Have you been immersed (baptized) in water?

[Michaelismyname]

Have you been immersed (baptized) in water?
If not -why not ?
the lord Jesus told us to follow him- he was baptized -we should then also be.
The foundation act of faith for salvation is to believe and be baptized.
it is an act of obedience by faith .

the lord Jesus signified by this act that he would be buried then raised again from the dead.
this cannot be signified by sprinkling . no one was ever buried by having dirt sprinkled on them and no one can be baptized by having water sprinkled on them.one must be buried and then brought back out again.

water baptism is also a conscious act of obedience by faith and a public declaration of that faith in the Lord Jesus . No baby can make such a decision. So if you were sprinkled as a baby you have not been baptized by a conscious decision and act of obedience .

Some will raise the question- if you have not been baptized (immersed), does it mean that you are not saved.. I do not believe so .. but what I do know is that if you are truly saved -you will rush to get baptized because you will love God and will quickly display a willingness to obey and follow him.you will not try to explain it away.

 

[cmarie423]

I've only had a Catholic baptism when I was a baby. I'm so looking forward to when I actually get baptized. Hopefully soon.

 

[TheManOfDust]

I have not been baptized, but will be at some point in my life (I refuse to join a church, for reasons I shall not share, so finding a place to be baptized is difficult) At the same time I have always believed that you have to be baptized to be saved is silly. Is our God so frugal that he shall deny a man who loves and believes in him just because he hasn't had a baptism? Please. Do you believe that the thief at the cross was baptized? He made it into heaven, did he not? So I do not understand how one could believe that we cannot see the kingdom of heaven unless we are baptized.

Ezekiel

 

[Theofane]

I've been baptized twice.

Once as a baby (sprinkle) and the second time as an adult (full immersion).

So I should be a shoe-in.

 

[miamited]

Hi Michael,

Amen! God asks of those who would claim to be His children that they believe the testimony of His one and only Son. This is his testimony regarding this event.

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

"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,..."

So, for me, it just becomes a simple argument. Will I believe the testimony of Jesus or not?

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[cmarie423]

I think your supposed to. Especially since Jesus says so. I think if you die and haven't gotten a chance to do so obviously it would be overlooked. I think it's wrong to assume something we were told to do isn't needed.

 

[Gozreht]

There is an old joke- no offense meant. I am from the world of feeling that water immersion is important part of a Christian's walk.

One man asked another man the following question, "If a man was on his way to the baptistry and had a heart attack and died before stepping into the water, would he be saved?". The other man answered, "it depends on which way he fell.".

To say that baptism is the end all to salvation is probably saying more than what the Bible says. But to say that is not needed is probably saying less than what the Bible says. Each person needs to make the decision.

I am from the realm of believing that water immersion is a huge part of our Christian walk. To those who say it is not needed or teach that it is not that important may be playing with proverbial fire for the teacher will be held higher in accountability.

The thief on the cross may have been in prison for years. He may never even heard of Jesus until he was put on the cross. John and Jesus may have never been able to meet this man until this time. He may not have had the chance to get baptized. So when he was on the cross, Jesus forgave him and that settled the score. Using the theif as an example is not the best evidence against this teaching.

Be careful that you do not deny the importance of this step of faith. However, repentence and faith are just as important. To be baptized alone without the other two accompanying it just means you get wet and that's it.

CMarie, I would say do it ASAP. Not as a fear, but as faith. Don't let anything hold you back.

Dustman, you do not have to belong to a church to be baptized. Find a good friend to help out. Go to a river, a pool, a bathtub. Anything can work. If you are in Ohio find me, I will do it for you.

 

[Shane R]

I came from a church which taught that baptism is only immersion. What began to shake my belief in this was not Lutheran citations of the household conversions in Acts, but a reading of the Didache. To summarize that text it instructs to baptize in flowing water; if that is not available still water (some sort of pool/cistern) is acceptable; if that is not available the water may be poured upon the recipient.

How to harmonize that practical instruction with theology? The immersion aspect of baptism is an immersion into Christ. This principle can be true in each method of administration. The water is a vehicle to a deeper spiritual application.

 

[ALoveDivine]

I've actually tried to get baptised a few times, but haven't had the opportunity. I wanted to at a particular church, but as I sat through the service I found that this wasn't a good church to join; they were more concerned with "church growth" than anything and had some pretty bad theology.

I have recently found a local church I'd like to be a part of, unfortunately my car doesn't work, so I have no transportation at all. As soon as I get this problem fixed I'll be attending this church regularly and I look forward to participating in the next baptismal service

And yeah, baptism does not in any way save, to say so would be adding works to salvation, and salvation is ALL of grace. However, baptism is an important step in obedience, which is why I am eager to be baptized.

 

[DCJazz]

Baptism is not salvation, but... eh, I'm not any good explaining. I think you should be baptized for Christ. It's kinda like saying 'hey, here I am world, a Christian'. Of course, baptism is for the believer, those who have put their faith in Christ alone and are saved through Him.

 

[boldlion]

water baptism is part of salvation.

 

[dysert]

I've been immersed two times as an adult. The first time was when I was saved. This was in the Brethren Church, which baptizes by immersing you three times forward (once each in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Many years later I wanted to join a Southern Baptist church, and they made me get re-baptized because they do it once backwards. (That particular church has since changed their policy.)

I now attend a church who will baptize anyone who professes Christ, regardless if they plan on joining the church. I think this is good.

No, baptism doesn't save anyone, but it is an act of Christian obedience not unlike honoring Christ through the taking of communion, witnessing to others, reading the Word, etc. It is an important ordinance.

 

[Humble Pie]

Have you been immersed (baptized) in water?
If not -why not ?
the lord Jesus told us to follow him- he was baptized -we should then also be.
The foundation act of faith for salvation is to believe and be baptized.
it is an act of obedience by faith .

the lord Jesus signified by this act that he would be buried then raised again from the dead.
this cannot be signified by sprinkling . no one was ever buried by having dirt sprinkled on them and no one can be baptized by having water sprinkled on them.one must be buried and then brought back out again.

water baptism is also a conscious act of obedience by faith and a public declaration of that faith in the Lord Jesus . No baby can make such a decision. So if you were sprinkled as a baby you have not been baptized by a conscious decision and act of obedience .

Some will raise the question- if you have not been baptized (immersed), does it mean that you are not saved.. I do not believe so .. but what I do know is that if you are truly saved -you will rush to get baptized because you will love God and will quickly display a willingness to obey and follow him.you will not try to explain it away.

You're a divisive troll.

 

[hopeinGod]

Something to ponder:

In Hebrews 6, we are given a list of the first principles of the oracles of God, in which contains "the doctrine of baptisms." At the same time, we are given to believe in Ephesians 4:5 that there is only one baptism. This principle is a fascinating one, like the godhead, three in one. Once understood, it can help to open up many verses that may now be speaking justification, rather than sanctification, to you.

In 1 John 5:8, we read, "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

We know of Spirit baptism for the empowerment of the soul, and we know water baptism which is the immersion of the body in water as an outward sign to the world that we are now Christ's, done in obedience to Christ's command.

But few can see that the blood baptism, which is indicative of the shed blood of Jesus, points to the quickening of the spirit or rebirth.

Dave

 

[Boidae]

I was and it's a rather interesting story. I was baptized by immersion when my wife and I were going to her church.

I wasn't supposed to be baptized because I hadn't gone through the church's class for those seeking baptism. When the day came, my wife and I attended for support. When all that were to be baptized were, the pastor called the men that were there and helped down to him in order for prayer. I hadn't helped, nor was I supposed to, so I didn't bring any clothes to wear that could get wet in the lake that we were at.

I asked if he wanted me to join and he said that he didn't want me to get wet so he told me to stay on shore. I told him that it was ok and he said not too worry, but as he was saying that I pretty much ran into the water to be with the other guys.

He told me that he seen much faith in me and that I reminded him of Peter. So he baptized me right then and there. I couldn't get a certificate though since I hadn't gone through the class.

I never did get a certificate because we no longer go to that church. Either way I was baptized by immersion.

 

[Michaelismyname]

RE -CMarie, I would say do it ASAP. Not as a fear, but as faith. Don't let anything hold you back.

Dustman, you do not have to belong to a church to be baptized. Find a good friend to help out. Go to a river, a pool, a bathtub. Anything can work. If you are in Ohio find me, I will do it for you. "

ABSOLUTLEY ... do it not only in faith- but also in love ..do it because you love the lord Jesus
and yes get any beleiving friends , go to the nearest water deep enough and do it as an act of obedience and your name will be written in the book of life and you will be a memember of the family of God by the spirit of adoption - and from my view point - that is the only membership that means anything at all - praise GoD

 

[ALoveDivine]

I'm happy to announce that I just got baptized today, by full immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful experience

 

[Michaelismyname]

I'm happy to announce that I just got baptized today, by full immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful experience

Praise God , God bless you so very very much (and he does and will)for your obedience.
So plain and simple is obedience - So filled with Joy is the heart that rejoices in it .

 

[Michaelismyname]

You're a divisive troll.

??
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

he was quite a divisive chap wasn't he .

 

[A Sojourner]

I'm happy to announce that I just got baptized today, by full immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It was a wonderful experience

Buried into His death, raised up in the likeness of His resurrection, to walk in the newness of life. I rejoice with you. Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Holy Spirit!!