Do we stress baptism enough?

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BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,012
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You said "I won't say they are wrong"

Now you say they're doctrinally unsound.

Then you now say if it's easier for me to say they are wrong then they are.

So what's the point you are trying to make?
If they are doctrinally unsound then they are wrong?
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
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I just hate to see people getting suckered in by scams like this. It's the evangelical industrial complex at work.
So why don't you write a book warning everyone about the scammers?

Not that I agree with you, since you are presuming to know the motives of other Christians (and that is solely God's prerogative). At the same time, any preacher worth his salt should be giving away his books and writings AT NO CHARGE. So if preachers are making money off their books, they are making merchandise of the Gospel, and will give account to "the Judge of all".
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,188
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Midwest
This is a conflation of ideas. I'm not aware of any place in scripture where water baptism is equated with being born. It is always burial.
Under the law, it is equated with:

"FOR the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38), "being born,"?

and:

also with "rejecting the Counsel of God" (Luke 7:29-30), not "being born"?

Nothing in any of these about burial:
“It is always burial.”
well you go beneath the water ( burial ) and you are risen up from the water ( resurrection into a new life)
More Confusing symbolism? Where is your "ritual" for crucifixion and death,
Before your symbolic burial and resurrection? Note: there is not one "word
about water" in Romans 6:3-6. *

1) IF you are still "DEAD in sin," Before your symbolic burial, THEN you are NOT
saved Until After you "rise up out of the supposed symbolic water," being "risen
to a new life," Correct? And you say "water does not save you." Make up our mind:
“only the Blood of Jesus can take away your sins --and water Baptism cannot do that”
True, Under GRACE, but not so, "under the law."

2) IF you are already "saved by belief," then 1) is UNnecessary, Correct?

We are baptized into Christ's burial through water baptism.
We are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit. Here, we take on His account as if it were our own. This is the "one baptism" referenced in Ephesians 4. In the Body of Christ we have no divisive distinction.
Conflation, Correct? In fact, there is Massive Division in the Body Of Christ
over this very conflation, but I won't spell them out again. They are in # 122.

Instead, let us work on this Solution to the Divisive Conflation:

God’s Doctrine of ONE Baptism, Under His GRACE!

Is God’s Doctrine of ONE Baptism, as many think, water?

We are [Key Word] Spiritually Identified With (Baptized Into) CHRIST,
HIS Crucifixion, HIS Death, HIS Burial, And HIS Resurrection!

(Sounds like The Greatest News I've Ever heard!), so…

...some of The Confirming (non-water) Scriptures:

Romans 6:3 ...Baptized Into JESUS CHRIST...Baptized Into His Death!

Romans 6:4 ...Buried With Him By Baptism Into Death!

How exactly, does a physical rite put us into an Event that took
place 2000 years ago? Men can do God's Operation?

Romans 6:6 ...Crucified (JESUS' Baptism) With Him! - And also:

“For as many of you as Have Been Baptized Into
CHRIST
Have Put On CHRIST!” (Galatians 3:27)

How does a physical ritual "Baptize us into a Spiritual Organism"?

In addition, there is No water Found “In God's Context” Of Any Of
These Baptism Passages! Precious friend(s), do you Agree With God?
Or, can we simply Add/Infer water into His Context "to fit" another view?

With The SuperNatural Help Of The Blessed Holy Spirit, And Comparing
Spiritual Scripture With Spiritual Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:13),
This ONE Baptism Makes us Spiritually:

Complete In Him, Who Is The Head Of All principality and power!”
(Colossians 2:10), having:

“...The Circumcision Made Without hands { God’s Operation? }
...The Circumcision Of CHRIST!” (Colossians 2:11), And Spiritually:

“Buried With Him In Baptism, Wherein Also ye Are Risen With
Him Through The Faith Of The OPERATION Of God, Who
Hath Raised Him From The Dead!” (Colossians 2:12)

Again, No water In God's Context here, Either, Correct?
Further:

“Not by works of righteousness {water?} which we have done, But
According To His Mercy He Saved us By The Washing Of Regeneration
{Operation Of God’s BLOOD? }, And RENEWING Of The Holy Ghost!”
(Titus 3:5)

“Which He Shed on us Abundantly Through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOUR!”
(Titus 3:6)

This Should “Complete The Spiritual OPERATION” of The Triune GodHead,
But, Are we done “Comparing All The Scriptures” Of The ONE Baptism?
All diligent students Should see That, In:

The Revelation Of The Mystery (Gospel Of GRACE For "us Today”),
with a Prayerful and Careful study, Rightly Divided, God Teaches:

Ephesians 4:5 KJB, Clearly States: “...One LORD, one faith, ONE Baptism...”
{but, perchance Paul was mistaken, and he really meant two? [God's Math?]}

So, What Saith The Holy Scriptures “In God's Context,” About This ONE Baptism?:

“Endeavouring to keep The Unity Of The Spirit in the bond of Peace!
There is One Body, and One Spirit, even as ye are called in One hope
of your calling; One LORD, One faith, ONE Baptism, One God And Father
of ALL, Who Is Above ALL, and through All, and In you All!”
(Ephesians 4:3-6)

Are we All Really "endeavouring to keep this "Unity"? (not so, in # 122?)

Now, unless we are mistaken, there are 3 choices of understanding
God’s Context In This Critically Important Passage!:

1) all “physical” { Wrong "unity" } = Destruction of “HIS Context," agreed?

2) “combo” of 6 Spiritual + 1 “physical,” lifted “out, and”

→ “isolated”​


From His Context, to be interpreted as: “water” baptism =
Mixed Destruction { No Unity! } Of God's Context, agreed?

3) These Seven Unities Of God's Spirit are All Spiritual, so
now we kindly/humbly ask, Is God’s ONE Baptism “Spiritual”?

Let us, Finally:
Make ONE More "Scriptural Comparison" (1 Corinthians 2:13), And Ask:
“What Saith The Scripture?” And, The ONE Answer we hear, From God, IS:

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!"

UNITED! Or Severely Divided?​

If This "ONE Baptism" Is Not = “The OPERATION Of God,”
then we would have to concede that it is:

men & religion with ‘water' that saves us – any takers?

{ Please advise: Is it not sin to take God’s “Spiritual Operation" Of "ONE
Baptism," and for men To “ADD to IT Or Replace IT with” water? Is this
[ Wrongly Combining, instead of "Rightly Dividing, God's Word of Truth" ]
not why the “weak And Severely Divided Church” is Throughly Confused? }

“For God Is not The Author of confusion, but Of PEACE,
as in ALL churches of the saints!” (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJB!)
Amen?

Thus, All True Believers who come to God, In The Way God Has
Prescribed In His HOLY WORD, By The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God,
And Place Complete 100% faith In:

The LORD JESUS CHRIST, In HIS Precious BLOOD, And In HIS Resurrection!

Will ALWAYS have spiritual UNITY!, In:

God's “Spiritual OPERATION” Of Eternal Salvation For EverMore! Amen?

*
Conclusion: IF men (this study being Incorrect?) are "going to insist on
water symbolism," then please "Be Consistent" in Adding/Inferring water
in Romans and Colossians' baptisms, and make sure and give ALL the
symbolisms for: "crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, And, circumcision"!

So that there will be No more stress, Ok?

GRACE And Peace...
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
13,878
5,622
113
Under the law, it is equated with:

"FOR the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38), "being born,"?

and:

also with "rejecting the Counsel of God" (Luke 7:29-30), not "being born"?

Nothing in any of these about burial:

More Confusing symbolism? Where is your "ritual" for crucifixion and death,
Before your symbolic burial and resurrection? Note: there is not one "word
about water" in Romans 6:3-6. *

1) IF you are still "DEAD in sin," Before your symbolic burial, THEN you are NOT
saved Until After you "rise up out of the supposed symbolic water," being "risen
to a new life," Correct? And you say "water does not save you." Make up our mind:

True, Under GRACE, but not so, "under the law."

2) IF you are already "saved by belief," then 1) is UNnecessary, Correct?


Conflation, Correct? In fact, there is Massive Division in the Body Of Christ
over this very conflation, but I won't spell them out again. They are in # 122.

Instead, let us work on this Solution to the Divisive Conflation:

God’s Doctrine of ONE Baptism, Under His GRACE!

Is God’s Doctrine of ONE Baptism, as many think, water?

We are [Key Word] Spiritually Identified With (Baptized Into) CHRIST,
HIS Crucifixion, HIS Death, HIS Burial, And HIS Resurrection!

(Sounds like The Greatest News I've Ever heard!), so…

...some of The Confirming (non-water) Scriptures:

Romans 6:3 ...Baptized Into JESUS CHRIST...Baptized Into His Death!

Romans 6:4 ...Buried With Him By Baptism Into Death!

How exactly, does a physical rite put us into an Event that took
place 2000 years ago? Men can do God's Operation?

Romans 6:6 ...Crucified (JESUS' Baptism) With Him! - And also:

“For as many of you as Have Been Baptized Into
CHRIST
Have Put On CHRIST!” (Galatians 3:27)

How does a physical ritual "Baptize us into a Spiritual Organism"?

In addition, there is No water Found “In God's Context” Of Any Of
These Baptism Passages! Precious friend(s), do you Agree With God?
Or, can we simply Add/Infer water into His Context "to fit" another view?

With The SuperNatural Help Of The Blessed Holy Spirit, And Comparing
Spiritual Scripture With Spiritual Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:13),
This ONE Baptism Makes us Spiritually:

Complete In Him, Who Is The Head Of All principality and power!”
(Colossians 2:10), having:

“...The Circumcision Made Without hands { God’s Operation? }
...The Circumcision Of CHRIST!” (Colossians 2:11), And Spiritually:

“Buried With Him In Baptism, Wherein Also ye Are Risen With
Him Through The Faith Of The OPERATION Of God, Who
Hath Raised Him From The Dead!” (Colossians 2:12)

Again, No water In God's Context here, Either, Correct?
Further:

“Not by works of righteousness {water?} which we have done, But
According To His Mercy He Saved us By The Washing Of Regeneration
{Operation Of God’s BLOOD? }, And RENEWING Of The Holy Ghost!”
(Titus 3:5)

“Which He Shed on us Abundantly Through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOUR!”
(Titus 3:6)

This Should “Complete The Spiritual OPERATION” of The Triune GodHead,
But, Are we done “Comparing All The Scriptures” Of The ONE Baptism?
All diligent students Should see That, In:

The Revelation Of The Mystery (Gospel Of GRACE For "us Today”),
with a Prayerful and Careful study, Rightly Divided, God Teaches:

Ephesians 4:5 KJB, Clearly States: “...One LORD, one faith, ONE Baptism...”
{but, perchance Paul was mistaken, and he really meant two? [God's Math?]}

So, What Saith The Holy Scriptures “In God's Context,” About This ONE Baptism?:

“Endeavouring to keep The Unity Of The Spirit in the bond of Peace!
There is One Body, and One Spirit, even as ye are called in One hope
of your calling; One LORD, One faith, ONE Baptism, One God And Father
of ALL, Who Is Above ALL, and through All, and In you All!”
(Ephesians 4:3-6)

Are we All Really "endeavouring to keep this "Unity"? (not so, in # 122?)

Now, unless we are mistaken, there are 3 choices of understanding
God’s Context In This Critically Important Passage!:

1) all “physical” { Wrong "unity" } = Destruction of “HIS Context," agreed?

2) “combo” of 6 Spiritual + 1 “physical,” lifted “out, and”

→ “isolated”​


From His Context, to be interpreted as: “water” baptism =
Mixed Destruction { No Unity! } Of God's Context, agreed?

3) These Seven Unities Of God's Spirit are All Spiritual, so
now we kindly/humbly ask, Is God’s ONE Baptism “Spiritual”?

Let us, Finally:
Make ONE More "Scriptural Comparison" (1 Corinthians 2:13), And Ask:
“What Saith The Scripture?” And, The ONE Answer we hear, From God, IS:

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!"

UNITED! Or Severely Divided?​

If This "ONE Baptism" Is Not = “The OPERATION Of God,”
then we would have to concede that it is:

men & religion with ‘water' that saves us – any takers?

{ Please advise: Is it not sin to take God’s “Spiritual Operation" Of "ONE
Baptism," and for men To “ADD to IT Or Replace IT with” water? Is this
[ Wrongly Combining, instead of "Rightly Dividing, God's Word of Truth" ]
not why the “weak And Severely Divided Church” is Throughly Confused? }

“For God Is not The Author of confusion, but Of PEACE,
as in ALL churches of the saints!” (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJB!)
Amen?

Thus, All True Believers who come to God, In The Way God Has
Prescribed In His HOLY WORD, By The Gospel Of The GRACE Of God,
And Place Complete 100% faith In:

The LORD JESUS CHRIST, In HIS Precious BLOOD, And In HIS Resurrection!

Will ALWAYS have spiritual UNITY!, In:

God's “Spiritual OPERATION” Of Eternal Salvation For EverMore! Amen?

*
Conclusion: IF men (this study being Incorrect?) are "going to insist on
water symbolism," then please "Be Consistent" in Adding/Inferring water
in Romans and Colossians' baptisms, and make sure and give ALL the
symbolisms for: "crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, And, circumcision"!

So that there will be No more stress, Ok?

GRACE And Peace...
bizarre interpretations
 
C

ChristianTonyB

Guest
What do you think and why?
The apostle John seems to imply that they wouldn't. He said:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God (a Christian), to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God."

Obviously as an infant I had little understanding of my circumstances, let alone knew that Jesus exists, so the baptism event would have meant nothing to me. According to John I can't be physically born a Christian (born of blood). so there's no direct way in via my biological birth. He also says I can't make/will myself to be a Christian, nor can any other human make me a Christian. John says that only God can make me a Christian.

So it appears my Catholic background and its peculiar religious rituals and observances can't make me a Christian. Indeed, John's comments, if believable, imply that no religious institution can make anyone a Christian.

What is your take on it?
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,247
1,104
113
YA __YA __YA ----Same old stuff -----can't see the forest for the money ---your so caught up in the money tree yourself ---

just maybe --------you and others are the one's missing the truth of your Baptism theory and these Ministers have it right ------


But here is the real truth ---You will definitely know the real truth about what water Baptism when you meet your maker ----and lets hope Jesus doesn't say -----Go ----depart from me as I never knew you because your water Baptism failed ------


Here is the thing ---If one follows the Word -----what you need to do to be saved which is to -------

Romans 10:9-10 ESV
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

I say
There is not one word in this Scripture above that says water baptism is needed to be saved

Then you get baptised ---your saver in being received at the pearly gates than going with your own interpretation of what the Scripture says about water Baptism -----Satan is a great deceiver and as Stanley says ---many have been Deceived about this water Baptism saving a person ------

better to be safe than sorry in your end -------just saying -----
Paul was addressing born again believers. He was confirming what they had experienced themselves. Believing that Jesus resurrected is required; one's spiritual rebirth depends upon it. Water baptism is a requirement as well. (Acts 2:1-42, 19:1-6, 22:16) And salvation is an ongoing process that requires confessing Jesus to those still held imprisoned in darkness. Consider Paul said to work out one's own salvation with fear and trembling. (Php 2:12)
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,214
3,562
113
You said "I won't say they are wrong"

Now you say they're doctrinally unsound.

Then you now say if it's easier for me to say they are wrong then they are.

So what's the point you are trying to make?
I've made my point. Have a blessed day.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,214
3,562
113
So why don't you write a book warning everyone about the scammers?

Not that I agree with you, since you are presuming to know the motives of other Christians (and that is solely God's prerogative). At the same time, any preacher worth his salt should be giving away his books and writings AT NO CHARGE. So if preachers are making money off their books, they are making merchandise of the Gospel, and will give account to "the Judge of all".
Hi Nehemiah6. Have a blessed day.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,679
29,018
113
The apostle John seems to imply that they wouldn't. He said:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God (a Christian), to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God."

Obviously as an infant I had little understanding of my circumstances, let alone knew that Jesus exists, so the baptism event would have meant nothing to me. According to John I can't be physically born a Christian (born of blood). so there's no direct way in via my biological birth. He also says I can't make/will myself to be a Christian, nor can any other human make me a Christian. John says that only God can make me a Christian.

So it appears my Catholic background and its peculiar religious rituals and observances can't make me a Christian. Indeed, John's comments, if believable, imply that no religious institution can make anyone a Christian.

What is your take on it?
One must repent and believe. Babies are capable of neither. Heh, not that they have anything to repent of. Yet ;)
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,889
1,958
113
Germany
Baptism doesnt save. Thats for one.. infant baptism has basically no meaning. I once got in quite a debate about it with a lutheran pastor saying well paul baptised people in their houses so surely children were baptised as well.
But it says nowhere that children ahould be baptised. In fact Baptism is a step of obedience after accepting Christ. Its a symbol seen and unseen for his life, death and resurrection.
It should definitely be a part of doctrine but stressing it and giving a false security to people that Baptism is the freepass to everything is not drawing people to God but goes back to people thinking they can work their way to heaven.
Its a matter of obedience and faith that should be handled the way God intends. Thats just my two cents.
 
C

ChristianTonyB

Guest
Ok. I'm seeing that no one believes I became a Christian because of my Catholic heritage, or infant baptism.

But what if I became a Christian in my own home, with no one near me suitable to baptise me, and I didn't know anyone that I could turn to for it. Should I baptise myself?
 
C

ChristianTonyB

Guest
Baptism doesnt save. Thats for one.. infant baptism has basically no meaning. I once got in quite a debate about it with a lutheran pastor saying well paul baptised people in their houses so surely children were baptised as well.
But it says nowhere that children ahould be baptised. In fact Baptism is a step of obedience after accepting Christ. Its a symbol seen and unseen for his life, death and resurrection.
It should definitely be a part of doctrine but stressing it and giving a false security to people that Baptism is the freepass to everything is not drawing people to God but goes back to people thinking they can work their way to heaven.
Its a matter of obedience and faith that should be handled the way God intends. Thats just my two cents.
Ah, yes, thank you. And I just remembered that John the Baptist indicated we ought show works that provide proof of our repentent hearts before we front up for baptism, otherwise he regarded us as not so nice slithery little critters.
 
May 22, 2020
2,382
358
83
Well, your "emphasis" is a massive turn off. And here's why: I'm pretty sure that if I visited you at your church, you wouldn't talk to me as you talk to me and so many here. And because you would talk to me differently face to face than you do here, it makes you two-faced. We should be the same person no matter where we are, and no matter who we speak to. Our hearts should be the same for all people.

Matthew 5:44 NKJV - "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you . . ."

You force your beliefs upon us . . . what about the clear teaching of Christ above? If you treat US the way you do, I can only imagine how you treat those who make themselves your enemy. I hope that you change one day. I hope that you can love your neighbor as you seem to so love yourself.

Mark 12:31 NKJV - "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

I totally forgive you, but I do not want to associate with you if you plan to constantly degrade us.
Wrong.
Wrong.
Wrong

You appear to be part of the ...new age religion group...which needs much help. For you know not what you say. PC is your only motive....and there is no PC when it comes to God's word.

Don't read it....if you don't like it. But, be aware you are on the line when you do not vigorously support God's word and guide folks with your knowledge..(.in question here, I might add)...as necessary.

Christ thew the money changers out, many other mentions... ...you know why...because what they were doing and saying about His word was ......offensive.... etc.
My one and only response to such ...bovine residue as you spew.

Be blessed.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,692
589
113
A few more comments on Water Baptism from others ------all say the same thing as MacArthur ---Jeremiah and Stanley ------ go figure

Adrian Rogers: Bible Baptism

BIBLE BAPTISM: In the Bible, baptism always follows salvation as a symbol of dying to the old life. In this descriptive message, Adrian Rogers shows the true biblical method of baptism—and from the Greek language, why it isn’t sprinkling or pouring—and the deep meaning when you are baptized.



What Is Baptism and How Important Is It?
  • Resource by
    John Piper
baptism is an expression of faith and therefore only for believers. The key sentence in the Bethlehem Elder Affirmation says, “We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the Lord by which those who have repented and come to faith express their union with Christ in his death and resurrection.”

So our understanding of the New Testament is that the meaning of baptism includes the fact that it is an expression of the faith of the one being baptized. It is not something that an unbeliever can do. It is not something than an infant can do. That is why we don’t baptize infants.


What is the significance of water baptism?
Hillsong South Africa

Nov 5 2015
What is the significance of baptism?

An Act of Obedience:
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.

A Public Declaration:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life.

I say ------worth repeating -----It is the next step after salvation
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,889
1,958
113
Germany
Ah, yes, thank you. And I just remembered that John the Baptist indicated we ought show works that provide proof of our repentent hearts before we front up for baptism, otherwise he regarded us as not so nice slithery little critters.
Works are fruit of what God does in our lives. But we cannot work ourselves to heaven.
 

BillG

Senior Member
Feb 15, 2017
9,012
4,429
113
The apostle John seems to imply that they wouldn't. He said:
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God (a Christian), to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God."

Obviously as an infant I had little understanding of my circumstances, let alone knew that Jesus exists, so the baptism event would have meant nothing to me. According to John I can't be physically born a Christian (born of blood). so there's no direct way in via my biological birth. He also says I can't make/will myself to be a Christian, nor can any other human make me a Christian. John says that only God can make me a Christian.

So it appears my Catholic background and its peculiar religious rituals and observances can't make me a Christian. Indeed, John's comments, if believable, imply that no religious institution can make anyone a Christian.

What is your take on it?
For me no rituals, ordinances or anything other than faith saves us.

Jesus said

John 16:7-9
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;



Romans 10:8-13
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,214
3,562
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We believe that baptism is an ordinance of the Lord by which those who have repented and come to faith express their union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

Piper's choice of words here is poor. Technically, an "ordinance" is an authoritative command; however, in a religious context it's understood as a religious ritual prescribed by the church.

Baptism isn't a religious ritual prescribed by the "church" but a command from the Lord Jesus. But this shouldn't be surprising coming from a Catholic lover like Piper.