Abstract
In the New Testament baptism is an integral part of becoming a Christian and part of the proclaimed gospel. Yet many Baptists fail to see this, understanding it merely as a sign of a salvation already secured. However, this article argues that the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4.5 is faith-baptism/missionbaptism, conversion-baptism/initiation, and that the baptism referred to in the New Testament refers to this one baptism of Spirit and water. In this article he outlines the case for this, contending that in key passages “baptism” is an example of synecdoche, a form of metaphor in which a part of something is used to refer to the whole – in this case, baptism for the whole process of becoming a Christian (cf. 1 Peter 3.21). He then argues the case for a sacramental interpretation of baptism – that it is more than a symbol – from a thorough-going Baptist and Evangelical perspective. The author concludes with reflections on the necessity of baptismal reform and the relevance of a return to conversion-baptism for the contemporary church in a post-Christian, post-Christendom, mission setting.
Highlights
Scholars interested in a systematic approach to biblical data focus on key concepts as overarching themes in a biblical book or author
In light of the difficulties in establishing the theological center in Paul, several solutions were proposed, which vary from an explicit denial of an ideological axis in Paul to an attempt to delineate a theological theme limited in scope
(4) Paul’s coherent center must be located in his psyche (Gerd Theissen).”[35]. We may add to the list: (5) concrete attempts to delineate the pivotal theme of Pauline theology as “justification by faith” (Käsemann), or “reconciliation” (Ralph Martin), as well as (6) broad generalizations, such as, “the gospel”
Summary
Scholars interested in a systematic approach to biblical data focus on key concepts as overarching themes in a biblical book or author. Among them (1) imposing extraneous ideas onto the text, (2) disregarding the particular context of each of the addressed churches, (3) neglecting the development and elaboration of Paul’s teaching, (4) underestimating other themes, and (5) imposing a particular theory’s domination over other perspectives. It is the goal of this article to demonstrate that current theological, philosophical and political concerns are not (necessarily) Paul’s and the student of Paul should not emphasize one doctrine at the expense of other important ones ( they may not be as prominent in the apostle’s letters)
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