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Baptism question

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Posted by: Tafi

Hi, I have a question that has been bothering me and that keeps on coming up, on baptism. I was baptised as a baby but now that I have grown up and made my own choice to follow Christ, does that make my baptism null and void? I know there are a lot of different views on this especially depending on the denomination you belong in.
God, in the Bible, commands us to repent and be baptised, which I can't have done as a baby. I have been a Christian for 9 years now, does that mean I'm actually not in the Body of believers?
I'm really struggling with this question, but I also know that God is very gracious and I shouldn't put Him in a box, in that He can turn the first baptism into a 'proper' baptism since I have repented. Would it not be wrong to be baptised again, because I would be doubting God's power and grace?

I just need insight or advice from different perspecives, thanks and God bless.

Tafi


Posted by: MarkSentMe

I was also baptised as a baby. I recently converted from Catholic to Christian (Southern Baptist) The Bible says baptism by full immersion, I have read several Scripture passages, but being a Baby Christian, I can only think of John. The baptism should be very soon after you are saved. Christian churches have a "dedication" service for babies, not a baptism, since a baby doesn't understand the acceptance of Christ. My son is 4 years old and since he does not understand accepting Jesus, he was not baptised with us last Sunday.
CONGRATULATIONS on deciding to get baptised. God Bless You!
Sharyn


Posted by: MamaCat

If you have accepted Jesus as your LORD and Savior you are a Christian, baptised or not. Baptism is just an act of obedience, an outward sign of your inward renewal.

If I were you, I'd get baptised, fully immersed, again! Now that you understand what baptism means, a ritual that represents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. You won't be sorry. It will mean a lot and bless your life. Also, we are commanded to receive the Holy Spirit baptism as well, received as salvation, by simply asking and believing for it. The Holy Spirit baptism gives Christians the power to live victorious and overcoming Christian lives. You will know you've received the Holy Spirit baptism when your heavenly language flows from your mouth! It's an awesome experience!!


Posted by: Sunny03

Dear Tafi: Where is your heart leading you? After accepting Jesus as my saviour I wanted to be baptized by full emmersion which I did. I too was baptized as a baby but now I believe this was only a religious ceremony many of us went through. But as believing adults we want to follow Christ and do as He did and requested us to do as well. But whether you are baptized or not, you are a born again Christian and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. I agree that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience that brings you very close to our wonderful Lord giving you a spiritual language to call on Him when you don't have the words to speak yourself. God bless you in your journey of knowing Jesus in a more intimate way.
Love, your sister in Christ
Sunny


Posted by: Tafi

Thanks all of you, you have helped me. I think I'm not going to get baptised, that is what my heart is telling me. I really believe that it's different with everyone and God says a different thing to people in my situation. I do believe it is a command to get baptised, which I have already when I was a baby although it was done in the wrong context and wasn't my choice. I honestly believe that for me God, through His grace, has made that baptism into a good thing, and has changed it's meaning. I don't know if that is easy to understand, I have it all in my head and heart, but I can't really explain it.
'If you have accepted Jesus as your LORD and Savior you are a Christian, baptised or not. Baptism is just an act of obedience, an outward sign of your inward renewal.'

I have been baptised in the Holy Spirit and I agree, that was an incredible experience for me.

God bless,
Tafi


Posted by: MamaCat

Tafi:

I am thrilled that you've received the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

However, I am deeply concerned that you do not feel it necessary to get baptised in water. This is also a matter of obedience. As for "following your heart," it is wicked and decietful and cannot be trusted, according to the Bible. What we should follow is God's words.

All the believers in the New Testament got baptized in water. Even Jesus got baptized in water and He is our example. It is an act of obedience and submission to God. The sprinkle you got as baby is meaningless and unBiblical in the eyes of God.

Salvation is only the beginning. I encourage you to be obedient and take the plunge! Show God and those who witness your water baptism, that you are truly obedient to God and are committed to him by your obedience to His commands. You won't be sorry!


Posted by: Christian Commando

Tafi- MamaCat and the others are right. Tho for Gentiles, according to God's Word water baptism isn't an imediate necessity, God still declares as seen already, it is commanded of us to do so. Congradulations! Take care and God Bless!