At many times in Christian history there were attempts to spread Christianity by forced baptisms. In the name of the Prince of Peace persons were baptized at the point of a sword. We now have given that up by trying to force unconverted souls to conform to “Christian culture” by pressure and legislation. The gospel is advanced by proclaiming Christ with a view toward persuasion. We are called to love folks toward the Savior; we are called to serve them, to wash their feet, to feed and clothe their bodies. Our controlling agendas both betray and deny our Lord and forfeit our right to be His representative. Repent.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV).
{From “Sonlight for the Soul”, by H. Lamar Smith)
