"CHURCH OF CHRIST" ERROR ON CONVERSIONS
IN
THE BOOK OF ACTS [08/12--2005]
One of the most popular arguments
which "Church of Christ" debaters and writers use in their effort to prove the
necessity of baptism before one is saved is the idea that in the Book of
Acts baptism is always referred to in connection with a conversion. This
is patently false. I have refuted the argument in several public debates, and
the CC debater is usually "shocked" to learn how many conversions are mentioned
and there is no reference to baptism.
The Spiritual Sword
magazine, a periodical of anti-instrumental music "Church of Christism,"
published this statement in the July 1970 issue, page
16:
>>
In every case of conversion in Acts, reference is made
to baptism.
>>
Also, in the same periodical for January
1979, page 9, this statement was published:
>>
It so happens,
regarding all the conversion accounts in Acts, that baptism is specifically
mentioned in each instance.
>>
One writer even went to far
as to say there were "no exceptions."
Nothing could be further
from the truth.
This is the type of unscriptural argument that is
manufactured by the "Restorationists" in their effort to support their theory on
baptism, and is an example of how they "speak where the Bible is
silent."
Here are the instances of conversions in Acts where
baptism is mentioned:
2:37-41
8:5-13
8:37, 38
9:1-18,
22
10:43, 48
16:14
16:30-34
18:8
19:5
This is a total
of only NINE accounts where baptism is mentioned.
Now, here
are the accounts in Acts which speak of conversions where baptism is NOT
mentioned:
2:47
4:4
5:14
6:7
9:35
9:42
11:21
11:24
Chapters
13 and 14 -- Paul's first journey -- baptism never
mentioned.
13:12
13:43
13:48
14:1
14:7,
22
14:21
14:27
16:5
17:4
17:12
17:34
19:17-20
28:23,
24
Notice that not once is baptism "specifically mentioned" in the
conversions on Paul's first missionary journey.
Don't misunderstand me
-- I am not saying that baptism was not administered, but I am simply denying
the false assertion of the CC when they teach that baptism is "specifically
mentioned" in every case or instance of conversions. Some converts are not
mentioned by name, but others are -- such as Sergius Paul (13:7, 12), Dionysius
and Damaris (17:34).
Even if baptism had been mentioned in every instance
of conversions, it would not prove the teaching of the Campbellites on baptism,
for the uniform teaching of the Bible is that "he that believeth on Him is
not condemned" (John 3:18).
The question is, Why can't the CC
"keep silent where the Bible silent," according to their favorite slogan?
Why do the speak where the Bible does not speak? -- Bob L.
Ross
[Adapted for email from my book, THE RESTORATION
MOVEMENT].
FOR MORE on the "Church of Christ" see my books on the
subject: >http://members.aol.com/pilgrimpub/writings.htm<
For
further study on Alexander Campbell's alleged "restoration" of the
"ancient order of things," as advocated by ministers of the Church of
Christ, see the following books:
__ Acts 2:38 and Baptismal Remission
(Bob L. Ross), $4
__ Campbellism -- Its History and Heresies (Ross),
$6
__ Campbellites, Cowbells, Rosary Beads
and
Snake Handling [on Instrumental Music] (Ross), $5
__ The Restoration
Movement (Ross), $5
BUFF SCOTT JR. wrote:
>>
Bob Ross has
done it again! He has written a refutation of anti-instrumental music
in worship, and directs his thrusts toward Campbellites [Church of
Christers]. You may not agree with all of his conclusions, but he does a
good job giving the Church of Christ and their human creeds a bad time. [From
"The Reformer," Nov-Dec 1994].
>>
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eliminating as much paperwork as possible, so please send payment with order, or
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Thank you very much. -- Bob L. Ross
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