Should a Christian Be Rebaptized?

Written by Dr. Donald Fortson | Dec 6, 2017 6:00:00 AM

The question about whether or not a person should be baptized a second time is a serious issue I think for the Christian church to consider. Despite all the different things that unify us, sometimes we forget that that great sign of our Christian identity and unity given to us by the Lord is baptism. And when we rebaptize someone, it really becomes a symbol of our division among us. Of course we don't often speak this way publicly when we rebaptize someone. "Well, that other group just wasn't Christian." But I think it's a logical implication of that because we're really saying, "They did not receive true, authentic, Christian baptism," even though it was water baptism in the name of the Trinity. The one baptism is very important for Saint Paul in Ephesians chapter 4. He is very clear that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. It's a big deal for Saint Paul. It was a big deal in the ancient church. [epq-quote align="align-left"]When we rebaptize someone, it becomes a symbol of our division among us.[/epq-quote] An obvious question that emerges is, well, what about believer’s baptism, infant baptism? Well, the fact is that if you look at the history and the record that we do have, the ancient church practiced both. There's just no question about that. A great illustration from the fourth century would be the experience of two of the wonderful church fathers: Saint John Chrysostom in the East and Saint Augustine in the West, both of whom were raised by very godly, Christian mothers who chose not to baptize those boys as their little ones, but upon profession of faith, they receive baptism. Yet, both of these great men, when they became bishops, were strong advocates of infant baptism. The bottom line is both were acceptable. But the whole issue that was a big one for them is that you don't practice rebaptism. And I think one question a person could ask is, “What if a person would come to our church that was a Mormon? Would you rebaptize them?” Well, of course you would because they did not receive Trinitarian baptism with water. Why is it, as Christians, as Protestants, that we treat our Christian brethren like we would a heretical cult by encouraging them to be baptized a second time? So the big question is: Are we just a bunch of marginally-connected Christian sects as Protestants, or are we genuinely a part of the one holy catholic and apostolic church? And if it's the latter, then we only practice one baptism.

Dr. Waters has written an accessible, sound, and pastoral introduction to the life and theology of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Careful exegesis and theological discernment yield concise but rich expositions of Paul's teaching on sin, salvation, the church, redemptive history, and the future. Each thematic treatment closes with consideration of its relevance to the church's life today, building bridges from Paul's proclamation of Christ and His redemptive achievement into the issues that Christians today confront. This brief study is an excellent way to get acquainted with the persecutor-turned-propagator of Christ's gospel, whom God's Spirit inspired to write more New Testament books than anyone else.

Dennis E. Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology

The Life and Theology of Paul is a very useful introductory treatment of the major contours of Paul's theology. While conversant with contemporary scholarship, the author does an excellent job focusing on what is most essential and in distilling complex interpretive issues. Warmly recommended!

Andreas J. Köstenberger, Research Professor

If you are looking for a concise, clear, and faithful summary of Paul's theology, Guy Waters' work is the perfect fit. Waters faithfully exposits some of the main themes in Paul's thought and also includes practical lessons for believers and churches today. A very helpful resource for students, pastors, and those who are looking for a brief textbook on Paul's theology.

James Buchanan Harrison, Professor of New Testament Interpretation

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