Question for Homer.

Post by **_brody_in_ga** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:18 pm

Hi Homer,

If I am correct, I have heard you say that you attend a "Restoration Movement Church" simular to that of the Church of Christ. My question to you is: Do you recognize the water baptism of those who are not part of the RMC or the COC as valid water baptism's in the sight of God?

My reason for the question comes from a discussion I have been having with some COC guys who maintain that God does not recognize any other baptism than that which is believed to be "for the remission of sins"(Acts 2:38). In other words, what you think about the baptism in the event that you are getting dipped, is of the great importance.

Thanks for your reply Brother.

Post by **_Homer** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:19 pm

Brody,

I was going to write a response but remembered something an RMC preacher, James Harding, said about 130 years ago that sums up my thoughts on the matter much better than I could:

(Quote of John Mark Hicks)

This understanding of faith reveals why Harding did not think a defective understanding of baptism's design undermined God's act of forgiveness there. The "faith which is a prerequisite to baptism," Harding contended, "includes a belief in the resurrection of Jesus and a resolve from the heart to follow wherever he may lead."[32] Faith is a heart commitment to follow Jesus and as long as one has that commitment then one may be scripturally immersed. They do "not have to wait to know everything before" they "can do anything."[33] Harding summarized his point in response to Austin McGary of the Firm Foundation:

I have yet to learn that an act of loving, trusting obedience to Jesus Christ is not acceptable to him, simply because this loving, trusting servant of the Lord has some defective theory concerning the design of the command…The understanding that is essential to salvation is not an absolutely faultless understanding, for then confessedly no one could be saved, but it is such an understanding as will enable one to do his commandments.

You may know there are various views among RCM churches, from Disciples of Christ (won't catch me there

) to non-instrumental, one cup/one loaf communion Churches of Christ, and various in between. My wife and I attend an "Independent Christian Church", and some Churches of Christ differ from the church we attend in name only.

If you are familiar with G. R. Beasley-Murray's book "Baptism", my views are very similar to his, and he was a noted Baptist.

Post by **_brody_in_ga** » Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:29 pm

Homer wrote:Brody,

I was going to write a response but remembered something an RMC preacher, James Harding, said about 130 years ago that sums up my thoughts on the matter much better than I could:

(Quote of John Mark Hicks)

This understanding of faith reveals why Harding did not think a defective understanding of baptism's design undermined God's act of forgiveness there. The "faith which is a prerequisite to baptism," Harding contended, "includes a belief in the resurrection of Jesus and a resolve from the heart to follow wherever he may lead."[32] Faith is a heart commitment to follow Jesus and as long as one has that commitment then one may be scripturally immersed. They do "not have to wait to know everything before" they "can do anything."[33] Harding summarized his point in response to Austin McGary of the Firm Foundation:

I have yet to learn that an act of loving, trusting obedience to Jesus Christ is not acceptable to him, simply because this loving, trusting servant of the Lord has some defective theory concerning the design of the command…The understanding that is essential to salvation is not an absolutely faultless understanding, for then confessedly no one could be saved, but it is such an understanding as will enable one to do his commandments.
You may know there are various views among RCM churches, from Disciples of Christ (won't catch me there ) to non-instrumental, one cup/one loaf communion Churches of Christ, and various in between. My wife and I attend an "Independent Christian Church", and some Churches of Christ differ from the church we attend in name only.

If you are familiar with G. R. Beasley-Murray's book "Baptism", my views are very similar to his, and he was a noted Baptist.

Thank you Homer. I will buy this book when time and money permit. Thanks again.