I’m growing conerned with some trends I am seeing in the Trinitarian Pentecostal Church when it comes to our theology of Baptism.

I’m seeing churches baptizing Christians who are walking into a “new season.”  I’m hearing things like “I want to strengthen my walk with the Lord.” “I’m ready for a new level of ministry.” “I’m ready to sell out moving forward.” I’m scratching my head.  Where is the theology in this. Orthodox Christian theology has always stood on the biblical principle that baptism is specifically linked to regeneration.  

The second trend which is kind of linked to the concern above, is simply the amount of re-baptisms being performed.  I don’t see any biblical precedent for that either.  I completely understand the idea…someone has walked away, lets baptize them when they get back, but I think as a pastor, I may try to tamper that down a bit. 

I recently had a man get saved at the church. He asked me the other day if he needs to get re-baptized. I told him I’m not completely against it but I wanted to hear about his baptism experience. He told me how meaningful and special it was and he just regrettably drifted away from the Lord for many years. I said, “If you feel compelled to be baptized again, I will do it. But I think we can trust your experience in the water and grow in sanctification from here” 

The public figure in me wants to baptize him and post pictures so everyone knows what’s going on over here. But it’s not about that is. It’s never been about that.

I’m concerned with the independent holiness churches that I love, that have people who have been saved for many years and still have never gotten around to baptizing them.  I’m concerned with churches that have a more modern expression of Pentecostalism that seemingly have a minimal vetting process when it comes to baptism, to determine if a person has truly experienced regeneration.  

And finally…this is not a fight I really want to fight…but, there’s no principle in scripture that points to baptism being a “public profession of faith.”  It was often a private, intimate experience.  Just look at Saul and Ananias or the Ethiopian Eunuch.  I’m afraid the result is that many have decided to be baptized without ever deciding to follow Christ. 

Bottom line, baptism is not just symbolic, it is a sacrament. This sacrament is an invitation to participate in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through a holy encounter with the Spirit.  And I think a lot of what people are trying to accomplish, should actually be accomplished in another sacrament…foot washing.  But that’s another discussion for another day.  

– A. G.