Communion, Baptism and Membership

I have experienced no small degree of ostracization by my denomination and some of my 'former' pastoral friends regarding my stance of baptism and membership.  I basically concluded in a lengthy paper on the subject that a person who was biblical convinced of affusion (or pouring) and could express a compelling scriptural argument should be accepted into membership in a baptist church.  Of course we are assuming that they recognize the immersionist position and respect it without causing division.  I do not hold the same welcome to paedobaptists.  I recently read this post.  It contains impeccable logic.

The Open Baptist Who Bested Spurgeon

In his biography of baptist Charles Spurgeon, W. Y. Fullerton makes mention of what he calls "Open Baptists" who not only "welcomed all believers to the communion service," but also "grant church membership apart from baptism." Fullerton recounts a humorous anecdote from Spurgeon concerning the issue.

He once told me with appreciation how he was worsted in argument by an American divine. During a drive, the visitor made a number of inquiries, and discovered the practice of the church . . . how it admitted people to the Lord's Table who were not baptized, and refused them membership unless baptized. "Which means that they are good enough for the Lord, and yet not good enough for you!" said his guest. And Spurgeon had to admit that the logic was not on his side.

It is inconsistent to open the table and close the membership. Unfortunately, some have tried to remedy this by closing communion. But the implications are serious. It is no small thing to turn away from the Lord's Table someone who is manifestly a brother in Christ . . .  (to read the entire article click HERE.)