The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Baptism why the disagreement concerning mode?

Something that has interested me and has been on my mind is the disagreement on the issue of the mode of baptism, immersion or sprinkling. I believe first we should understand why Christ was baptized in order to understand which method should be used.

Many will say that Christ was baptized to identify with sinners. I don't believe that is a complete understanding of His reason for being baptized. I believe that Jesus' baptism also was required for His entrance into the priesthood, fulfilling all righteousness which required the ceremonial washing. He was consecrated to the service of God the Father during His humility. We believers who are baptized, need to keep in mind that it isn't just a symbol of what Christ has done for us, but we are being consecrated as priests unto our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We have lost the meaning/purpose of baptism and in doing so, got wrapped up in inconsequential arguments concerning the mode. Sprinkling or immersion? For me, I believe either is appropriate. Priests were consecrated by washing and sprinkling, so either is acceptable. Immersion is more relevatory of the gospel message but sprinkling also is acceptable for the purpose of consecration. I prefer the immersion method because of that, but if a person wants to consecrate themselves to God by sprinkling, I praise God for that too, because it is the consecration that is of importance.

In light of this, mode is not important enough to debate nor split a church over, and any that do so end up bringing schism to the body of Christ. I can fellowship with either and accept the teaching of either as long as the purpose of baptism is explained. Too many are being baptized who misunderstand what they are really doing and the church suffers because of it. If we have been consecrated as priest, we should live our lives as such.

I may again find opposition to these statements, as I find that quite common here, but again, each must decide in their own mind. We must each be convinced of what we believe baptism means and then determine whether mode is important. As for creedal or paedo, I have my view, but that has already been beaten to death on this discussion group and I don't know that addressing it would be of any benefit to anyone.