Lutheran Pastor SCHOOLS Baptist Preacher who DISMANTLED Fr Mike Schmitz on Baptism (Allegedly)
Christian Combatives
4,927 views
Does Baptism save? Let's go through what else the Bible says about baptism, what it is, who it is for, and what it does.
In this video I respond to a Baptist preacher who believes that baptism is just an external sign of salvation, not efficacious. He uses some Bible verses, and misses quite a few others worth considering.
Let's get into it!
Feel free to check out the original video I'm responding to here:
"Baptist Preacher DISMANTLES Fr. Mike Schmitz on Baptism"
Baptist Preacher DISMANTLES Fr. Mike Schmi...
20 Comments
@DamonH-2024 2 weeks ago
Fantastic video. I gained new perspectives and took away a few simple points to make the case that baptism does indeed save.
@tawniwani 12 days ago
This was one of the best explanations of baptism I have heard. Thank you, Pastor!
@voyager7 2 weeks ago (edited)
I was going to comment on the other video, but YT is usually not the place for truly constructive dialogue; de-railing quickly into caricatures of each others' position and engaging in ad hominems etc. In short, those who hold the position he does (and it seems, many of the commenters do) is that baptism is an act we do, and justifying faith is a decision or choice; assent of the mind to the propositions of the Gospel. They also criticize and stand in opposition to an understanding of sacramental efficacy as being ex opere operato. And in that sense, they are correct to reject the Fr Schmitz' position on infused grace by virtue of the act enacted alone, apart from the faith which apprehends and receives it.
On that point, they seem to be unaware both of the Lutheran (and I would say, Apostolic) understanding of means; that while our works clearly do nothing for obtaining reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins and salvation, God's works do. God's works are absolutely necessary. Further, they seem unaware or unconcerned that true justifying faith must have something to which it can cling, namely the promise of God. Decision theology does not do this, it tells itself it can assess the work of Christ and then assent to "accept" it...but when push comes to shove it can not say how it knows that he or she is among those with true faith.
The waters of baptism (as is the word and the Supper) are not merely an act, they are the very means through which the Spirit gives, imparts, strengthens and declares the promises of the Gospel personally to us, such that this is the anchor of faith, to which it clings. It's not faith in our works, any more than their "faith" is in hearing or reading the Gospel account in the pages of scripture or on the voice of a pastor.
On that point, they seem to be unaware both of the Lutheran (and I would say, Apostolic) understanding of means; that while our works clearly do nothing for obtaining reconciliation and the forgiveness of sins and salvation, God's works do. God's works are absolutely necessary. Further, they seem unaware or unconcerned that true justifying faith must have something to which it can cling, namely the promise of God. Decision theology does not do this, it tells itself it can assess the work of Christ and then assent to "accept" it...but when push comes to shove it can not say how it knows that he or she is among those with true faith.
The waters of baptism (as is the word and the Supper) are not merely an act, they are the very means through which the Spirit gives, imparts, strengthens and declares the promises of the Gospel personally to us, such that this is the anchor of faith, to which it clings. It's not faith in our works, any more than their "faith" is in hearing or reading the Gospel account in the pages of scripture or on the voice of a pastor.
@ginger-397 11 days ago
Great distinction, about baptism is not required vs. that baptism cannot save.
@stingray4540 2 weeks ago
Ooh, good timing. My Friday morning Bible study with my mixed denom(mostly non-denom) friends is coming up tomorrow and we are gonna duke it out on Baptism.
@pierregiraud6832 2 weeks ago
This entire debate is superfluous once we understand that the original Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (381 A.D.), the sole mark of Christian identity (Denzinger 265, 300–303, & 559), constitutes the message that unifies the various canonical books of the Bible. Now, the Creed states that there is only ONE baptism for the remission of SINS. As such, this article must be understood as including the sins of the baptized person’s ENTIRE life, both before and after the ritual ablution.
This is why, in accordance with Luther’s Small Catechism, we must recognize that it is the Gospel in baptism that saves, through the faith in Jesus Christ that it engenders—the good news signified by the invocation of the Trinity—in accordance with a daily and lifelong process of repentance, symbolized by the ritual act of immersion and emersion. Otherwise, one would either have to be baptized on one's deathbed or fall into despair after every post-baptismal sin, unless one were to sink into antinomianism.
Consequently, Baptism is not a magical act, nor is the invocation of the Trinity an incantation. It is the place of salvation, where Christ’s redemption is applied to the believer through the Gospel and faith. For it is not the water but the Word that saves in Baptism. Thus, it is certainly true that Baptism saves—contrary to the claims of “baptism”—although one can be saved without it, despite the teachings of Roman Catholicism. For God is not bound by His sacraments.
This is why, in accordance with Luther’s Small Catechism, we must recognize that it is the Gospel in baptism that saves, through the faith in Jesus Christ that it engenders—the good news signified by the invocation of the Trinity—in accordance with a daily and lifelong process of repentance, symbolized by the ritual act of immersion and emersion. Otherwise, one would either have to be baptized on one's deathbed or fall into despair after every post-baptismal sin, unless one were to sink into antinomianism.
Consequently, Baptism is not a magical act, nor is the invocation of the Trinity an incantation. It is the place of salvation, where Christ’s redemption is applied to the believer through the Gospel and faith. For it is not the water but the Word that saves in Baptism. Thus, it is certainly true that Baptism saves—contrary to the claims of “baptism”—although one can be saved without it, despite the teachings of Roman Catholicism. For God is not bound by His sacraments.
@larryleitner7868 4 days ago
Romans 6:1-23 does a great job in telling us what Baptism does, especially verses 3-7.
@stingray4540 2 weeks ago
Another account to reinforce your point at minute 25/26 about pentacost being an abnormal event, you used acts which says be Baptised and you will receive the Holy Spirit, which is great, but another great one is the people who believed and were baptized in John’s baptism but did NOT receive the Holy Spirit until after they were Baptized in Jesus which demonstrates the normative order in contrast to the extraordinary Pentecost events.
@nemoexnuqual3643 2 weeks ago
The same logic used to say baptism doesn’t save because of Abraham and the their on the cross…
Because in 2 Kings 2:8 “Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”
So why are we putting all this tax money into bridges rather than rolled up cloaks?
Because in 2 Kings 2:8 “Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”
So why are we putting all this tax money into bridges rather than rolled up cloaks?
@chadmeidl1140 2 weeks ago
MATTHEW 10:5-8
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
MARK 16:15-18
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The gospel of the Kingdom requires SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES.
Do you have ALL the signs in Matt. 10:8 and Mark 16:17-18?
Was Cornelius saved when he was baptized in water, or the Ethiopian Eunuch?
ACTS 10:44-48 (Cornelius, a gentile)
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
ACTS 8:35-38 (The Ethiopian Eunuch, a Jewish Proselyte)
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Here’s a good one:
ACTS 8:14-17 (The Samaritans)
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
The Samaritans were “baptized” yet were not saved and had to have HANDS LAID ON THEM TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.
ACTS 8:9 (Simon the sorcerer)
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
(v. 13) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
(v. 18-23)
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Simon the sorcerer believed and was baptized, BUT no mention is made of him receiving the HOLY SPIRIT. He was in the “gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
What does Paul say?
1 Cor. 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
No water baptism mentioned, but a SPIRIT BAPTISM.
1 COR. 1:14
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Was Paul derelict or heretical in dismissing water baptism?
What does Peter say?
1 Peter 3:20-21
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
FIG'URE, noun fig'ur. [Latin figura, from figo, to fix or set. See Feign.]
12. In theology, type; representative.
Noah and his family were not submerged in water. They were saved by an ARK above the water. The water baptism of the flood KILLED the wicked.
The like figure of baptism is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as it states in verse 21.
HEBREWS 11:19
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Did Abraham know about the crucifixion of the “carpenter’s son” from Nazareth, who was rejected by His kin?
Abraham did not receive Jesus Christ but a FIGURE of Him.
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
MARK 16:15-18
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The gospel of the Kingdom requires SIGNS, WONDERS AND MIRACLES.
Do you have ALL the signs in Matt. 10:8 and Mark 16:17-18?
Was Cornelius saved when he was baptized in water, or the Ethiopian Eunuch?
ACTS 10:44-48 (Cornelius, a gentile)
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
ACTS 8:35-38 (The Ethiopian Eunuch, a Jewish Proselyte)
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Here’s a good one:
ACTS 8:14-17 (The Samaritans)
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
The Samaritans were “baptized” yet were not saved and had to have HANDS LAID ON THEM TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST.
ACTS 8:9 (Simon the sorcerer)
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
(v. 13) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
(v. 18-23)
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Simon the sorcerer believed and was baptized, BUT no mention is made of him receiving the HOLY SPIRIT. He was in the “gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
What does Paul say?
1 Cor. 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
No water baptism mentioned, but a SPIRIT BAPTISM.
1 COR. 1:14
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Was Paul derelict or heretical in dismissing water baptism?
What does Peter say?
1 Peter 3:20-21
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
FIG'URE, noun fig'ur. [Latin figura, from figo, to fix or set. See Feign.]
12. In theology, type; representative.
Noah and his family were not submerged in water. They were saved by an ARK above the water. The water baptism of the flood KILLED the wicked.
The like figure of baptism is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as it states in verse 21.
HEBREWS 11:19
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Did Abraham know about the crucifixion of the “carpenter’s son” from Nazareth, who was rejected by His kin?
Abraham did not receive Jesus Christ but a FIGURE of Him.
@burnsy1943 2 weeks ago
Jesus said, " you must be born of water and the Spirit ! How many get water baptised, but never receive the spirit of Christ? By Faith through Grace alone are we saved. Romans 6 explains what happens when we are baptised, the this makes the new man, which must receive the spirit since they have become the new man!
@wfmcardle5789 2 weeks ago
Thanks for the video. As a former Baptist, I found some of your arguments ok. I don't agree about the thief on the cross. I would not normally go to the thief on the cross since it is an argument from silence. Yet your conclusion that it doesn't rule out other types of salvation or saving grace seems to go at first glance, against sola fide. (I understand that you see baptism as a means of grace but see my later comment - about your conflation on this matter) I agree that baptism does something - question is what. It certainly is a means of grace - but what kind of grace is the Bible talking about? I think you conflate grace with the means of grace. And I think the two are not the same thing - although related.
@BertiferousRex 2 weeks ago
One thing I've seen a lot of recently which flabbergasts me, and I have no idea where it came from or where it started... is the idea that baptism in the New Testament doesn't use water, it is purely spiritual. Alternatively I've seen that "water baptism" is only for Jews, Christians are baptized spiritually without water.
@m1stertim 2 weeks ago
I knee-jerk downvoted this video based on the title 🤣
but where are the sunglasses??
but where are the sunglasses??
@dustydudek1703 2 weeks ago
I've had this discussion with my baptist neighbor a few times. His main reason you can't baptize a baby is because they can't repent, and you must first repent before you can be baptized. And yeah, baptism doesn't save you either, it's only ceremonial as a sign you do to show you accept Christ
@NoNameToday-100 2 weeks ago (edited)
Limbo is just a theological opinion. It didn’t have weight to it. The baptism of John the Baptist (timestamp 7:48) doesn’t save.
@Wolttizm 2 weeks ago (edited)
Jesus had not yet instituted Christian baptism at the time of the thief. That was given just prior to the ascension. This Baptist preacher never had Jesus say to him, "Today you shall be with me in paradise." As to Abraham being saved without baptism, Jesus had not yet instituted baptism, nor had John the Baptist come to cleanse Israel. It's hard to believe people can be this dull. What Abraham had was a direct word of promise from God, something this Baptist pastor does not have. He has it in his own baptism, but doesn't believe it. The 'brother Saul' argument is flimsy at best. Paul had thus far heard only law, and no gospel. Ananias preached him the gospel and administered baptism. The Baptist wants to hide from you the bible passages that he doesn't like. Excellent job by the Lutheran pastor doing it on the fly.
@nilsalmgren4492 2 weeks ago (edited)
If baptism itself saves in 100% of the people who are baptized then baptism itself saves. Obviously this is not true therefore baptism itself is not what saves.
What baptism does is up for debate and I do not find in scripture anywhere that says you are going to heaven or hell based on your belief of what baptism does.
But the Bible does say that you are not to cause a fellow Christian to stumble. This means if you are causing contention over this issue then you are in danger how are the fires of hell.
What baptism does is up for debate and I do not find in scripture anywhere that says you are going to heaven or hell based on your belief of what baptism does.
But the Bible does say that you are not to cause a fellow Christian to stumble. This means if you are causing contention over this issue then you are in danger how are the fires of hell.
Lutheran Pastor SCHOOLS Baptist Preacher who DISMANTLED Fr Mike Schmitz on Baptism (Allegedly)
Christian Combatives
4,927 views
Does Baptism save? Let's go through what else the Bible says about baptism, what it is, who it is for, and what it does.
In this video I respond to a Baptist preacher who believes that baptism is just an external sign of salvation, not efficacious. He uses some Bible verses, and misses quite a few others worth considering.
Let's get into it!
Feel free to check out the original video I'm responding to here:
"Baptist Preacher DISMANTLES Fr. Mike Schmitz on Baptism"
Baptist Preacher DISMANTLES Fr. Mike Schmi...