If we ONLY had the Bible, what would we know about the church? Ponder that for a moment. If we ONLY had the Bible, what would we know about baptism? Ponder that for a moment. A third question, is everything being taught and done in the name of Jesus today in true accordance with Scripture? That just cannot be answered in the affirmative.
So, when it comes to matters of faith, matters of truth, matters of doctrine, matters of righteousness, there is ONLY one place we can go. We must turn our eyes to the Word of God and leave all human ideas and teachings behind.
First, the Word of God teaches us that “There is one body” (Eph. 4:4), which is “the church” (Eph. 1:22-23), so there is “one church.” That “one” church is not a collection of all of the manmade churches, anymore than the “one God” of verse 6 is a collection of all of the manmade gods. There is only “one church” that Jesus built (Matt. 16:18), purchased (Acts 20:28) and of which He serves as the one head (Eph. 5:23). God does not accept any “divisions” in His one church, for He commands everyone to “speak the same thing” (1 Cor. 1:10). Conclusion: The Word of God lends no support to and, in fact, condemns manmade denominationalism that exists today.
Second, the Word of God teaches us that “There is one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). The “one baptism” has one method—burial (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:38; Matt. 3:16). The “one baptism” has one authority—in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5; 1 Cor. 1:13). The “one baptism” has one proper subject—a penitent believer (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36; 18:8). The “one baptism” has one purpose—for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). The “one baptism” has one order of progression— hear, believe, repent, confess, baptized, be saved (Rom. 10:8-17; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 18:8). The “one baptism” has one church to enter—the body of Christ, the church of Christ (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). Conclusion: The Word of God lends no support to and, in fact, condemns (Rev. 22:18-19; Gal. 1:6-9) all manmade baptism doctrines or practices that do not conform to God’s “one baptism” specifically and clearly defined in the New Testament.
As is evidenced by simple investigation today, most denominations do not teach or practice all of these “ones” of the “one baptism.” If I was baptized in a denomination: (1) Can I be satisfied that I was truly baptized with the “one baptism? (2) Am I willing to risk the salvation of my soul? (3) Should I not follow the example of those whose baptism was not the “one baptism” (in Acts 19:1-5) and get baptized today with the “one baptism” of Jesus Christ?
-David Sproule
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