Perspective on baptism

Arminian Today looks at baptism in scriptural and doctrinal perspective:

In the book of Acts we find the Apostles of our Lord obeying His words to go and make disciples of all the nations (Mark 16:15-16). We also find them baptising in obedience to Jesus' commandment (Matthew 28:19-20). From Acts 2:38, 41 to Acts 22:16, baptism appears time and time again. The urgency of baptism is what is interesting. In the United States is not uncommon to hear of people waiting months to be baptised and some never are baptised. Yet in many nations around the world, baptism is the clear call that you are a Christian. In India, for example, you can not join a fellowship of saints unless you submit to baptism first. In Vietnam, China, Cuba, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Omar, Sudan, Colombia, and many other nations baptism has to be done in private since open baptism is illegal and the penalty of being baptised as a disciple is death (at least in many Middle Eastern nations this is the case).

When baptism does appear in Acts, it is done quickly! In Acts 2 the Apostles baptised 3000 people (Acts 2:41). In Acts 8:34-39 the Ethiopian eunuch is baptised while traveling with Philip by his side. In Acts 9:18 Saul of Tarsus gets up and is baptised. A parallel to Paul's baptism is found in Acts 22:16 where Ananias tells him to get up and be baptised. In Acts 10:47-48 Peter commands that water be brought for Cornelius' household to be baptised. In Acts 16:14-15 Lydia and her household are quickly baptised. In Acts 16:30-34 the Philippian Jailer and his household are baptised at midnight!

Since I see the urgency of baptism in the book of Acts I believe that it is quite appropriate for us to urge new disciples to be baptised as soon as possible even tonight, even now! If a person is serious about wanting to know Christ, follow Him, and love Him for His sacrifice for their sins then by all means do the first step of obedience and submit to Him in baptism (Luke 6:46; 1 John 2:3-6).

It's kind of surprising, really, that any Christian could find fault with these conclusions. Perhaps those who do should read AT's earlier post on characteristics of a critical spirit.