Self Baptism

[Sketcher]

Where in Scripture does it show anyone baptizing themselves?

Is there no church within walking distance of your home?

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

There is no precedent in scripture or tradition for baptising oneself. Even Jesus didn't baptise himself and required John to do it for him. The Apostles baptised those who came to them on Pentecost and the Ethiopian Eunuch also asked to be baptised. I think your eagerness is good but I do not believe your baptism to be legitimate because Baptism is not an action done by oneself but by the Lord. It is something we receive, not something we do and it mark's one's new birth into the Christian life.

Be patient, be baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by a Church, preferably a pastor. Also research and learn as much as possible what baptism is.

Matthew 28:19
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Notice the command is for the Apostles to baptise the nations, not for the nations to baptise themselves.)

Didache, Chapter 7.

1 Regarding baptism, baptize thus. After giving the foregoing instructions, ‘Baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’2 in running water. 2 But if you have no running water, baptize in any other; and, if you cannot in cold water, then in warm.5 3 But, if the one is lacking, pour the other three times on the head ‘in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit.’ 4 But, before the baptism, let the one who baptizes and the one to be baptized fast, and any others who are able to do so. And you shall require the person being baptized to fast for one or two days.

 

[JacksBratt]

Well baptism is the entry point to the Christian walk so congratulations on deciding you needed it!

Secondly, baptism is merely just you dying with Christ and rising to new life, the Bible never says it has to be done with a "minister" whatever that term means. Ministers in the present sense are man made, because all believers are priests and ministers, so if you believed then there is no reason to believe you can't baptize yourself. As long as you believed when you died with Christ, were buried with him in Baptism and rose to new life he performed a spiritual circumcision and now you can walk in the fullness of life he promised (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:11-12)

Now something you may want to consider is praying to receive the fullness of the Spirit so you can walk in POWER to be his witness. That also is something Jesus can impart without another being present if you believe in faith you will receive.

Now for what it is worth I do not believe we should encourage people to do these things on their own, but seek out other believers to join with in such endeavors. But I also do not preclude the idea that God cannot reach us wherever we are and meet our faith with his promises.

You were baptized, now walk in newness of life just as Jesus said.

I admire your desire to get baptized.

Did you ever think to call the church and ask if someone to give you a ride.

In my church there are more than 20 people who would get up two hours early to drive you... I'm sure the church you have in mind will have the same resourceful, serving, caring people....


Then.......problem solved. Go to their baptismal course and study up on the whole reason and process of water baptism, as seen by that particular denomination..... then.........get baptized.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

I admire your desire to get baptized.

Did you ever think to call the church and ask if someone to give you a ride.

In my church there are more than 20 people who would get up two hours early to drive you... I'm sure the church you have in mind will have the same resourceful, serving, caring people....


Then.......problem solved. Go to their baptismal course and study up on the whole reason and process of water baptism, as seen by that particular denomination..... then.........get baptized.

No need for a baptismal course

Philip gave no such course to the eunuch

 

[Dave-W]

I suggest you watch these 2 videos:

 

[Dave-W]

No need for a baptismal course
Philip gave no such course to the eunuch

True. But I would submit that there was no need for any "course" as the eunuch was already familiar with baptism from his worship of God as a Jew.

 

[JoeP222w]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

You need to find a Bible believing church in your local area. Contact the Pastor and/or Elders and ask them for help in finding you a ride to church. I am pretty certain that they can make arrangements for you to have a ride to church. If they refuse to help you, you don't want to be part of their church anyways.

There is no example of self-baptism in the Bible, and you need to be in fellowship with other believers to hold you accountable, encourage you and you need to sit under Biblical teaching.

 

[Keath]

You notice that Philip didn't say "OK then, baptize yourself, eunuch."

If the eunuch had been alone and reading a more direct message of salvation, for example, in a letter from Paul; and accepted Christ; maybe the story would have read differently. "And the Eunuch looking around and see water said to the Lord; and why shouldn't I be baptized now. And stepping into the water the Eunuch was baptized in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

A lot has happened in the availability of the gospel since Isaiah and Philip; as the world becomes more and more virtual, this may be less and less rare.

 

[Keath]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

Maybe check this out or something similar - VirtualChurch.com
The Kingdom of God is not limited by the 35 AD technology and social norms.

 

[JacksBratt]

No need for a baptismal course

Philip gave no such course to the eunuch

Most churches, now, give a short course on Believer Baptism. I have been a Christian for 45 years and attended church for most of those years. It took my son requesting to be baptized to get me to do it.
Ends up my wife and three kids all decided it was time.

Our church has anyone who is going to be baptized or do a public profession of faith, take a short course on the subject, to ensure that they are understanding the concept and purpose.

It may not be necessary for the act however it was certainly a great education and refresher on this important step.

It certainly cannot hurt and I would highly recommend it, myself.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Most churches, now, give a short course on Believer Baptism. I have been a Christian for 45 years and attended church for most of those years. It took my son requesting to be baptized to get me to do it.
Ends up my wife and three kids all decided it was time.

Our church has anyone who is going to be baptized or do a public profession of faith, take a short course on the subject, to ensure that they are understanding the concept and purpose.

It may not be necessary for the act however it was certainly a great education and refresher on this important step.

It certainly cannot hurt and I would highly recommend it, myself.

Such courses almost always end up being indoctrination clinics and honestly most churches have the doctrine of baptism wrong.

Now if your place of worship is one of the few that have it down right, then absolutely have at it.

 

[Dave-W]

Now if your place of worship is one of the few that have it down right, then absolutely have at it.

The problem is that each group thinks THEY "have it down right" to the exclusion of all others.

 

[miknik5]

I very much agree that people should advocate for this type of baptism but given my situation this is all I had access to right now. Thank you for your words

Please include your family Let your parents know what GOD has been doing in you through CHRIST JESUS

You might lead your family to faith in THE LORD

Just ask them if they would consider taking you to church on Saturday or Sunday.

That might be a start

 

[JacksBratt]

Such courses almost always end up being indoctrination clinics and honestly most churches have the doctrine of baptism wrong.

Now if your place of worship is one of the few that have it down right, then absolutely have at it.

So, how do you know it's right?
Is not the Christian reform church of Canada, the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and the Baptists Churches of Canada to be trusted in teaching the theology and biblical purpose of believer baptism?

 

[Albion]

FWIW, members of the historic churches believe that what others often call "Water Baptism" IS the sacrament of Baptism. The others are baptisms only by analogy.

That doesn't make them invalid necessarily, but they're only called "baptisms" in Scripture by comparison to (water) Baptism, like we might say "I gave birth to that project after a lot of difficult preparation" or "It was my baptism of fire to be sent out on the job alone when the other worker suddenly took sick."

 

[RaymondG]

These are some interesting concepts. I like it. What to stop me from washing my sins away every morning when I take a shower? I will definitely consider this.

 

[Albion]

In a word...plenty.

 

[disciple1]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

Hardly anyone knows anything about what God teaches, since they don't try to study the bible real hard.
Being baptized your baptized into Christ's death, so your dead to sin, but that doesn't mean you no longer sin.
Here's something that could help you on your way, because like I said no one knows much.
Matthew chapter 4 verse 4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Romans chapter 1 verse 28
Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

John chapter 8 verse 31,32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, " If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2 John
9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Job chapter 23 verse 12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Matthew 11
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Luke chapter 21
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Romans chapter 10
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Mark chapter 13
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
James chapter 1
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
James chapter 4
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Isaiah chapter 45 verse 19
I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Jeremiah chapter 9
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah chapter 5 verse 1
5 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.

 

[ArmenianJohn]

Then.......problem solved. Go to their baptismal course and study up on the whole reason and process of water baptism, as seen by that particular denomination..... then.........get baptized.

This is the problem - why are these man-made additions being forced upon people? Where is scriptural precedent or command of a "baptismal course" and studying up? Why does any denomination have the right to withhold baptism from someone who has repented? Where is the Biblical basis for that?

In my church they at least can point to Church Tradition as a reason for that. I happen to disagree with that, based on the Ethiopian Eunuch and based on John the Baptist and other examples where baptism was just done, no questions asked, for those who came forward for it. I don't think it's right to force people to jump through any hoops to be baptized. I think it's offensive to God when any church holds baptism as some kind of prize to be earned through some form of worthiness or based on works.

Self-baptism may be "wrong", but I can't blame anyone who does it for doing it considering the landscape of the churches today where baptism is used as some kind of weird bargaining chip to get people to jump through hoops at the pleasure of a particular denomination.

 

[ArmenianJohn]

These are some interesting concepts. I like it. What to stop me from washing my sins away every morning when I take a shower? I will definitely consider this.

Why a shower? Why not take the condensation from a bottle or glass of soda that you're enjoying on a hot day, dab a drop of it on your head and baptize yourself right there in the restaurant? If immersion and the amount of water doesn't matter, then just the moisture from a glass should be more than enough. Why don't churches just use wet-wipes to baptize?