Is it the official position of the Church of Christ that baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation? Do you teach that those who baptize by sprinkling, and teach salvation by grace through faith alone, will spend eternity in Hell?

There are no official positions in congregations of the Church of Christ. Each congregation is independent. In regard to your question about sprinkling and faith only, there are some who would say, "yes," and some who say, "no."

I am not a spokesman for the church of Christ. I am simply a Christian and thereby speak for myself. My understanding of the teaching of scripture is that at the moment of baptism God places me in Christ (Romans 6:3), clothes me in Jesus (Galatians 3:27), makes me a part of the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27), and forgives my sins (Acts 2:38). That does not occur because I have performed a physical act. It occurs because the God of resurrection acts, imparting to my life the atoning blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). Baptism is not the all encompassing moment or act; it is no more important than my faith in Christ and my repentance for sins. Because that is my understanding, I can do no less in my response to God.

However, I see neither purpose nor need to usurp the throne of God and be presumptuous enough to pass judgement on all others who reach different conclusions through earnest study and faith.

The God of grace will make His own independent decisions about individuals who are saved regardless of the conclusions of believing people.

David Chadwell
21 February 1997

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