Some question the necessity of biblical baptism based on difficult situations. “What if a believer gives all his heart to Jesus, but dies on the way to water? What about new believers in hostile nations? Upon hearing the Gospel, they confess their new-found faith in Christ, only to be thrown into prison, making baptism impossible. Some of these believers suffer such tortures that they become martyrs for Christ. Will God reject them?”
The anticipated answer strengthens perceptions based on personal experiences. We know people who confess Christ and live inspiring lives, yet they have never been baptized. The sincerity of their faith, the depth of their devotion, their eloquent grasp of grace, their sacrifices for Christ’s mission and benevolence—all of these out-shine Christians who have been baptized. Surely such practical evidence proves that baptism is not essential.
Perhaps most telling are respected leaders from within the ranks of the baptized. They have received biblical baptism and include it in their teachings. On the other hand, they accept unbaptized believers as right with God, full brothers and sisters in Christ. Their example in practice outweighs their words. In effect, their esteemed roles within New Testament Christianity serve—very subtly and effectively—to undermine the necessity of baptism.
What are we to say to these arguments and influences? The answer is, “Let God be God.” Our experiences, emotions and reasonings are not God. Whatever the circumstances, it is not our place to overrule God’s revealed will. God can make and has made exceptions (2 Chronicles 30:18; Matthew 15:24-28; 1 Samuel 21:6 with Matthew 12:3-4). If God wishes to make exceptions (as in the sudden death of a believer seeking baptism), that is His right, but His alone. We have no right to make His exceptions for Him. Our role is to follow Jesus as Lord, to abide in His word, and to teach that word to others whether circumstances are favorable or unfavorable.
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:2-4 cf. 1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1).
We imitate the humility of Jesus Himself. He said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me” (John 8:28 cf. John 5:19, 30; 6:38; 7:16; 8:26; 12:49-50). We imitate His obedience (1 John 2:3-6). In His case, obedience was so perfect as to be sinless (John 8:29; Hebrews 4:15). If anyone could have been an exception, Jesus could have. His standing was unique. He did not need the forgiveness associated with John’s baptism (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). That purpose for baptism did not apply to Jesus. Recognizing this, John the Baptizer resisted. Yet our Lord refused to be treated as an exception (Matthew 3:14-15). How then, can we make exceptions of ourselves or others? Who are we to make exceptions on God’s behalf?
If Paul wished to make an exception, the Ephesian case of Acts 19 offered an opportunity. Twelve men there were “disciples” who had received John’s baptism. But they had not heard of the Holy Spirit. That suggested they had not received the Great Commission’s baptism (Matthew 28:19), which by that time had replaced John’s baptism. Did Paul feel that their status as sincere “disciples” excused them? Evidently not. After Paul’s instruction, “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5). Apollos was a similar example (Acts 18:24-26). He was “competent in the Scriptures” and “fervent in spirit.” He “taught accurately the things concerning Jesus,” but “knew only the baptism of John.” Was he treated as an exception? Evidently not, for Priscilla and Aquila “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).
We may have our opinions as to where people stand, and how God should judge complex issues. Our opinions are irrelevant. “There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy” (James 4:12). He alone knows all the facts. He knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). If exceptions will be made at the Judgment Day, He alone will make them. In the meantime, while we remain true to what He has revealed, we need not be disturbed, wondering if God will handle difficult cases properly. With Abraham, we know by faith the answer to the question, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25).