The past two years in the Southern Baptist Convention churches has been alive with discussion, and sometimes with angry discussion, over the matter of Baptism; especially as it relates to the International Mission Board (IMB), and its authority to send missionaries.
Baptism is a matter concerning the Christian and the local church where they are potential members or members. We are first of all, baptized into one body by one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ, and because of the Christian’s desire to be near like minded believers, the Christian desires to become a part of a local church. Becoming a part of a local congregation means identifying with that church through water baptism, giving personal testimony of one’s faith in Christ Jesus, and His death, burial and resurrection, shown in like baptism.
The point I want to make is this. When an individual becomes a member of a local church, they should have a heart of submission; first to Christ Jesus, and secondly to the ordinances, members, and leaders of the church they are joining. The IMB made a rule in 2005 that any missionary candidate not being baptized in a SBC church would not be affirmed for the mission field. My personal belief is that they should accept the call of the local church that did receive them, and accepted their “alien baptism”, however, this is an agency of the SBC, and they have made this ruling. If you are going to be a missionary through the SBC/IMB, then where is your heart?
If I were to ever change to another belief system, another denomination, and they required me to be baptized to become a member, of their congregation, then, I would gladly do it. If I was not prepared to submit to their ordinances, rules, covenants, and leadership, then I would not join. I, however, will be a Baptist until Jesus comes again, and then, there will be no more denominations. There will be only Christ like people, with Jesus Christ as King.
What to do when a person comes wanting to join our church who has been a member of another denomination? We will require baptism. If they refuse to submit to that, then they can go elsewhere. These are usually types of people who will be trouble anyway.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 
Greg,
I apologize for the delay in getting back to you concerning this baptism. When I saw your comment I thought, “Yes there is”, but I wanted to know where and I just now took the time to find it.
There is a group who was “rebaptized” in Acts 19:5. It would be good to read 18:24 – 19:5.
Yes I know they had not been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but that is the point.
Thanks for your comment.
T.A.
LikeLike
Tim,
I do not believe there is even a single case of anyone getting “Re-Baptized” in the N.T.
For me it is just that simple… We have no Biblical grounds for this new IMB policy…
The beginning of mandating Extra-Biblical policy/doctrines in any “Christian” organization is a giant step down the “slippery slope”… What will be next? And who will make that judgment?
Grace Always,
LikeLike
Tyrellh,
First, I want to apologize for not writing sooner. I was thinking that I already had answered, though I am not quite sure what the answer is.
I personally do not believe it to be legalism to have requirements for church membership, with the first being that you be genuinely born again, then by baptism in the local congregation confessing one’s faith by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
One is baptised by the Holy Spirit when one is saved, then that faith is confessed by water baptism showing the faith before a body of believers.
Legalism is best understood as having requirements besides faith in Jesus for one’s salvation. When an erring brother or sister sins and refuse to repent, then the proper thing; for the local church of which they are a member; to do is to chastise them by putting them out of the church for the purpose of reconciliation. That is not legalism; that is Biblical doctrine.
The baptism of Paul or Appollos is just a favoritism matter, of one prefering one preacher over another. That was one of Corinth’s problems, so I don’t think it that issue really matters in the matter of Regenerate Church membership.
Thanks for your comment.
T.A.
LikeLike
Hi Tim, I was wondering, when the christians were arguing with paul and some were saying they were baptised by Appollos and others Paul, what implications does this text have on your above discussion?
Furthermore, in Hiscox “Baptist Principles and History” was baptism not only required to aid in the process of ensuring Regenenrate Church Membership? Why would we make the requirments for joining or working in the church greater then the requirements for joining in the kingdom? Surley we need to look again at the heart and point of the closed membership principle (I myself being a closed membership kinda guy), perhaps we may sometimes err to strongly to legalism on this. Just some thoughts.
Grace from Christ to you Brother
LikeLike