Baptism Quick And Biblical (April 25, 2004)

I like to point out that it is biblical to baptize very quickly. On the day of Pentecost 3,000 people were baptized moments after they heard the first gospel sermon ever preached (Acts 2:41). The family of the Philippian jailer heard the name of Jesus for the first time just after midnight, and were all baptized by dawn (Acts 16:25-35). The Ethiopian Eunuch heard the gospel and then minutes (at most, hours) later was baptized in ditch water by the side of the road (Acts 8:36-38). And after hearing the word of the Lord from Ananias, Paul got baptized before he broke an absolute fast that he had observed for three days! (Acts 9:9, 18-19).

A seminary professor of mine once warned us to delay baptizing people until we were sure they were ready. Then later another professor said, "I understand there are those who believe we should wait and exercise caution as to whom we should baptize. I say that the New Testament knows no such caution." As I studied the matter it became clear that the second professor had all the Scriptures on his side, and the first professor had none. In the Bible, no one has to wait to prove his sincerity before an apostle will baptize him! Simon the Sorcerer, for example, was baptized in Acts 8:13, though he quickly proved how unworthy he was by trying to buy the ability to give away the Holy Spirit. Peter told him to go to hell (Acts 8:20).

So I baptize at the drop of a hat, and, frankly, in so doing, I have probably baptized people who were no more "ready for it" than Simon the Sorcerer. One case in particular sticks in my craw. I once baptized a young woman who left the worship service with her family immediately afterward. They didn't even bother sticking around for the sermon. She never returned to church.

Now, though I never refuse baptism to an individual who, as a believer in Christ, requests it, I have learned to warn people about the seriousness of the commitment they are making. Jesus himself warned potential disciples that following him was a life-changing (even life-sacrificing) decision. He said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). See Luke 9:57-62 and John 6:53-66 for instances in which Jesus' strong words seemed almost determined to drive away those who were less than whole-hearted in their decision to follow him and obey his commands.

Baptismal candidates should be baptized quickly, but not without being warned of the seriousness of sealing forever their decision to follow Christ.