Work Out Your Salvation??

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 

--Philippians 2:12

What was the Apostle Paul trying to communicate about salvation?

• Was he telling Christians that everyone’s salvation is different, that each person has to figure it out on his own?
• Was he making a point about individual responsibility?
• What does fear and trembling have to do with salvation? Fear of what?

Salvation: 

Paul was writing to Christians, those who were in a state of having been saved. Sometimes we are so accustomed to the word salvation that it becomes cliché. It is easy to forget that salvation is more accurately salvation from the wrath of God because of sin.

Work out: 

The phrase “work out your salvation” is not about ‘figuring it out’ but working through to completion. Salvation is not like a treasure hunt in which cryptic clues are discovered and must be figured out. (That’s the Hollywood way.) Rather, God has made it clear how a person can be saved from His wrath due to sin. In addition, God has made it plain how followers of Jesus are to order their lives while living in this world. There is no mystery about God’s expectations for the saints.

So, working out one’s salvation is not a mystery that is individualized. The phrase was meant to encourage endurance. Work it through to completion. Don’t give up part way through. Remain loyal.

Obedience: 

Look at the phrase, “just as you have always obeyed.” The early Christians would have understood fully what they were to obey. Paul was referring to obedience in their Christian life. They were obedient to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. This was what they had ‘always obeyed.’ It really is that simple. That admonition carries forward to us. We are encouraged to hold fast to the things that God has revealed to us in His written word. Again, it is not a mysterious code. There may be passages that are challenging, but God’s instruction is clear and simple.

Fear and Trembling: 

Many believers today latch hold of a scripture they like:, such as, Call on the Lord and you’ll be saved. Or, believe in the Lord and you’ll be saved. The New Testament teaches these things but not in the absence of obedience, purity, and loyalty.

Many wish to portray God as a tolerant friend instead of Creator. Other’s fixate on ‘Father’ forgetting that God is also our Judge and demands holiness. ‘Fear and trembling’ call us to soberness, to say the least.

Ancient Jericho trembled when Israel approached. The Bible says that there was no spirit in them any longer. That means that they trembled to the point of being virtually lifeless. They had lost all motivation to fight. They could not run or cry for help. They trembled, accepting certain defeat.

We must have confidence in God’s word because God keeps His promises. And yet we must also possess a sense of awe and reverence toward God. We are not to be scared, but fearful. 

There is no personalized instruction to you and me. So, every time we open God’s word we must recognize that individually we are the learner, the slave, the child. We must open God’s book for understanding. We must be serious about interpreting God’s word according to what He intended, not what it means to me. And we must be careful to apply God’s word in obedient allegiance to Jesus, our King. This is not done without reverence and awe toward God, and yes, a measure of fear and trembling.

Mark Stinnett

June 28, 2026

When You Follow God's Instruction

Occasionally you read a verse or passage in the Bible and it sounds as if it was written specifically for our time. Such is the case with Proverbs 28:4.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

But those who keep the law strive with them.

We live in a day in which many praise the wicked!

In striking contrast, those who follow God’s instruction “strive with them.”

It is worth noting that this is an observation, not a command. In other words, Solomon is not telling his readers to start a fight with those who do not follow God’s instruction. Rather, it is a natural outcome that those who follow God’s instruction will strive with those who do not.

The young Jewish men Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego provide an excellent example. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken them to Babylon to serve in his court. After erecting a large statue in honor of himself, the king ordered everyone present (all the nobles and other ranking individuals) to bow to the statue when music was played. The three Jewish men were present but did not bow. The king gave them a second chance but they told the king that there was no need because they would not bow.

These three young men were devoted to God. They kept the Law of Moses which forbade them bow to anyone or anything other than God. They did not intend to be disrespectful, yet they were striving with the pagan king because they kept God's instruction. That was simply the nature of their obedience.

There are times when a follower of God intentionally strives with someone who has sinned, such as, a brother in Christ. Even then, Jesus taught that the objective is to restore the brother. So, the one doing wrong is to be approached with gentleness and in a spirit of love. (See Matthew 18:15-17.)

Solomon provided rich wisdom concerning our interaction with fools:

Do not answer a fool according to his folly 

   or you will be like him.

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, 

   that he not be wise in his own eyes. 

--Proverbs 26:4 & 5

The simple point is that a follower of God must be wise in his interaction with those who do not follow. There is a time to speak up and there is a time to remain silent. Wisdom dictates the response.

Ultimately, however, as a follower of God, whether you speak up or remain silent, you will at some time find yourself striving with those who do not follow God’s instruction. Again, that is simply how life works.

Beyond the simple observation of Solomon, this proverb (28:4)may also be taken as a mild warning. After all, people tend to desire to fit in. So, when you do not fit in because you live by God’s instruction, you will undoubtedly appear to be out of synch with society. That may not seem threatening when it is read as words on paper. However, the experience of being on the outside among coworkers, your friend group, family, or society in general adds considerable pressure in one’s life. Jesus noted that some believers fall away “when affliction or persecution arises because of the word.” If we are serious about following God’s instruction, we must prepare our minds..

Finally, Paul reminded us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Even so, you must be mindful that by following God’s instruction you will naturally strive with those who do not. For that reason, make it your soul’s decision to remain faithful to God’s instruction at all costs. Your allegiance to Jesus must not be compromised.

Mark Stinnett

December 28, 2025

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 5)

Part 5: Honor

God has assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. The last few blogs have focused on the text of Ephesians 6:4. Prior to that instruction (verses 1-3), the Apostle Paul addressed children:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother...that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

Many years ago, when my children were small, it occurred to me that this instruction could not possibly be directed at very young children; they cannot read! I reasoned that as parents, my wife and I had the initial responsibility to teach our children to “honor your father and mother.”

How do you teach honor??

It is likely that you have been touched by stories or news clips in which honor was shown to someone in our military. It might have been a crowd of people gathering to celebrate a soldier returning home from duty. It might have been the moment when the solemn silence at a funeral of a fallen hero is broken by the eruption of the 21-gun salute and the mournful call of the bugle playing Taps. Or perhaps you have witnessed a small child standing at attention to salute a soldier in uniform. Honor.

A father instructs his son regarding our nation’s flag. He teaches the meaning of the stars and the stripes. He remembers aloud those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom it symbolizes.

A mother tells her children about their two grandfathers who served in the military. She displays pictures of the men in uniform as she relates stories which had been told her. She shows her children the folded flags displayed on the mantle to honor the service of each man.

A schoolteacher teaches, not merely the words, but the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.

There are many ways to illustrate honor for our country and those in uniform. The common element in all of these is value. Honor is given to people and things that we greatly value. Our value is evident by the way we speak and how we show respect. We draw special attention to the things and people we value. We commit ourselves in loyalty and service to the objects of our honor. We protest and even punish dishonor of any kind.

Dads, value your wife and demand that your children cherish and value their mother. Moms, value your husband and demand that your children value and respect their father.

Value godly character in your home. Tell your children: This is how we act. This is how we speak. This is what we say. This is who we are. Then, be sure to demonstrate those same godly values.

Are you loyal to God? Do you value His word? Do you honor His people? Do you value spiritual ideals? Demonstrate these in your own life and expect these in your children.

One of the most important ways to teach honor is to teach obedience. Disobedience is nothing other than dishonor. Yet, obedience honors parents and honors God. A wise parent will discipline disobedience and dishonor.

Finally, when your children honor you, even if you do not feel deserving, accept the honor. In doing so, you allow them to fulfill God’s instruction to honor father and mother. Honor is good. Honor is right. Model and teach honor!

Mark Stinnett

June 1, 2025

Removing the Blinders

Balak was a king of ancient Moab. He was terrified of the Israelite nation as they made their way to the Land of Canaan after deliverance from slavery in Egypt. So, he sent for a prophet named Balaam to curse the Israelites. With wisdom Balaam consulted God. 

(Read about it in Numbers 22-24.)

God refused to allow Balaam to curse the Israelites so Balaam sent word back to King Balak to that effect. Not satisfied with his response, King Balak offered great wealth to Balaam if he would curse the Israelites. Balaam told the king’s messengers that he had already received an answer from God, but if they would stay overnight he would consult God once again. This time God told Balaam to go to King Balak! But He told him to do only what he was instructed. Balaam joyfully left with the king’s messengers. Then, God became angry with Balaam.

It might seem odd that God would first refuse to allow Balaam to go, then give Balaam permission to go, and then become angry when Balaam went. 

This oddity is answered in the text...

As Balaam was on his way to King Balak an angel of God, with sword drawn, blocked the road. Three times Balaam’s donkey turned away, and three times Balaam became angry at the donkey’s stubbornness. Finally, God opened the mouth of the donkey and a brief conversation followed between man and beast! Only then were Balaam’s eyes opened. Only then did he see the angel and realize that he was in the wrong. The angel then repeated God’s message to Balaam: Go to King Balak, but do only what God tells you to do.

The fact that God repeated this part of His instruction suggests that Balaam’s motives were impure. It appears that Balaam was more excited about the permission to go than the instruction to do only what God told him. God appears to have been angry with Balaam for only half-listening to what He had said.

Parents have to deal with this kind of thing. Their teen asks permission to attend a party with friends. Initially the parents refuse, but later, after repeated pleading on the part of the teen, give in. As soon as permission is granted the teen bolts to the phone to tell her friends the good news. The parents then regret having given permission.

They gave permission to attend the party, but not permission to engage in questionable activities. They realize that their teen had only half-listened, hearing the permission to go but giving little thought further instruction. At that point the parents recognize the need for a serious conversation with their teen regarding her moral behavior, responsibility, respect, good character, and curfew.

Balaam undoubtedly found God’s permission very gratifying. However, the promise of wealth became a distraction. His desire to satisfy himself had blinded him to God’s own desire for His people. God had to ‘remove the blinders’ from Balaam so that he could see the will of God.

The distractions of this life and all its thrills may blind Christians to the will of God. Wealth, entertainment and success in our own little corner of the world are tantalizing offers. These things, and even Christian liberties can become blinders of selfishness, pride, and stubbornness that are sure to mask the will of God. Only when these blinders are removed will we see clearly so that we can carry out the will of God in our lives.

Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

—Romans 12:1-2

Mark Stinnett

June 30, 2024

Benefits of Discipline in the Home

Out of a skewed sense of love some parents cater to every whim of their child. They believe that answering “Yes” to every desire shows love. However, a skewed sense of love teaches the child a skewed sense of reality. The child is not the center of the universe. The child is not entitled. The child is not deserving.

God desires people to be selfless, not selfish. He wants us to look out for the interests of others, not just ourselves. He wants us to be like Christ. (Philippians 2:4)

Discipline is the tool parents use to teach sharing, thoughtfulness, kindness, and service. “No” is often a more loving answer than “Yes,” at least when teaching the ideals of God.

Some have thought that a person free from restraint will prove to be highly creative. However, history bears out the opposite. The greatest discoveries and inventions have been the products of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles, nature’s way of saying, “No.”

Parents, discipline is a key element in the development of creativity in a child. It helps them to understand how do deal with obstacles and limitations in life and to form a disciplined lifestyle. That self-discipline will also help them to excel in doing good works and ministering to others as God desires. (Ephesians 2:10)

Undisciplined children tend to have a skewed sense of self-importance. They expect things to work out in their favor. They expect others to make sacrifices for them. They might have a sense of benevolence, but prefer to use the resources of others instead of their own.

Discipline is a key element in teaching a strong work ethic, patience while saving money, self-sacrifice, and generosity toward others. God teaches His children to work so that they will have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

There are often natural consequences, such as a blister on the finger when touching a hot surface. However, not all actions in life come with immediate consequences. For example, telling a lie might go unnoticed without consequences. Saving money has no immediate reward. One function of parental discipline is to teach a child about consequences when natural consequences are not immediate.

When, through discipline, consequences are learned, justice is taught, laying the groundwork for understanding mercy. Patience is taught, laying the groundwork for understanding hope.

To avoid conflict, many parents make sacrifices of time, money and effort. They buy what their child wants. They go where their child wants. They do what their child wants. Everything revolves around the child getting his/her way. The child becomes head of the house.

God wants children to obey their parents. Children are to honor their father and mother. (Ephesians 6:1-2) If parents do not insist on obedience and honor through proper discipline, their children will not learn to honor and obey any other authority including God himself. Discipline will save a child’s soul.

Discipline in the home teaches children how to walk in righteousness. It should not be viewed as a mere biblical command, but rather an essential key to life!

Cease listening to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

—Proverbs 19:27

Mark Stinnett

February 12, 2023

Is Doing God's Will the Same as Obeying God's Law?

The author of the book of Hebrews writes of Jesus, “I have come to do Your will” (10:9). Is that the same as obeying God’s law?

The two may seem to be equivalent, but there is a difference. The difference between the two marks the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant and largely defines how we look at Scripture.

It is true that breaking the law of God is sin (James 2:10). However, the Scripture also says that law is not for a righteous person (1 Timothy 1:9).

Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Did that mean that He simply did not break any rules? Did God send His Son so that we would stop breaking rules?

To do the will of God is more than obeying the legal aspects of God’s word. Jesus was not merely flawless according to the Law of Moses. He was more. That was actually the point that the writer of Hebrews was making when he said of Jesus: “I have come to do Your will.”

That statement about Jesus was set in contrast to the first covenant in which sacrifices were offered “continually year by year” (10:3). Jesus introduced a better covenant through a better sacrifice. He presented Himself as a sacrifice that was acceptable to God for all sin for all people for all time (10:12).

But what was the new covenant? A new set of rules?

Jesus said of Himself that He had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-20). He went on to say that one’s righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees.

In their day, the Pharisees were known as elite law-keepers. They were very strict when it came to the Law of Moses. In fact, in order to keep from breaking the Law of Moses, they created rules that were even stricter. The idea seemed to be that if they stepped over the line and broke their strict laws, they would still be a step away from breaking God’s law.

So, did Jesus mean that His disciples were supposed to be stricter than the Pharisees???

Jesus later taught that the two great commands (to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself) summed up all the Law and Prophets. Notice that these two commands are rooted in relationship. They are dependent upon one’s attitude and actions toward God and others. Obedience to these commands is far more than a strict adherence to a legal code. They are more descriptive of God’s will than the rule of law.

As long as we look at the Scriptures as a law code, we will see rules in the form of dos and don’ts. That will only produce a Pharisaical attitude toward the Scriptures. We will argue religious questions, boast in our knowledge and conclusions, and ultimately divide.

The Law of Moses gave the Israelites (and us) insight into the character of God: His holiness, His righteousness, His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness and His love. Nothing in the Law was arbitrary. It all pointed to something about God.

His desire was to produce in His chosen people an attitude of love and justice and holiness. He was trying to teach His people to be holy as He is holy and to love as He loves.

The problem was that Israel could not become what God desired through strict obedience to the Law of Moses. Strict law-keeping never made anyone like God, even if the law was divinely given. God sent Jesus to fulfill the Law, that is, to bring the Law to its natural state of completion. He came to do God’s will, not just obey rules. He demonstrated the very essence of God.

The obedience of Jesus is not about legal obedience but about doing God’s will. It is about sacrificial love. It is about sacrificial holiness. Sacrifice is about me giving up myself. I give up my things to help others; I give up my rights to preserve relationships; I give up my desires to please God. I consciously fight temptation to remain holy before God.

Jesus laid down His life for us and said:

No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.

—John 10:18

Being found in appearance as a man, He [Jesus] humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

—Philippians 2:8

Are you trying to do God’s will or just obey laws??

Mark Stinnett

June 6, 2021

Disobedience Never Changes Reality

My friend just couldn't bring herself to apply physical discipline to her children (spanking). She equated spanking with 'hitting' and "no one should ever hit anyone." Another friend struggled with the biblical concept of forgiveness thinking that it might give a person the idea that sin was ok. I once read a comment posted by a fellow on social media who justified his infidelity by saying, “there is no way that Jesus kept himself sexually pure.”

The examples are endless of people who waiver in obeying God's word unless they can understand by using their personal reasoning or experience. However, just because they do not understand does not mean that God's instruction is without value or incorrect.

In the 1990's the Ukrainian government saw value in introducing common Christians values from the Bible into its school curriculum. They recognized that moral teaching from the Bible would promote a better society. The reality is that God has provided instruction that is beneficial to people whether they see the wisdom in it or not; whether they believe in Jesus or not.

In the 119th Psalm King David wrote of his love for God's word saying that he meditated on the Law of God. He observed:

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies;
I have more insight than all my teachers;
I understand more than the aged.

He was not boasting in himself, but expressing the timeless truth of God's word. He saw that by observing God's word he surpassed those who were generally considered wiser and more experienced.

In my youth I vividly remember preachers pounding the pulpit: "God said it; I believe it; that settles it." "You don't have to understand; just obey." While at some level that is true, God has given considerable explanation so that we CAN understand why He gave His instruction. There are many examples in Scripture of people who obeyed and who disobeyed, each providing more reasoning for following God's instruction. If there is any conclusion to be drawn it is that God desires us to understand. Yet, simple obedience without understanding is far better than disobedience because of a lack of understanding.

The thing to remember when you do not understand God’s instruction is that God has never been arbitrary. He is not playing games with mankind. Behind His instruction is purpose and reason. After all, He IS the creator of this stuff we call 'human.' He designed us; He knows us; He knows what is best for us. AND He loves us. So, even when we cannot see behind the curtain of understanding, disobedience is never justified by our lack of understanding. Disobedience never changes reality.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
For she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
—Proverbs 3:13–15 (NIV)

We ought to strive for understanding. Yet, when we have unanswered questions regarding God’s word, we must trust. He truly knows what is best and supplies every need.

Mark Stinnett

November 1, 2020

Aren't You Glad You Can Eat Bacon?

I like bacon! I am so glad Jesus “declared all foods clean.” (Mark 7:19)

Do you think that was God’s expected response, “Yippee! I like bacon!”?

(Probably not.)

The laws about food in the Law of Moses can seem puzzling, especially since Christians are not restricted in their eating choices, at least, not restricted morally or religiously.

Pages and pages have been devoted to explanations of God’s imposed food restrictions on the Israelites. Some have explained the health benefits associated with God’s laws of cleanliness. One scholar, reasoning that pork is the finest of all meats, suggested that it was a test that God devised to see if Israel could refrain from such a delicacy. He failed to recognize that pork was not the only prohibited food. Not only that, not everyone would agree with his subjective assessment about pork. 

It is really about food???

Perhaps we’ve missed something.

In many ways the Law of Moses seems to have been behavior-oriented while the teachings of Jesus were different. Yet...I wonder...

When Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount He would say, “You have heard it said...but I say to you….” Many people today have mistakenly thought that Jesus was teaching something new. That is not the case. He had just said…

Do not think that I came to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 
—Matthew 5:18

He went on to say that the righteousness that God expected was not like the teachings of the Pharisees. They were so exacting in the literal obedience to the Law of Moses they created more restrictive laws that were precise and incredibly demanding. They had missed the point.

Paraphrasing, Jesus then taught: You have been taught, ‘Do not commit murder,’ but I tell you that whoever is angry with his brother is guilty. 

Jesus was not creating a new ‘anger law’ in place of the old commandment about murder. Rather, He was teaching the people that anger was the root of murder in the first place. Had they stopped and pondered the command, “Thou shalt not murder,” they would have reasoned that to avoid murder they must first deal with the anger of the heart. Murder is the conclusion of something that began in the heart: anger. Deal with the problem of anger and you’ve solved the murder problem.

The same path of thought applies to the other laws that Jesus addressed in Matthew 5:21-47.

• Adultery: Begins in the heart as lust. It is a desire in the heart that treats a person as a mere object of sexual satisfaction with little or no consideration for his/her humanity.
• Divorce: Begins in the heart with an unwillingness to sacrifice. It is a desire in the heart that makes selfish demands without consideration for commitment and relationship.
• Lying: Begins in a heart that fears or hates truth. It is a desire to manipulate circumstances by creating a false sense of reality. Lying is never sacrificial. Even when it protects another person, it is a purely selfish means of satisfying oneself.
• Vengeance: Begins in a heart refusing forgiveness. It is a desire to exact justice, yet ultimately justice on one's own terms. It fails to consider others as souls in needs of a Savior. It fails to consider God's justice.
• Hate your enemies: Begins in a heart of arrogant selective love. It is a desire to keep others out of one's own circle of acceptance. It fails to consider God's boundless (boundary-less) love.

Israel should have looked at the laws of God and found the core issue that made these things offensive to God, a heart in opposition to the very character of God. 

How do I know this?
Jesus taught that whatever comes out of the heart condemns a person. Go ahead and look it up. It is in Mark 7:20-23. It is right after Jesus “declared all foods clean.”

So, what about all the food laws and laws about cleanliness? God was teaching Israel about His own purity. 

To have a relationship with God, a person must be pure, just as God is pure in His divine character. And purity begins in the heart.

When you read the Bible, do you see God, or do you see rules...or just bacon???

Mark Stinnett

February 23, 2020

I Have To...Do You?

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments.
--Proverbs 3:1

For some people religion is a drudgery. Morality is a duty. Living right is a challenge. ‘Church’ is a weekend requirement.As a result, Christianity is often perceived to be composed of confusing requirements, and do’s and don’t’s that do not even make sense. Involvement in religion and religious activities ends up being something I “have to” do:

• “I have to go to church.”
• “I have to put money in the offering plate.”
• "I have to attend this church function."
• “I have to do good deeds.”
• “I have to be moral (At least when parents or the preacher are around).”
• “I have to be obedient.”

It is unfortunate that many preachers and teachers have presented the ‘Old Law’ in the Bible (The Law of Moses) as a burdensome ‘duty-driven’ law. In other words, it is presented as if, it was the duty of the ancient Israelites to robotically obey the rules of behavior to please God (though a difficult burdensome task):

• Observe the feasts,
• Observe the requirements of animal sacrifices,
• Observe the Sabbath,
• Observe the tithe requirement,
• Observe the food requirements, etc.

It is as if God had handed Israel a legal checklist. Yet, man is not a programmable machine. 

Did God expect Israel to obey the laws and ordinances and precepts and commands in the Law of Moses? Yes! Of course; but not merely out of a sense of duty. His desire from the beginning has been for mankind to respond to him from the heart. He desired His people to intend to please Him, adopt His will as their will, invest emotionally and intellectually.

The Law of Moses revealed the character of God. When God’s people honored Him by keeping the Law they would be like Him and also learn something about His divine nature.

Mechanical worship or robotic obedience is far from God’s desire. In fact, a duty-driven approach to God will invalidate one's offering making it meaningless and unacceptable to God.

The wise Solomon captured the essence of God’s desire as he instructed his son to keep the commandments, not through mere external behavior, but from the heart.Today, God wants those who have a fellowship relationship with Him (Christians) to obey His instruction because they understand something about Him and His character; because they love Him and know His love and compassion for them; because they realize the true benefit of His instruction; because they naturally want to please Him...because He is Creator.

So, I am obedient to his instruction...
...Not because “I have to”...an external response of duty,
...Not necessarily because "I want to"...a response of love and devotion,
...But ideally because “I have to”...a changed nature...it's simply who I am.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 
--2 Corinthians 3:18

Mark Stinnett

Why Were You Baptized? (Reason #4)

The reason for baptism that I wish to address today might be generalized:

Reason #4: External pressure.

A young lady sat across my desk from me and broke into tears when I asked the simple question, “Why were you baptized?”

She regained her composure enough to answer, “All my friends were getting baptized, so I did too. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

I spoke with a wife who wondered about her husband’s motive when he was baptized. One thing was certain, her father would not allow the two to marry unless the young man was baptized. Questions lingered.

I have heard it taught that we just need to be obedient, "Be baptized." As a result some have felt pressured into going through a baptism ritual as an act of obedience. Yet, there is much more to baptism than an arbitrary command: "Be baptized!"

Related to that, “If you aren’t baptized you’ll go to hell.” Or, at church camp, “If you haven’t been baptized yet, you won’t be saved.”

All of these examples have one thing in common: Some degree of external pressure.

Let me quickly add; I am sure that the crowd that heard the first gospel sermon on the Day of Pentecost felt pressure. (Read Acts 2.) Having been cut to the heart, they interrupted Peter’s sermon: “What shall we do?” However, the pressure they felt was related to an inner conviction brought about by the gospel message. That is the right kind of pressure.

I am more concerned about external pressure that is not rooted in the gospel message. The problem is an insufficient understanding of the reason for baptism. Sometimes it is the fault of the preacher/teacher, and sometimes the fault of the listener.

Some preachers have pressured people into baptism by using high-pressure sales techniques or by using guilt to manipulate. Paul was on fire for the gospel, but he did not coerce people; no belt-notching, baptism boasting for Paul.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.    —1 Corinthians 1:17

In the New Testament baptism was always a faith response, not the mere observance of a ritual act. Anyone can participate in a ritual without understanding (e.g. Latin Mass for English-speaking people). However, a faith response is, by nature, a conviction of the heart based on understanding.

If you were baptized just to follow the crowd or to please someone, your baptism lacks meaning and substance. You should rethink your reason for being baptized in light of biblical teaching.

If you were pressured into baptized as an act of obedience to a legal command, you really missed the point of baptism. You desperately need to turn to the scriptures and reevaluate.

Baptism is not a magic shield against God’s wrath. So, if you were pressured into baptism through fear or through guilt, yet did not understand the biblical teaching on baptism, you also need to turn to the scriptures and reevaluate.

I never want to create doubt in the hearts of people. However, there is but ‘one baptism.’ As believers, we must make sure that we have made a proper faith response to God in baptism. If there is any pressure, it ought to come from God through the gospel message.

Reason #5, next week.