Some Say and Do Not; We Must Say and Do

Some Say and Do Not; We Must Say and Do

The late Dr. William Barclay of Scotland was a world famous Bible scholar. He was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. You probably know that the Presbyterian Church practices infant baptism and pouring is their method of administering the rite. In his Daily Bible Study Commentary on Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians, Dr. Barclay wrote the following:

“Baptism in the time of Paul was three things. It was adult baptism; it was instructed baptism; and, wherever possible it was baptism by total immersion ... As the waters closed over the man’s head, it was as if he died; as he rose up again from the water, it was as if he rose to a new life” (p. 14).

All of those well acquainted with the New Testament are forced to make the same concessions as did Dr. Barclay. Yet in practice, if their church tradition is baptism for babies by sprinkling, they will conform to that regardless of what they know the Bible to teach.

We really do not have that luxury. If the Bible says it, we believe it and that settles the matter for us. Popularity, tradition or convenience cannot determine our faith. We look to God’s Word for instruction and our guidelines. Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). We teach sinners the gospel, we urge them to believe it and be baptized by immersion so that Christ will save them from their sins (Mark 16:15-16). Being thoroughly biblical, it is the right way and nothing will turn us away from it.

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