You teach that
Baptism
Is Not Essential
To salvation, and that it is only
an outward sign of an inward grace. Jesus says, Mark 16:16: "He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not (and consequently
is not baptized) shall be damned." Peter commanded the people on the day
of Pentecost to be baptized. Peter was the chief Apostle and had the power to
bind on earth and it should be bound in heaven. Does this not make baptism a
command of God? If it is a command of God is it not essential to salvation? If
this is not essential, why not do away with that part of the commission which
commands His disciples to go and preach? Are you sure the teachings of your
church are in strict accord with the Divine record?
James says, 5:14-16: "Is any
sick among you, let him call for the Elders of the church; and let them pray
over him, anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed
sins, they shall be forgiven him." Do you call for the Elders? Ben R.
Rich, letter to Rev. J. Whitcomb Brougher, pastor of First Baptist Church,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 25, 1899, in ”Two Letters to a Baptist
Minister,” pp. 14-15, repr. Tracts from Southern states mission,
Chattanooga, Tenn. [1899], [87-88])
