Why We Left Lutheranism--The Mode of Baptism is Non-essential
© Claude A. Guild & John L. Hoh, Jr.
The mode of baptism and especially sprinkling was the one paramount doctrine that continuously disturbed us. If sprinkling was to be "applied in the name of Triune God," there must be some passage of scripture for it. We searched the Bible from lid to lid and never found "modes of baptism" mentioned nor did we read about baptism by sprinkling and pouring. However, we did find that Christ was baptized "in" Jordan and "came up out of the water" (Mark 1:9-10). Christ called baptism "a birth" (John 3:5). Those baptized "went down into the water" and "came up out of the water" (Acts 8:36-39).
We never became wholly dissatisfied with sprinkling until we read Romans 6:4-5. "We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father we might also walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him (King James Version says "planted") in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Too, we could no longer believe there might be a choice of three modes of baptism when Paul said, "there is one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5).
After many days of anxiety and searching, having found nothing in the Bible that would teach sprinkling, we decided that it wasn't baptism at all. We found a gospel preacher and were baptized-"buried"-for the remission of our sins. This I would plead with every Lutheran to do.
This has long been a point of contention between Lutherans and the Reformed. What constitutes a valid baptism? What mode can or should be used in baptism?
As in the debate over the Sacrament of Holy Communion (Lord's Supper, Eucharist), a look at the words used is necessary. God used the words people spoke and in the manner they used those words and with their normal meanings. Such is true of baptizo. For this I consulted Gerhard Kittel's volume, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. What Mr. Kittel says is insightful.
To be sure the word bapto does carry with it the meaning of sinking, drowning, perishing, suffering shipwreck, dying, and intoxication. All of which puts people under something in one way or the other either through water or coloring or loss of cognitive reasoning.
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