I'm a Credo-phile

Evangelical fingertips are burning. There has been quite a buzz in the blogosphere resulting from a statement by John Piper on the idea of credobaptism (believer's baptism) as a requirement to join the local church. Involved in this discussion are names such as Al Mohler, Wayne Grudem, Mark Dever, and Sam Storms - whoever he is.

The crux is that some unbaptized believers (UBs) don't deem it necessary to be dunked to join the church, based on their understanding of Scripture. Some pastors do deem it necessary to be baptized, based on their understanding of Scripture.

The question was raised, and cautiously so, "is this an example of unrepentant sin?" While the UBs would take this ad hominem, the credobaptists have a point. Scripture plainly says to be baptized after conversion (cf Matt 28:19-20, for more, you look it up). But the UBs would argue that faith alone has saved them, and in the case they are paedobaptists (dunked as an infant) their claim is they have already been baptized into the local church. Though I would side with the pastors here, what are the ramifications for the UBs in future church fellowship?

Let's get ready to RUMBLE! In our stomachs, that is.

If refusing baptism is indeed unrepentant sin, then UBs should not be partaking of the Lord's Supper. Paul warns the Corinthians of frivolously taking the Lord's Supper, which resulted in sickness and death for them, and dishonor for God. There is also the issue of these UBs serving in positions as deacon and elder in the church, and whether or not they have any say whatsoever in the church.

While all that is food for thought, the humorist in me makes the following assertions...
1. Are you really that convicted about baptism, or is it that you're an aqua-phobe?
2. Two was too racy, I deleted Two.
3. If a bunch of UBs get sick from eating the Lord's Supper, then we'll know what's up.

until next time...