The Case for Dual Baptism – Part 2

Last updated on: August 18, 2011 at 7:30 am by Michael F. Bird

The Case for Dual Baptism – Part 2 2011-08-18T07:30:44-04:00 Michael F. Bird

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Returning to our case for “dual baptism”, I conclude with the following. When Paul said that there was “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph 4:5), which baptism he had in mind? Did he mean believer’s baptism or infant baptism? Truth be told, I think he simply meant Christian baptism. The baptism that is performed in obedience to Christ’s command, in the name of the triune God, and which initiates the recipient into the church of Jesus Christ. Let me tease that out for you a bit more.

Debates about baptism are not going to go away. The outstanding issue is how we in the evangelical churches, who hold different views on this matter, intend to get along with each other. One strategy could be to simply acknowledge that baptism is a second order issue, to engage in polite banter on the issue here and there, but get on with the business of being Baptists, Anglicans, or Presbyterians each in our own setting. We might politely demur from recognizing each other’s baptismal theology, but still treat one another in a gracious fashion at conferences, seminaries, or in para-church organizations. Still, I have a bold proposal for you. If we base our doctrine of baptism not on the doctrine of the church (credobaptism), nor on the doctrine of the covenant (paedobaptism), but on the doctrine of the gospel, then perhaps we can reach a point of “equivalent alternatives” regarding baptism.[1] On such a view we are compelled to recognize any baptism that is tied to the message of the gospel and a gospel-proclaiming community. Take heed as to how Paul in 1 Cor 1:14-17 prioritizes his gospel ministry over his baptizing activities, all in the context of addressing church divisions drawn partly over baptism! If a similar priority invades our divisions what might the outcome be? Well, perhaps we will be compelled to provide a generous recognition of the genuine “Christianness” of any baptism administered in the name of the triune God, in obedience Christ, which showcases the gospel, even if we disagree as to its mode and occasion. We are not baptized into a denomination, we are baptized into Christ. Thus, we receive all other believers as fellow baptized Christians, believing that baptism is a bond that unites us together as we are all baptized into the Lord Jesus and we are all baptized by one Spirit.

[1] Lane, “Dual-Baptism”, 164.

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