Why do Primitive Baptists rebaptize persons joining them from other orders?
The scriptural precedent for rebaptism is taken from Acts 19:1-7. These verses teach that persons formerly baptized under improper principles should be baptized again, and that failure to do so can prevent proper reception of the Holy Spirit. Since baptism is an ordinance of the church, it is necessarily tied to the principles maintained by the church. When these principles are significantly changed, the baptism should be changed also. The claim that baptism is an ordinance of the church is proven by the fact it is the scriptural means of induction to the church (Acts 2:41). Further proof is provided in Paul’s statement: Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel (I Cor 1:17). This statement refers to Paul’s evangelical duties, and implies that baptism is principally the responsibility of local churches and their pastors. There are cases where former baptisms are obviously in gross error (e.g. infant baptisms, sprinklings, etc) and therefore necessitate rebaptism; however,
