Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Bob Dankelefson on the Divisions within Protestantism about the Salvific Efficacy, Mode, and Manner of Baptism


As an example of the confusion and debate within Protestantism on salvation issues (not “unimportant” or “secondary” issues), one Protestant apologist, in a tract, wrote:

Often, when one disagrees with a Bible statement, they will state, ‘That’s your interpretation.’ God’s Word no where states one thing and is to be understood to be saying something in opposition to the statement . . .

[For example] Peter stood up . . . and preached the gospel, (Acts 2:22-24). Three thousand repented and were immersed for the forgiveness of their sins, (verses 38-41) . . . When one responded in faith and repentance, he was immersed into Christ upon his confession of faith (Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; Romans 6:3, 4) . . . [but] look at all the different teachings on the subject of baptism . . .

1. Baptism is the sprinkling of water on infants for forgiveness of ‘original’ sin
2. Baptism is the sprinkling of water on infants but is not for the remission of sins.
3. Baptism is immersion in water and is not for remission of sins . . .

Today, there are many ways that man is taught he may respond to follow God. The Bible, on the other hand, continues to say, ‘There is one . . . baptism . . .’ (Ephesians 4:4-6). (Bob Dankelefson, “How would you like to be a Christian Only—Nothing More, Nothing Less?” as quoted in Sharon I. Banister, For Any Latter-day Saint: One Investigator’s Unanswered Questions [Fort Worth, Tex.: Star Bible Publications, 1988], 18-19 [note: Banister herself rejects the doctrine of baptismal regeneration!])

Now, I happen to agree with the author, as it appears he holds to baptismal regeneration and affirms credo- as opposed to paedobaptism. Notwithstanding, due to the sub-biblical ecclesiologies one finds within Protestantism (as well as subordinating all authorities to the Bible, notwithstanding the anti-biblical nature of Sola Scriptura itself), Protestantism will be hopelessly divided on this and other issues.

Perhaps the best book-length treatment of baptism I am aware of is that of:


For articles addressing baptismal regeneration on this blog (a topic I have written about in great length), see, for e.g.:

Refuting Douglas Wilson on Water Baptism and Salvation

Baptism, Salvation, and the New Testament: John 3:1-7

Christ's baptism is NOT imputed to the believer