Non-Denom. Christian... thinking of Baptism.

Cassandra22 · 08-21-2006, 09:44 PM

I was raised Lutheran/Methodist... I was Christened as a baby and confirmed when I was 12. As a teenager I strayed from my relationship with God and have since found my way back... DH and I have recently found a church home and we really love it. DH was baptized in his early 20's, but I have never been. As a requirement to be a permanent member of our church (which is non-denominational, casual, contemporary) they ask that adults be baptized if they haven't already been. For those who are unsure if that is the right step for them they offer (actually require at least one class) some classes to prepare you before being Baptized. At church yesterday, three member were Baptized... it has been something I've thought about for a while and yesterday I really felt like that is the direction God is leading me. At Bible study last night I talked with one of the church deacons about Baptism and he encouraged me to attend one of the classes.. although the next one is not until the end of September.

Growing up in denominational churches that don't usually Baptize adults, I had never given it a second thought and now I really feel like it's what I want to do.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

ETA: They baptize by immersion, by the way.

Jashobeam · 08-21-2006, 11:31 PM

Baptism is not necessary to enter Heaven, but is still commanded by God (Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.)

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Water baptism symbolizes what has already been done in our hearts, the washing away of sins. I would encourage you to go to this link: http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/...lewordsonly=no

That is every mention of baptism (in Greek it means to immerse

) from water baptism to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and also John the Baptist (actually John who baptized, he wasn't of the Baptist denomination). In our church a person has to be born again before they can be baptized in water (John 3:3). They also require people to be baptized in water before they can join. (Acts 10:47 Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.")

Baptism is a command (Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,) and it is following in Christ's footsteps (He was baptized at the beginning of His ministry)

John is first mentioned as baptizing, but he said that Jesus would come and bring the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."). Now, when a person is born again, they receive the Holy Spirit, a promise from God. They are baptized usually to show they are a follower of Christ.

In the early days of the church only professing, born again Christians were baptized. Later, infant baptism was added in some denoms. At one point in history those who fought for baptism by those old enough to consent to baptism only were put to death. If you ever watch the Halmark movie Prince and the Pauper they mention a woman being put to death because she wouldn't forsake such teaching. Another movie we watched showed the history of adult baptism in one area and the multitudes who were put to death for believing this. It was a very hot topic for a long time.

BeckyS727 · 08-21-2006, 11:42 PM

We only baptize adults at our church (both when I was a member of the RLDS church and my current non-denominational church). I was baptized at 8 (the youngest we could get baptized), but now wish I had waited and made the decision because I wanted to and not just because I could get baptized. I had the honor and pleasure of baptizing my DH about 3 weeks before our wedding and it was one of the most emotional moments of my life (the wedding being #1, of course).

I think that it needs to be something in your heart. If you feel that God wants you to make a declaration of your faith as an adult, then go for it!! If you feel that the declaration you made at 12 was enough for both you and God, then don't feel pressured to be baptized. God knows your heart. HTH!!!

SSM1123 · 08-22-2006, 06:43 PM

Not to start an arguement, but I must disagree. Bapitsm (by submersion) is most definitely a requirement to get into Heaven. Jesus was baptized and so we must be. Any time there is a command in the Bible to do something, than it is required. It has to be a personal decision, not one made for you. At our church, we will not baptize any one until they make the decision. Often times, if someone has strayed from the church, the can be baptized again to show a re-newed commitment. Baptism is a symbol used to represent the burying of the "old man" and the birth of the "new man." We go into the water as our old man, the one living in sin. That man is buried in the water and out of the water comes a new man, willing to serve God. I realize that's a bit much of an answer, but I just was a little shocked to see it said that it was not necessary when Jesus clearly says it is.

pixiegirl7 · 08-22-2006, 09:18 PM

Cassandra - Go ahead and take the class at your church. Study with a minister, deacon, or elder about baptisim. You will be glad that you did

I was baptized at the age of 18. It was one of the most profound and spiritual moments in my life. I don't think I can describe exactly what takes place mentally and emotionally, but once you have made the decision, it will be the right one.

Good luck and God Bless!

Cassandra22 · 08-22-2006, 11:24 PM

Thanks for all of the info and support

I have been praying about it a lot and I am pretty sure this is what I want to do... I want to make sure I'm doing it for all the right reasons, though. I wouldn't be able to do it until after October so I think that will give me enough time to work it out with God.

I've had this really odd fear (irrational) that I'm not "good" enough to be Baptized or even to be truly considered a Christian.. I wandered pretty far away from my faith and I'm embarrassed to admit that sometimes those old doubts will try to come creeping back into my head, but I feel like I'm growing stronger spiritually... a lot has changed in the past few months with me and I'm hoping to come to my decision very soon.

Whew, this is hard for me to talk about... for a couple of years I wouldn't even discuss it with my DH. Thanks for being so supportive, cysters!

Jashobeam · 08-22-2006, 11:38 PM

I'm glad you feel that way. We are never good enough for God. That is a great thing to realize! So many people feel that God should be grateful they give Him any attention at all. One of the prophets in the Old Testament said he was a man of unclean lips. He saw himself as God did, unworthy. It's by God's grace and mercy we are offered Salvation by Faith in Jesus Christ. Two of Jesus' disciples argued over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. They wanted to be important, recognized, etc., but Jesus constantly taught we are just clay in the Master's hand. He chooses to use us as He wishes, sometimes for great things, some times for small things. That He would choose us at all is so amazing to me, that He would want broken vessels to be used for His glory is exciting.

Our pastor preached a sermon not long ago on doubting being a Christian. If a person remembers that time and place they felt convicted of their sins, confessed their sins, accepted Christ as their Savior, then they should pray for God's peace in the matter. If a person doesn't remember being born again, then they should ask Christ to save them from their sins.

soonermomma03 · 08-25-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassandra22

I've had this really odd fear (irrational) that I'm not "good" enough to be Baptized or even to be truly considered a Christian.. I wandered pretty far away from my faith and I'm embarrassed to admit that sometimes those old doubts will try to come creeping back into my head, but I feel like I'm growing stronger spiritually... a lot has changed in the past few months with me and I'm hoping to come to my decision very soon.

I'm also one that believes in baptism for the repentance of sins and for salvation. I think that SSM has written it very well.

As for you feeling you aren't good enough. Well, truthfully, none of us are good enough for God. We are all sinners, we all fall short. But because of Gods love for us, he desires us to be with him. Remember that when you have feelings of doubt, it is Satan trying to tempt you away again.

Try and find some support in your congregation. Members who will understand what it is like to be tempted. Continue to grow in the knowledge of God, and you will do well. It's a struggle at times, the world pushing you one way, knowing that you should be going a different way.

for you

wvchic1979 · 08-25-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSM1123

Not to start an arguement, but I must disagree. Bapitsm (by submersion) is most definitely a requirement to get into Heaven. Jesus was baptized and so we must be. Any time there is a command in the Bible to do something, than it is required. It has to be a personal decision, not one made for you. At our church, we will not baptize any one until they make the decision. Often times, if someone has strayed from the church, the can be baptized again to show a re-newed commitment. Baptism is a symbol used to represent the burying of the "old man" and the birth of the "new man." We go into the water as our old man, the one living in sin. That man is buried in the water and out of the water comes a new man, willing to serve God. I realize that's a bit much of an answer, but I just was a little shocked to see it said that it was not necessary when Jesus clearly says it is.

I could not disagree more. No Argument intended here either. I do agree that the Bible says that. And I personally believe everyone should be saved. But NO WHERE in the bible does it say that you MUST be saved in order to enter into Heaven. On the contrary, all the Bible says you must do in order to be saved is call upon the Name of the Lord and ye shall be saved. Baptisim is an outward showing of commitment, to the church, believers and nonbelievers and to God. No one should be scared into being baptized. It must come at your own will and peace, not fear of not being able to go to heaven. My advice to the origianl poster is to search your soul, pray about it and attend the classes at your church. The best people to help you make this decision is your church family.

I also disagree with children not being allowed to be baptised. I believe that a child has the ability to know in their hearts that being baptized is right for them. My 8 year old nephew was baptized because he truely felt convicted to give his life to God. While some children mature faster than others, I do believe a child has the same ability as an adult to know if it is right for them or not and they should have the right to fullfill it.

Just my opinions....

Melissa

Jashobeam · 08-25-2006, 06:10 PM

Our church doesn't have an age limit, but for children a pastor will speak with them to see if they understand Salvation and Baptism before they will baptize them. I think the youngest I have seen baptized was about age 3 or so and he claimed to have gotten saved.

Cameryn · 08-26-2006, 08:48 PM

Cassandra, I absolutely encourage you to take the class, ask questions, read the Scriptures, etc. It is a wonderful moment in any Christian's life, whether it is performed in infancy or to a believer (I'm one of those yucky Presbyterians--we still baptize babies!

)

For those who claim it is required, how do you rectify the thief on the cross? Jesus told him that he would be in Paradise that day...

tendaironi · 08-26-2006, 09:23 PM

I think children are more spiritual and have a connection with God until they get older and start to forget, but that is just my opinion and not based on scripture. So if they want to ask Jesus in their heart and get baptized in water, we should let them if they know why they are doing what they are doing. I remember being baptized in water when I was like 6 and I had to convince my parents why I should be because they thought I was too young. But after I got baptized I felt so clean and energized in a murky lake no less, and I knew that I had just experienced more of God.

But as an adult I don't think you should get baptized to become a member of the church if it isn't something you are sure you want to do. It is a great gift from God! There are tons of gifts available that God has for us, but we don't have to take them all. I want them all, but I understand that some people are not ready for them all and most importantly that God is faithful to complete the work that He started in you. He won't force you to do anything but will woo you by His Holy Spirit. So don't worry about whether or not you will get into heaven or get into your church if you don't be baptized. If you know in your heart that you have accepted Jesus as your savior and confessed with your mouth, that is enough. Also by the same token if you know in your heart that you should be baptized in water, then you should.

Jashobeam · 08-26-2006, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cameryn

For those who claim it is required, how do you rectify the thief on the cross? Jesus told him that he would be in Paradise that day...

One theory is that the thief was a Jew baptized by John the Baptist prior to his being put on the cross. This is a theory to reconcile the fact that he was promised Salvation by Jesus even though we are not told he was baptized. He had no time to be baptized, do good works, recify his mistakes, join a church or temple, take Communion, learn a set of Bible verses by memory or be circumcized. All he could do was call out to the Savior and trust in Him for Salvation and he recieved it in that second. What a wonderful example of how we are all equal in God's sight when we come to Him for Salvation. We cannot bring anything with us, only put our faith in Him for the removal of our sins through His death on the cross.

soonermomma03 · 08-26-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cameryn

For those who claim it is required, how do you rectify the thief on the cross? Jesus told him that he would be in Paradise that day...

Quote:

Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The key is that it was Jesus. He personally told him he would be in Heaven. We do not have Jesus here to personally tell us that we are going to Heaven, we have the Bible. All authority was given to him, so telling the thief was his choice. Jesus plainly states to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded. He just commanded that they baptize everyone.

Quote:

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Quote:

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Zinzara · 08-26-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSM1123

Not to start an arguement, but I must disagree. Bapitsm (by submersion) is most definitely a requirement to get into Heaven. Jesus was baptized and so we must be. Any time there is a command in the Bible to do something, than it is required. It has to be a personal decision, not one made for you. At our church, we will not baptize any one until they make the decision. Often times, if someone has strayed from the church, the can be baptized again to show a re-newed commitment. Baptism is a symbol used to represent the burying of the "old man" and the birth of the "new man." We go into the water as our old man, the one living in sin. That man is buried in the water and out of the water comes a new man, willing to serve God. I realize that's a bit much of an answer, but I just was a little shocked to see it said that it was not necessary when Jesus clearly says it is.

First let me say that I really mean no offense by this question but am very very confused about something. If baptism is a requirement to enter heaven, what happens to all the children?

Clearly I'm ignorant, just feeling sad about the children though.