Quotes on Mark 16:16; Baptism, Salvation

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  -Mark 16:16 NKJV

Mark 16:16 is probably the second favorite verse of those who believe baptism is a part of salvation.  But while the verse at first glance seems to say you must be baptized to be saved, a closer look dispels the problem. 

And, remember the many, many verses that teach believing in Jesus is what saves (John 3:15-18; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 20:31; Acts 2:21; Acts 10:43; and many more). 

The following quotes easily explain Mark 16:16. 

H. A. Ironside

On Mark 16:16, “Those who received the message in faith were to witness to it by being baptized, thus declaring themselves openly as His disciples.  There was no saving virtue in the ordinance itself, but it was the expression of subjection to Christ.  Those who refused to believe would be judged (see R. V.).  Note that He did not say, He that is not baptized shall be judged.”  -H. A. Ironside, Mark, Loizeaux Brothers; 1948, 1973. 

Bob L. Ross

“You will notice that while Mark 16:16 speaks of one who believes and is baptized and of one who believes not, it does not have anything to say about the person who believes but has not as yet been baptized.  There is an intermediate period between faith in Christ and baptism.  Mark 16:16 does not mention this period; it has nothing to say about he that believes but has not yet ben immersed.  Can we find the answer as to the condition of such a person?  Yes, we read in John 3:18: ‘He that believeth on him (Christ) is not condemned.’”  -Bob L. Ross, Campbellism, Pilgrim Publications, Pasadena, TX; 1962, 1981. 

Warren W. Wiersbe

“A superficial reading of Mark 16:15-16 would suggest that sinners must be baptized to be saved, but this misinterpretation disappears when you note that the emphasis is on believing.  If a person does not believe, he is condemned, even if he has been baptized (see John 3:16-18, 36).  It was expected in the early church that believers would be baptized (Acts 2:41; 10:44-48).”  -Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, David C. Cook; 2003, 2007. 

John R. Rice

“Christians are supposed to be baptized as soon as possible after they are saved.  In Bible times they were usually baptized the same day, oftentimes the same hour of their conversion, even if it were midnight, as in the case of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:33.  In fact, baptism is a public profession of faith.  One can see baptism; one cannot see faith in the heart.  It is natural to think of baptism following salvation, and Jesus said that those who believed and were baptized should be saved.  He did not mean to contradict the rest of the Bible, though, as you will see from the following words in the same verse; for He added, ‘But he that believeth not shall be damned.’  That makes it clear that the matter which settles it is believing, just the same as is taught in John 3:18:

‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’

The above verse, John 3:18, settles it that the man who believes in Christ is not condemned, whether or not he has been baptized.  It also settles it that a man is condemned ‘because he hath not believed.’  Salvation is settled by belief in Christ, and only by that.”  -John R. Rice, Bible Baptism, Sword of the Lord; 1943, 1971.  Rice (AD 1895-1980) was an independent Baptist preacher, evangelist, author, and founding editor of the Sword of the Lord. 

B. H. Carroll

On Baptism:  “The church authorizes; the subject must be a disciple, and the act is immersion. The purpose is to make a public declaration, or confession, of faith in Jesus Christ, to symbolize the cleansing from sin, a memorial of Christ's resurrection, and a pledge of the disciple.”  -B. H. Carroll, An Interpretation of the English Bible. 

“‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved’; that is true. He that endures to the end and is baptized shall be saved; that is true also. But when the negative is stated, it does not say, ‘He that believeth not and is not baptized shall not be saved, or shall be condemned.’ When you put it negatively it has no reference to baptism. It does not say, ‘He that is not baptized shall not be saved.’ It does not make any difference how many things one may put in – believe, be baptized, keep the law, go to church – with salvation, it does not affect salvation. If the first one was to secure salvation, it will be true if you put all of them in. That will not take away from the truth. He that believeth hath everlasting life; he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Some would make it read: ‘He that believeth and is baptized and goes to church every Sunday, etc., etc. etc., hath everlasting life.’ You can put in as many as you please and they all follow from the first one. But to put it negatively, you could not say, ‘He that does not go to church every Sunday will be lost.’ And in negation it does not say, ‘He that believeth not and is not baptized’ – it stops at the believer.”  -B. H. Carroll, An Interpretation of the English Bible, Broadman Press; 1938.  Carroll (AD 1843-1914) was a pastor, author, and founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. 

J. B. Jeter

“There is perfect accordance between this promise [Mark 16:16] and the plain, literal declaration of Jesus, that ‘He that believeth on the Son is not condemned.’  Certainly, if he that believes on the Son is not condemned, he who not only believes in the Son, but, in submission to his authority, is baptized, is not condemned.”  -J. B. Jeter, Campbellism Examined, Sheldon, Lamport, & Blakeman; 1855.  Jeter (AD 1802-1880) was a Baptist Pastor, author, and editor of the Religious Herald, Virginia. 

Jerry Vines

“The main thought in that verse [Mark 16:16] is not baptism.  Jesus was not teaching that you have to be baptized to be saved.  The crucial word is believe.  Baptism does not confer salvation; it confirms it.  Baptism is an outward act that demonstrates an inward experience.  Jesus did not say, ‘He that believeth not and is not baptized shall be condemned.’  It is he that believeth not who is condemned; that is, he shall be under judgment.”  -Jerry Vines, Exploring the Gospels: Mark, Loizeaux Brothers; 1990. 

Robert L. Sumner

“Mark 16:16 says ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved’!  Exactly!  But it does not say, ‘He that believeth and is baptized THEN shall be saved!’  This verse most certainly does not say that a man is not saved until he is baptized with water. 

Perhaps by giving a parallel sentence I can make clear the fact that ‘shall be saved’ does not depend upon ‘and is baptized.’ 

For example, take this sentence: ‘He that boards the bus and is seated will arrive at Los Angeles.’  Obviously, the man who gets on a bus bound for Los Angeles will arrive in that city, regardless of whether or not he is seated.  No doubt he would sit down if a seat were available – it would be so much more comfortable riding that long distance to do so – but even if he remained standing all the way, he would arrive in Los Angeles IF HE GOT ON THE BUS!  In exactly the same way, a man who gets on the salvation vehicle – the man who believes  - will get to Heaven whether he sits down or not, whether he is baptized or not. 

Now, wait a minute!  If he doesn’t sit down he’s going to be mighty uncomfortable!  If he disobeys one of God’s commands – baptism or any other – the Lord will chasten and divine blessing will be withheld from his life.  BUT THAT WILL NOT EFFECT HIS ARRIVAL IN THE GRAND CENTRAL STATION OF HEAVEN IF BY FAITH HE GETS ON BOARD THE GOSPEL EXPRESS!  So I say unto you, ‘Get on board, get on board!’  Then, after you are on the bus, sit down!  Enjoy the blessings of the Lord in their fullest measure!  But the thing that damns is not failing to sit down, it is failing to get on board.  ‘He that believeth not shall be damned’ (Mark 16:16).”  -Robert L. Sumner, Does the Bible Teach That Water Baptism Is a Necessary Requirement for Salvation?, Biblical Evangelism Press; 1970.  Also in Biblical Essays, Biblical Evangelism; 2013, by Sumner. 

Be sure to check out other articles here on salvation and baptism.

Note:  Mark 16:9-20 involves a Textual issue.  See footnote in NKJV.  But we will save that issue for another day. 

-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, September 2, AD 2019. 

Articles:

What the Bible Teaches About Baptism

Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation

James 2; Faith Without Works is Dead

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

The Christian Work Ethic

Wine for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Inspiration of the Bible

There are a number of different views of the inspiration of the Bible.  In simple language, some of them are:

1.  Dictation

2.  Verbal, Plenary

3.  Dynamic

4.  Classical

Let me explain. 

1.  Dictation.  Sometimes called Mechanical Dictation.  God dictated His message, word for word, to the human authors.  Much like a boss would dictate a letter to a secretary. 

God definitely used this method on some occasions.  For example, when He directly told a prophet what to say (Exodus 34:27; Isaiah 38:4-5; etc.).  But I do not believe He used this method throughout the Bible. 

2.  Verbal, Plenary.  Verbal means word for word.  In other words, every word of the Bible is inspired by God.  Plenary means all.  Not just some words, but every word in all 66 books of the Bible are God’s inspired words.  This view is sometimes shortened to just, Verbal Inspiration. 

This view does not mean, as some falsely charge, that the entire Bible is mechanically dictated (that God simply dictated His words to the human writers).  Rather, God worked through the human writers and used their personalities.  The final product was truly the words of the human author, as well as the words of God.  And, the final product was word for word, the inspired, unerring word of God. 

If you believe in Verbal, Plenary Inspiration, you believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

3.  Dynamic Inspiration.  The thoughts of the Bible are inspired by God.  But, it is not necessarily inspired word for word.  Like those who hold to Verbal Inspiration, they believe God worked through the personalities of the human writers. 

Those who hold to Verbal Inspiration sometimes counter, we don’t think in thoughts, but in words.  We don’t communicate in thoughts, but in words. 

Those who believe Dynamic Inspiration may, or may not, believe in the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

4.  Classical Inspiration.  The Bible is divinely inspired, just as other great works of literature and art are inspired. 

This is a theologically liberal or progressive view.  This view would hold that therefore, there are obviously human errors, as well as divine splendor, in the Bible.  They also get to pick and choose what is truth and what is error.  Instead of God’s Word judging them, they make themselves judges of Scripture. 

The Classical Inspiration view clearly does not hold to the Inerrancy of the Bible. 

It should be pointed out the first three views can be held by those who believe in Inerrancy.  Some also point out the important thing is not a theory of inspiration, but belief in the inerrancy of the Bible.  I certainly agree that inerrancy is crucial to correct biblical doctrine. 

I believe in the Verbal, Plenary Inspiration of the Bible.  The Inerrancy of the Bible is of vital importance, and Verbal Inspiration holds firmly to this view.  Verbal Inspiration also fits well with what the Bible says about its own inspiration. 

Scripture on Inspiration: 

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  -Matthew 5:18

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  -2 Timothy 3:16

For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.  -Psalm 33:4

The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.  -Psalm 119:160

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  -John 17:17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  -Hebrews 4:12

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  -2 Peter 1:20-21

Baptist Faith and Message, 2000

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39;16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is the official doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Quotes:

“It has always been a matter of profound surprise to me that anybody should ever question the verbal inspiration of the Bible."  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914), Inspiration of the Bible.  Carroll was the founding president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Let me say further that only the original text of the books of the Bible is inspired, not the copy or the translation.”  -B. H. Carroll (AD 1843-1914). 

“I believe the Bible to be the infallible, inspired word of God written by men of old and new through the leadership of God’s power and Spirit.”  -Evangelist Dan Vestal (AD 1918-1980), Golden Hours in the Bible. 

“If there be any mistakes in the Bible, there may well be a thousand.  If there be one falsehood in that book, it did not come from the God of truth.”  -John Wesley (AD 1703-1791), Journal. 

(More quotes may be added.)

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 25, AD 2018. 

Articles:

B. H. Carroll on Inspiration of Bible

The Girl Who Saved His Ministry

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Differences Between the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message

Executive Committee Should Rescind Paige Patterson's Firing

 More Articles in lower right margin. 

How Well Do You Know the Biblical Christmas Story?

1.  How did Joseph and Mary get to the place where Jesus was born? 

2.  In what town was Jesus born? 

3.  Who sang at Jesus’ birth? 

4.  What animals does the Bible say were at the manger scene? 

5.  Were the Wise Men at the manger?  

6.  What three gifts did the Wise Men bring? 

7.  How many Wise Men were there? 

8.  How did the Wise Men travel to see the newborn Jesus? 

9.  Where is the Christmas Story found in the Bible (book & chapter)? 

10.  What year was Jesus born? 

a. AD 1  b.  AD 0  c.  1 BC  d.  5 BC

11.  What is a manger? 

12.  What does the name “Jesus” mean?

13.  Did Jesus exist before He was born in Bethlehem? 

14.  What was miraculous about the birth of Jesus? 

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  -Isaiah 9:6

Come back next week for answers…

Merry Christmas!

-David R. Brumbelow, author of Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow, and Ancient Wine and the Bible. 

(Permission granted to reprint.)

*******

Answers to Christmas Test

1.  How did Joseph and Mary get to the place where Jesus was born? 

Answer:  The Bible does not say.  Mary may, or may not, have rode a donkey. 

2.  In what town was Jesus born? 

Answer:  Bethlehem in Judea.  There was also another Bethlehem in northern Israel.  (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6)

3.  Who sang at Jesus’ birth? 

Answer:  No one.  Of the angels, Scripture uses the word “saying,” not singing.  (Luke 2:13-14)

On another note, did you know that every time an angel appears in the Bible, the Bible describes him as a male? 

4.  What animals does the Bible say were at the manger scene? 

Answer:  None.  While it was a barn or stable, and likely there were animals, the Bible does not say. 

5.  Were the Wise Men at the manger? 

Answer:  No.  The Wise Men came later to the house where they were staying.  Just as you would do, after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary sought, and found better accommodations.  (Matthew 2:1, 11)

6.  What three gifts did the Wise Men bring? 

Answer:  Gold, frankincense, myrrh. 

7.  How many Wise Men were there? 

Answer:  The Bible does not say, it only speaks of them in the plural.  We probably think there were three because of the three gifts.  And, that may be correct. 

8.  How did the Wise Men travel to see the newborn Jesus? 

Answer:  Scripture never says.  But camels were often used for travel back then.  And, Wise Men riding camels looks cool! 

9.  Where is the Christmas Story found in the Bible (book & chapter)? 

Answer:  Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2.  Of course, there are other Bible verses related to the birth of Christ. 

10.  What year was Jesus born? 

a. AD 1  b.  AD 0  c.  1 BC  d.  5 BC

Answer:  We don’t know for sure.  According to our calendar, Jesus was supposed to have been born in AD 1; but our calendar is off a little.  Jesus was probably born about 5 BC. 

On another note:  AD does not stand for after dead!  It is a Latin abbreviation that means, “In the Year of our Lord.”  AD should come before the year; BC should come after the year.  Christians should use AD more often.  

11.  What is a manger? 

Answer:  A feed trough for cattle and / or other animals.  2,000 years ago they were sometimes carved out of stone, as well as made of wood. 

12.  What does the name “Jesus” mean?

Answer:  Savior; Deliverer.  (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29) 

13.  Did Jesus exist before He was born in Bethlehem? 

Answer:  Yes, He is God the Son and has always existed.  (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:8).  That is why we say Jesus came from Heaven to Earth to be born of the Virgin Mary.  Jesus is the only One who could say, I’m infinitely older than My mother, and as old as My Father.  

14.  What was miraculous about the birth of Jesus? 

Answer:  At least two things.  1.  Jesus’ birth was a miraculous Virgin Birth.  This is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.  (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23, 25; Luke 1:34-37)   2.  Jesus’ birth was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born.  (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2)

Conclusion

I have no problem having a Manger Scene with angels singing, Wise Men, camels, a donkey, cow, lambs, etc.  After all, it’s fine to have a composite of all the characters involved (or “maybe” involved) in the birth of Christ.  Kind of like a curtain call at the end of a play. 

But this test is simply meant to remind us we often assume things are in the Bible when they are not.  Always remember, the Bible is our final rule of faith and practice. 

Happy New Year! 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, January 1, AD 2018.

10 Commandments for Christmas

That Night, A Christmas Poem

One Solitary Life

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Other Articles in lower right margin.  

Robert G. Lee; What He Was Made

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  -2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

This year the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution “On The Necessity Of Penal Substitutionary Atonement.”  It was passed in part because some of the more theologically liberal and progressive folks deny and denigrate this biblical doctrine. 

A discussion of Penal Substitutionary Atonement always includes 2 Corinthians 5:21.  It reminded me of Robert G. Lee’s famous sermon, “What He Was Made.”

R. G. Lee’s outline: 

What He Was Made

1.  Made Flesh  (John 1:14)

2.  Made a Curse  (Galatians 3:13)

3.  Made Sin  (2 Corinthians 5:21)

4.  Made Alive  (Acts 1:3)

A portion of Robert G. Lee’s message on 2 Corinthians 5:21 follows:

“Terrible the fact that He [Jesus, God the Son], the sinless One, was ‘made sin’ in view of God’s hatred of sin. 

Behold this picture:  It is night time.  A little child, wearied with much play, falls asleep.  The father and mother, the light of love beaming in their eyes, the tone of love in their whispering voices, the inexhaustible wonder of parental sacrifice burning in their hearts, put their darling into the trundle bed.  With deft and tender hands the mother smooths the pillow and spreads the coverlets, the father taking in every detail of the scene with admiring eyes.  Child of phenomenal beauty that, its voice sweeter to their ears than chiming bells, its eyes bluer than violets dew-wet, it luxuriant curls golden like sunshine, its face on the pillow dainty like a pink rose in a snow bank, its soft sleep-breathings like faint whispers of a harp touched by angel fingers.  What a mighty hold those baby hands, wee and dimpled, have upon human hearts!  They kneel, those parents, a minute beside the trundle bed, pure thoughts holding high and holy carnival in their minds.  Then, before they go to seek for themselves rest and sleep, they pray that God will give them wisdom to rear that child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

And then, in the night, while they sleep, a rattlesnake with stupid audacity and vile intrusion, crawls in through an open window and into the bed of the child.  The hideous reptile coils itself into a circular pile and lies there apparently in a stupor until, at the movement of a dimpled hand or a turn of the curly head, the rattler, his buttons buzzing with diabolic effrontery, strikes out madly.  And the poisonous fangs are buried in the cheek of the child.  In awful agony it died – while the parents sleep.  The next morning they awake.  They go to the bed and find their approach challenged by the rattler whose head sways ominously while his buttons sing with raucous warning.  They see their child swollen, dead, its little face bearing the evidence of its frightful death agonies. 

Now – if you will magnify the attitude and the hatred for that vile rattler by that father and mother a million times you will have a faint conception of how God Almighty looks toward sins and upon sin.  You will know in some slight measure His perpetual attitude toward sin, His eternal hatred of sin.  Yet it is said that our holy God ‘made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him!” 

Made sin.  What does it mean?  What do they mean, these two words, ‘made sin,’ that stagger under a weight of agony? 

It means that God dealt with Him as He must deal with sin – in severe and unrelenting judgment! 

It means that God sentenced sin, ordered sin to execution in the person and death of His Son.  Jesus has made up before God for all we failed to do and be.  Jesus takes all our sin and sins upon Himself and bestows all His righteousness upon us.  Jesus took sin’s place on the Cross!  Took the guilty culprit’s place there!  Took my place there!  It means that He, the perfectly righteous One, was made sin that we, the unrighteous ones, might be made righteous.  For God meted out to Jesus the full measure of punishment sin deserves. 

It means – He stood before God with all our sin upon Him that we, through faith, might stand before God with none of our sin on us. 

He who was righteous was judged before God as unrighteous that we who are unrighteous should be judged before God as righteous! 

He was made for us all that God must judge and we are made in Him by faith all that God cannot judge. 

And this could not be through physical suffering alone!  By the bloody drops of sweat in Gethsemane, by the dirty sputum, contempt materialized in a liquid, by the rough hands that plucked off His beard, by the merciless steel fingers of Pilate’s  scourge, by the thorns that punctured His brown veins, by the nails that pinned Him to the tree, by His mouth hot like and oven, I know, you know, all of us know, He suffered physically on the Cross. 

But!  To speak of Jesus’ suffering as intense physical torture only is a species of spiritual stupidity and intellectual clownishness.  Because of the depths and vastness of sin’s malignant nature, which caused the feet of Deity to draw back with trembling, terms like bravery, courage, martyrdom, physical agony have no place because they contain no meaning big enough to fit His experience, when He ‘made His soul an offering for sin’ – when he died a spiritual death as well as a physical death.  He founded our joy in the deep bitterness of His own soul. 

The pangs of hell got hold upon Him!  God turned Him into the slime pits of hell!  The thirst of hell was upon Him!  The lightest of His sufferings were physical!  The tortures of the damned were upon Him.  The soul of His suffering was the suffering of His soul.  He bore the burdens of sin on His sinless soul.  And He did this for all – all!...

The death of Christ was for us.  Therefore Christ was condemned to death instead of us.  To condemn us now after we have put our faith in Christ and surrendered personally to Him, would be to say that the death of Christ was not sufficient and that there was no justice with God, for He would get two payments for one debt, two payments for one offense.  But, thank God, the death of Christ is sufficient and God is not possessed of the injustice that demands two payments for one debt – and we can truly say, ‘There is now therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.’ 

We can find no knowledge in the world better than this: that man hath sinned and God hath suffered; that God in Christ made Himself the sin of men; that men are made the righteousness of God! 

In view of this let us ask:  Is any distance too great to go – for Him – who went to the Cross for us?  Is any burden too heavy to bear – for Him – who bore the heavy weight of the world’s sins on His heart?  Is any sacrifice too severe to make – for Him – who was ‘made a curse’ for us?  Is any obligation too heavy to assume – for Him – who was ‘made sin’ in our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him?  Is any service too great to render – for Him – who was made for us all that God must judge and punish?  Is it not time that we say: ‘I count all things but loss…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering’?” 

-Robert G. Lee (AD 1886-1978), pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, SBC president, author. 

Excerpt from his sermon, “What He Was Made,” in the book,

From Feet to Fathoms, Robert G. Lee, Broadman, Zondervan; 1926. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, July 3, AD 2017. 

R.G. Lee on Calvinism

Alcohol and the Holidays

Patriotism and Christian Worship

 Other articles listed in lower right margin.  

Baptists, Eastern Orthodox, and Hank Hanegraaff

It is reported that Hank Hanegraaff, the Bible Answer Man, has left Evangelicalism and joined the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

While not following Hanegraaff very closely, in past years I’ve heard him give some good, biblical answers on radio.  On the other hand, I am a Premillennialist, so I have disagreed with Hanegraaff’s views on the Second Coming. 

Hank Hanegraaff has apparently been evolving for some time.  I thought this might be a good time to point out some differences between Baptists, Evangelicals in general, and the Eastern Orthodox. 

By the way, some years ago I was teaching a Bible course at San Jacinto College, Pasadena, Texas.  I had an international student in class who was Orthodox and wrote a research paper.  In passing, he mentioned his belief in Baptismal Regeneration.  I gave him an A for the paper.  Though I disagreed with his doctrine, he did a very good job researching and writing. 

What are some of those differences in beliefs? 

Orthodox believe their authority comes from the Bible and tradition.  Baptists believe the 66 books of the Bible are our final authority for faith and practice (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16). 

In addition, the Orthodox have added another 10 books to the Bible.  Along with the Bible, they also look to Church Fathers, church leaders after the Bible was written, as authoritative. 

The Orthodox believe baptism saves you.  They believe in baptizing infants, a practice not found in Scripture.  Baptists believe in Believer’s Baptism by Immersion, but do not believe it has a part in your salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Only faith in Christ saves you.  See the article below on Baptismal Regeneration. 

While Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a great, godly woman, Orthodox believe in her perpetual virginity and venerate her a little too much.  Baptists and most evangelicals believe after the virgin birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary had other children (Matthew 1:25; 12:46; 13:55-56; John 7:5). 

We also believe it is going a little too far to call Mary the mother of God.  Jesus is God the Son and came from Heaven to Earth to be born in human form.  Jesus is far older than His earthly mother (John 1:1, 14). 

For a summary of the Eastern Orthodox church, see the article by Bill Gordon and Paul Negru at the North American Mission Board:

https://www.namb.net/apologetics/eastern-orthodox

Be praying for Hank Hanegraaff, and make sure you are lashed to the Word of God, the Bible, for your faith and practice. 

Note: The word “orthodox” has also been used by Baptists to simply refer to someone who is conservative and biblical in their doctrine.  The word “Orthodox” in this article, however, refers to the denominational groups by that name. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, April 12, AD 2017. 

Articles: 

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

Basic Baptist Doctrines / Beliefs

Ancient Wine Production and the Bible

Christian Apologetics: A Reasoned Defense of Christianity

More Articles in lower right margin.  

Saint David

Yes, you read that right.  I am a saint.  And I have the Bible, God’s Word, to back up my claim. 

Some believe “saint” means a really good person.  For example, a man says, “My wife is a saint.”  In that respect. I will have to leave it up to others whether they would consider me that kind of saint.  As a believer I can claim the righteousness of Jesus Christ, but I’ll deal with that another time. 

Some believe a saint is a person so named by a church denomination.  The candidate must be deceased.  Then they go through a process of investigation, veneration, beautification, until finally the Pope bestows the title of saint on the candidate. 

Baptists, and many other Christians, look to the Bible alone as their final source of faith and practice.  What does the Bible, and specifically the New Testament portion of the Bible, say about saints? 

According to Holy Scripture, there is basically one rule for becoming a saint.  That rule is that the candidate has personally trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  If a person believes Jesus, God the Son, died for his sins and rose again, and that person repents of his sin and turns to Jesus, he is saved.  And, he or she immediately becomes a saint.  You don’t even have to die; once you have trusted in Jesus, you are a saint. 

How many saints do we have?  Millions.  All those who have placed their faith in Christ. 

Where is the biblical evidence for this belief?  I’m glad you asked!  The Bible refers to common, everyday followers of Jesus Christ as saints.  A few examples: 

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.  -Acts 9:32

Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.  -Acts 9:41

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  -Romans 1:7

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 

-Romans 15:25

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.  -1 Corinthians 16:1

 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia.  -2 Corinthians 1:1

All the saints greet you.  -2 Corinthians 13:13

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.  -Ephesians 1:1

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.  -Ephesians 5:3

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.  -Philippians 1:1

All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.  -Philippians 4:22

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.  -Jude 1:3 

Notice how the word “saint” is used of regular, living, believers in Christ Jesus. 

Saint – “Title for all God’s people but applied in some contexts to a small group seen as the most dedicated ones…Saints are people who name Jesus as Lord.”  -Holman Concise Bible Dictionary. 

Despite all the evidence above (and there are a number of other Bible verses about saints), I’ve never been able to convince my church members to call me Saint David!  I guess I’ll have to be content with Brother David, Pastor David, David, Brumbelow, or “Hey you.”

To all the believers out there, enjoy your sainthood. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, March 27, AD 2017. 

Articles:

Ancient Wine and the Bible - the Book; update

Christian Apologetics: A Reasoned Defense of Christianity

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1

"A Loving God Wouldn't Send Anyone To Hell"

Basic Baptist Doctrines / Beliefs

Earth Day

 Many other articles in lower right margin.  

Christian Apologetics: A Reasoned Defense of Christianity

Has your Christian faith been challenged in the classroom, by the media, or by friends? 
Have you heard the Bible ridiculed? 
Seen Evangelical Christians accused of hate and bigotry? 
Need answers to the tough questions about the reliability of the Bible and about Christianity? 
You can find the answers in these books: 

 Christianity on Trial, by Mark Lanier, a successful trial lawyer.

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, by Norman Geisler & Frank Turek.

Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell. Josh is a former atheist and has spoken at numerous universities.

Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door, by Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler. Short chapters designed for students. Good for teenagers through adults.

The Case For Christ, by Lee Strobel, a former atheist.
In Defense of the Bible, edited by Cowan & Wilder, B&H. 
Who Made God?, by Norman Geisler & Ravi Zacharias. 
Apologetics Study Bible, by Holman Publishers. 

Read the Bible itself to find out what it really teaches.
Good translations: NKJV; KJV; NASB; HCSB… 

Read these books and you will find the Bible and Christianity stand up well to skeptics and tough questions. Believers in Jesus Christ need not fear the false accusations against their faith.

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. -1 Peter 3:15

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, February 8, AD 2016.

Articles:

Valentines Day - The Bible on Love
Wine for Your Stomach's Sake; 1 Timothy 5:23
Brief History of SBC Conservative Resurgence
Adrian Rogers on Predestination, Calvinism
Small Texas Church Takes on a God-Sized Goal

More articles in lower right margin.    

Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 2

Part of the confusion over Baptismal Regeneration is a failure to understand the meaning of baptism. Baptism is simply a picture of what happened to you when you believed in Jesus. In a sense, baptism is a funeral of who you used to be. When you go under the water it is a picture of dying to your old life of sin. When you are raised from the water it is a picture of you being resurrected to a new life in Christ. That is what happened to you when you trusted Jesus as your Savior. Baptism, of course, also pictures your belief that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and your belief that our physical bodies will be raised at the resurrection. 

What about the Bible passages that seem to teach Baptismal Regeneration? That seem to teach you must believe and be baptized to be saved?

First, do not neglect the multitude of clear passages that say if you believe in Jesus Christ you will be saved (see previous article, part 1).

Now, let’s look at those verses some claim teach Baptismal Regeneration.

1. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. -Mark 16:16
Notice first, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” 

In New Testament times it was common that when one believed, if there was enough water, they would baptize them immediately. So belief and baptism often went together.

Now, back to, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
That is true. It is also true that he who believes and joins a church will be saved. It is even true that if he believes and buys a pickup truck he will be saved. 

Now notice the next phrase, “but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

It is very significant that it does not say if he believes and is not baptized he will be condemned; only, if he does not believe he will be condemned.

2. What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? -James 2:14
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? -James 2:20
Someone may say, show me your faith. Well, God can see your faith, but others cannot. God can see your faith, but man can only see your faith by your works. If you truly believe, then good works will follow. If there are no good works, a man may have reason to doubt your faith. 

Always remember as well, verses like Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; etc.

3. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 3:21 (NKJV)
Many Baptismal Regenerationists only quote a small portion of this verse, “baptism doth also now save us,” (KJV). That is a strong argument, until the entire verse is considered. One of the basic rules of properly interpreting the Bible (hermeneutics), is to study the word, or phrase, or verse in context; what comes before and after it. 

This verse does not say baptism saves us or takes away our sins. It only says baptism is a type (or antitype, figure, symbol, picture) of our salvation. As mentioned previously, believer’s baptism by immersion is a picture of our salvation; a symbol of what happens to us when we trust Jesus as our Savior.

Notice also this verse says baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. In other words, we are commanded to be baptized. It is a good work. We are not saved by good works, we are saved by repentance and belief in Jesus. But after we believe, baptism gives us a good conscience because we are obeying and honoring God.

This verse even states baptism is, “not the removal of the filth of the flesh.” Rather than literally taking away our sins, baptism symbolically takes away our sins, a picture of what happened when we believed. Only Jesus can literally take away our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).

4. Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” -John 3:5
Does born of water mean baptism? If it did, it would only mean so in a figurative way. However, it does not mean baptism. Every time you see the word water, that does not automatically refer to baptism. 

There are a couple of explanations. First, some believe born of water refers to physical birth, a water birth. This view says you must be born both physically (physical birth, born of the flesh) and spiritually (new birth, spiritual birth, salvation).

This view says Jesus explains “born of water and the Spirit” in the very next verse:

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. -John 3:6

Second, some believe born of water refers to the washing of the Word of God in salvation (John 3:5; Titus 3:5; 1 John 5:8).

Does the Word of God spiritually wash us? Yes.

That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. -Ephesians 5:26

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
-Psalm 119:9

And one aspect of salvation is that we are born again through God’s Word.

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. -1 Peter 1:23

It should also be remembered that Jesus summed up the new birth in this same chapter in John in the well known verse,

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

No mention here of baptism being a part of salvation. Rather simply believe in Jesus and you will not perish but have everlasting life.

5. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38
The word “for” (Greek - eis) in this verse can also mean “because.” 

This verse could justly and easily be translated, “Let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ ‘because of’ the remission of sins.”

Do we ever use the word “for” in the sense of “because?” Yes we do.

For example,
“He was thrown in jail ‘for’ stealing a car.” 
He was not thrown in jail ‘so he could’ steal a car, rather, he was thrown in jail ‘because’ he stole a car.  

Note:  Compare Acts 2:38 with what Peter said in Acts 2:21; Acts 3:19; Acts 10:43; 1 Peter 1:9; 1 Peter 2:6.  Also, compare with the many verses mentioned in part 1 of this article. 

6. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ -Acts 22:16
Ananias was speaking in a figurative way of washing away sins. 

Baptism is a picture, a symbol of salvation, but it is not salvation nor a part of salvation. That baptism is a picture or symbol of salvation is shown in 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12.

Notice before Paul (Saul) was baptized, but after he believed, Ananias called him, “Brother Saul” (Acts 22:13), thereby recognizing his salvation.

Notice also that Ananias, in speaking of washing away your sins included, “calling on the name of the Lord.”

Baptism is not a part of salvation, only a picture of salvation. Salvation is only in Jesus Christ, not in good works. In dealing with this issue, never forget or minimize the many clear Bible passages that teach salvation is only through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The song does not say,

Jesus paid a part,
Some to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
We washed it white as snow.

Rather,

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.”
-Elvina M. Hall, Baptist Hymnal, LifeWay; 2008. 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, December 15, AD 2015.

Articles:
Baptismal Regeneration; Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation? Part 1 

Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation

More Articles in lower right margin.