The "Watered-Down" Philosophy

When we water something down, it is diluted, weakened, and made less potent. In the old days, taverns “watered-down” firewater to make it go further. This writer has been in restaurants that did the same thing to ketchup (or catsup) for the same reason. Some medicines are “watered-down” so they will not be too strong for children. If paint becomes too thick while setting in a shed, it may have to be “watered-down” before it is usable.

In religion, some things have also been “watered-down.” In a decadent age of loose morals, many religious teachers have “watered-down” the Gospel to make it more appealing to vice-ridden “religious folk” (Gal. 1:6-10). We are told, “It’s okay to drink, just don’t get drunk” — “Dress provocatively, but don’t go naked” — “Gamble if you want, if it’s for a good cause, or entertaining, just don’t become addicted” — “Sex before marriage is acceptable, so long as it is between consenting adults.”

Thus homosexuality is blinked at, gambling sanctioned, social drinking permitted, immodesty defended, dancing promoted, and adulterers accepted without question. The Bible, however, presents a “different” view (Romans 1:24-28; Proverbs 23:29; Ephesians 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:9; Gal. 5:19-21; Matthew 19:9).

Unfortunately, doctrinal matters have not escaped the water bucket either. Change agents within the walls of Zion have “discovered” grace is not only unmerited but unconditional. Since culture has changed, women are not to be denied leadership roles. Instrumental music, once an “innovation,” is now given an “invitation.” Pentecostalism and Premillennialism were once debated but are now propagated. The Holy Spirit used to work only through the Word, but now He moves in “mysterious ways.”

Undiluted baptism is the baptism in which the dead man (dead to sin) is buried so a new man can arise and be "alive unto God" (Romans 6:1-11). In this act of obedience, baptism includes the fact that God removes sins (Colossians 2:12-13).

Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Peter proclaimed it “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38) and “commanded” those of Cornelius’ house to submit to it. Paul said that it puts one “into Christ” (Gal. 3:26,27), where "all spiritual blessings" are (Ephesians 1:3), including salvation – 2 Timothy 2:10). Peter later said that baptism “saves” (1 Peter 3:21). A baptism performed simply to show one has already been saved (before baptism), is “watered-down” – has lost its potency.

Dear reader, let us never succumb to any "watered-down" philosophy, but strictly adhere to the powerful saving gospel of Christ in obedience to it (Romans 1:16; Romans 6:17).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets