The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1300, titled "Bible Questions and Answers."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.

Question

What should be our attitude toward those who have convictions about infant baptism and healing, etc.?

Answer

Now, here we are not dealing in the sin, but here we are dealing in the area of doctrine, and maybe not really in the area of primary doctrine, but in the area of the certain peripheral doctrines--not that they’re unimportant, but that they are rather peripheral than basic to the Christian faith. Whether somebody believes in infant baptism or not has nothing to do with sin in their life; it probably has something to do with the background they’ve been raised in, right? It has something to do with their denominational heritage.

Somebody like that or somebody who believes in a certain view of healing--believes in healers or whatever--may not be the manifestation of sin. It may be the manifestation of a biblical ignorance at one point or another, but that’s different than outright, overt sin.

What is our obligation to those brothers and sisters who hold a wrong view of a certain practical doctrine or a wrong view of any doctrine? It is simply this: the Bible says we are to edify one another. We are to take it upon ourselves to instruct those who do not understand. The Bible simply says that we are all to be involved in teaching other people.

I am to commit the Word of God to faithful men, according to II Timothy 2:2, who in turn are to commit it to other faithful men who will pass it on. Godly women are to teach younger women. Godly men are to teach younger men. We are constantly to be instructing people in the Word of God. We shouldn’t be shy; we shouldn’t be bashful. Certainly the chances are if they’re really committed to the Word of God, they’ll be glad to hear if you have an argument and an answer and a solution that is scripturally supportable. I never hesitate to take an opposing view to some group that I’m speaking to if I can defend my position…never hesitate. Why? I feel I owe it to them to tell them the truth! That’s different: instruct them.

The second thing that I would say to you, if you find that they are not open to that instruction is major on the things that unite you, not on those peripheral things that divide you.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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