the blood of Christ and my sins have been forgiven. Denominational baptism does not accomplish this purpose. Therefore, a person baptized with a denominational baptism has not been delivered from darkness, has not been translated into the kingdom, has not been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and has not had their sins forgiven, thus making denominational baptism invalid.
We Cannot Be Taught Wrong And Baptized Right!
The right baptism is predicated upon the right teachings. (The same word that produces a saving faith is the same word that instructs me to be baptized. The same word that instructs me to be baptized is the same word that teaches denominationalism to be wrong. The same word that teaches denominationalism to be wrong is the same word that teaches me about the New Testament church. This is a result of faith coming by hearing the word of God – Romans 10:17). The Bible further teaches in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Denominationalism is not pleasing to God. If denominationalism is not pleasing to God, then it’s baptism is not pleasing to God because it is not a result of faith and whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). In Acts 8:4, 5, and 12, we learn the absolute importance of what we must hear in order to be saved. We must understand baptism saves. In 1 Peter 3:21, the Bible reads, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Therefore, what we hear must instruct us of the fact baptism now saves us. In Acts 8:4, the Bible reads, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” If we can figure out what it means to preach the word, then we will have an understanding of what needs to be taught to the individual lost in their sins. In 2 Timothy 4:2, the Bible reads, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” When an individual preaches the word, then they must present the gospel when folks want to hear it and when folks don’t want to hear it. When an individual preaches the word, they must tell the world of their faults (sin). Denominationalism is sin. A denominational preacher is not going to convict you of the Biblical fact that what he practices is a sin before God. He is going to tell you this is a part of God’s plan for saving man. This is a lie! It is the teaching that leads a person to baptism in the first place. If I was baptized based upon a lie, then my baptism is invalid. Denominationalism is one of the biggest lies the devil has ever told. If my baptism is based upon the teachings of a denomination, then the baptism administered by the teachings of the denomination is invalid.
When an individual preaches the word, then they must forbid the world not to sin. When an individual rebukes, they are either telling the truth or defending the truth by exposing error. The preacher is charged to bring to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). It is the responsibility of the proclaimer of the gospel to make sure you understand what you are about to do and what is in store for you. The person baptized with a denominational baptism either prior to baptism did not believe denominationalism is wrong or believed denominationalism is right. This has to be the case or they would not have made the conscience decision to attend and identify with a denominational church and continue to adhere to their doctrine believing it is okay before God. When an individual preaches the word, then they must comfort the hearers with the good news of the gospel with all patience and instruction. The preacher cannot comfort the sinner with lies and deceit with instructions and conclusions not found in the Bible. This can only be done with the truth. The truth is denominationalism is wrong. The truth is denominational baptism is invalid. This is what it means to preach the word and this is what the Christians did in the first century.
In Acts 8:5, the Bible reads, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” When an individual preaches Christ, he is preaching the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Furthermore, when an individual preaches Christ, he is preaching confession and baptism. In Acts 8:35-37, the Bible reads, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” How did the eunuch know he needed to confess Christ and be baptized unless this is included in preaching Christ? In addition, when an individual preaches Christ, he is preaching about the name and authority of Christ and the things concerning the kingdom. In preaching the name of Christ, we know about Acts 4:12, where the Bible reads, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” If the name of Christ has been preached, then the hearer of the word knows a denominational name is not the name of Christ. They know it is inappropriate and there is no salvation in it. If an individual is baptized under a denominational baptism, then they believe this is not the case, thus making their baptism, which was a denominational baptism invalid. In preaching the authority of Christ, we know about Matthew 28:18, where the Bible reads, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth. The candidate for baptism must understand this. They must understand Jesus never authorized denominational baptism, but He authorized baptism (Matthew 28:19). We know God never authorized it because the Bible never talks about it. In preaching the things concerning the kingdom, we must understand the kingdom is not a place to come, but a place which exists (1 Corinthians 4: 20). It is currently in power. It is in power because the kingdom is the church. Denominationalism has nothing to do with the kingdom of God. If denominationalism has nothing to do with the kingdom of God, then its baptism has nothing to do with the kingdom of God. However, if a person believes, as a result of their denominational baptism, it is pleasing to God to identify with a denomination, then it is conclusive they do not believe the things concerning the kingdom of God. For if they did, then they would identify with those in the kingdom, the church, and not with those outside the kingdom. Therefore, denominational baptism is invalid.
John’s Baptism Versus Jesus’ Baptism
At the beginning of this article, Acts 19:1-5 was quoted for a purpose. The Bible reads, “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him, which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” When passing through the upper coasts to Ephesus, the apostle Paul found certain disciples. The Bible simply says they were disciples. It did not say they were disciples of Christ. Paul asked them a question. The question was, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” These disciples answered in the negative by saying, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” Based upon this answer, Paul asked them another question. He said, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” In other words, “Then what beliefs did you acknowledge at your baptism?” The disciples responded by saying, “Unto John’s baptism.” In other words, “What John the Baptist taught.” Paul explains to them what John’s baptism was. Paul says, “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him, which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” Paul explains what John’s baptism was, but what was the purpose? In Mark 1:4, we learn the purpose of John’s baptism. The Bible reads, “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” John baptized for the remission of sins! Now, God has made sure we do not miss this point for in Luke 3:2-3, the Bible reads, “Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Here it is again! We are told John’s baptism was for the remission of sins! These Ephesian disciples were baptized with John’s baptism, which was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Before we read Acts 19:5, let me tell you what it does not teach. It does not teach Paul stated since they understand they needed to be in Christ, they were to now identify themselves as disciples of Christ and not disciples of John. He did not say come worship with us, you don’t need to be re-baptized because God still accepts John’s baptism, if you were baptized for the remission of sins. Paul did not say now since you know the truth; just change your membership from John to Christ because your baptism is valid. Paul did not say what many of our brethren say today to try and justify denominational baptism. In Acts 19:5, the Bible reads, “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” There is a leaven among many of our churches teaching denominational baptism is valid if the baptism was for the remission of sins. Therefore, many of our churches refuse to baptize individuals if in their respected denomination they were baptized for this purpose. Here, we have just read where some of John’s disciples, who were baptized for the same purpose, had to be baptized by the authority of Christ. Why? It is because John’s baptism did not fulfill what Christ authorized His baptism to accomplish. This is not to say John’s baptism was an unauthorized baptism, but it is to say John’s baptism did not put an individual into Christ. No one was born again as a result of John’s baptism. No one was added to the church as a result of John’s baptism. No one under the Christian dispensation was allowed entrance into the kingdom of God as a result of John’s baptism. Most importantly no one under the Christian dispensation was saved as a result of John’s baptism. If John’s baptism did not accomplish the purposes set forth by Christ for one to become a Christian and John’s baptism was authorized by God, then how can someone have the brazen audacity to even teach denominational baptism is valid, when it was created by a false teaching, administered by a false teaching, lead one into a false teaching, does not accomplish all the purposes promised and authorized by Christ, and was not authorized by God in the first place? If John’s disciples after having received John’s baptism had to be baptized into Christ, then the Bible has made it abundantly clear EVERYONE BAPTIZED WITH A DENOMINATIONAL BAPTISM MUST BE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST IF THEY WANT TO BE PLEASING TO GOD! This must take place simply because denominational baptism is invalid.
We have proven denominationalism is a sin before God. It is wrong and false to the core. It is a sin in origin, name, and doctrine. It has been proven denominational baptism is invalid for the following reasons:
- Denominational Baptism does not put an individual into Christ.
- Denominational Baptism does not provide the Holy Spirit promised to all them who obey God.
- Denominational Baptism was not the product of an incorruptible seed, but a corruptible seed.
- Denominational Baptism does not add a person to the Lord’s church.
- Denominational Baptism is not predicated upon the right teachings.
- Denominational Baptism is not mentioned in the Bible. Therefore, God does not authorize it.
It appears some of our brethren are petrified, mortified, and stupefied by the devil and his denominational masses to submit to something that is not even close to the scriptures. They are filling up the churches of Christ with individuals who have not obeyed the gospel. They are causing countless thousands to fall victim in not adhering to 2 John 9-11 because they have failed to adhere to 2 Timothy 2:15 and Jude 3. We must not fall victim to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, where the Bible reads, “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” We are to hold fast to what God has said (Baptism of Christ) and not to what Satan has said (Denominational Baptism). Therefore, let us remain faithful to God’s word only, even if it means reputational and literal death.
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