PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

Unforeseen are the consequences to changing pure doctrine because we aren’t as wise as we think (Ge.3). Let’s see how changing baptism leads to warping the resurrection on the last day (1 Corinthians 15).
Jesus’s own death, burial, and resurrection is the ultimate prototype of our death and last day rebirth from the grave. Many early Christians saw several biblical stories as figures of resurrection from death too. These included Enoch whom God took, Noah escaping the flood, Elijah raising the dead and escaping death in the chariot of fire, Jonah escaping the fish (Jesus made this connection too), Daniel in the lions’ den, his three friends in the fiery furnace whose flesh remained intact, Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones, Lazarus, Jairus’s daughter, and the widow’s son. So many stories and allusions to resurrection it is undeniable our bodily resurrection is a major biblical topic. So…what happens when we mess with God’s teaching on baptism which is also connected to resurrection?
When baptism, which is a type of resurrection (Romans 6), is looked upon as a good thing but unnecessary (Acts 10:48) – the consequence is our resurrection is not necessary.
When baptism, which is a burial (Col.2:12) and by definition an immersion, is changed to a sprinkling – the consequence is the connection to Jesus’ resurrection and the final resurrection is non-existent. How can one reemerge from sprinkling?
When baptism, which is when God forgives (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), is removed from the spiritual resurrection from the dead – the consequence is the whole final resurrection scene becomes null and void. If we are alive prior to our baptismal burial and resurrection, then in comparison how can our bodies be resurrected if they are already alive?
I don’t doubt the sincerity of many who change pure doctrine; no doubt I have. I do however hope we all heed the warning. God’s teaching is deep, connected and consequently the foundation for more doctrine. As Jesus said, “scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35) and this is one reason why. Change one doctrine and it affects another.