is my infant baptism enough?

[Neostarwcc]

Okay so, I was baptized as an infant by the Catholic church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was wondering if that baptism was valid or if I should get baptized full immersion by a Protestant pastor.

It's been made aware to me that this might be considered heretical because I was already baptized as an infant. I don't want to be a heretic I just wanted to make a public confession of faith because as an infant I obviously couldn't make a public confession of faith and, I didn't even come to Christ until over 20 years later. So, I want to be baptized in the "correct" way.

Should I get rebaptized? Or is my infant baptism enough? I know different denominations will tell me different things But, I feel like Christ didn't accept me when I was baptized as an infant and he would accept a "proper" baptism more. What do you think?

 

[Phil 1:21]

There are very sound theological arguments for both sides to this. At the end of the day, do what you feel God is guiding you to do. This is one of those situations where neither approach is incorrect.

 

[RDKirk]

Okay so, I was baptized as an infant by the Catholic church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was wondering if that baptism was valid or if I should get baptized full immersion by a Protestant pastor.

It's been made aware to me that this might be considered heretical because I was already baptized as an infant. I don't want to be a heretic I just wanted to make a public confession of faith because as an infant I obviously couldn't make a public confession of faith and, I didn't even come to Christ until over 20 years later. So, I want to be baptized in the "correct" way.

Should I get rebaptized? Or is my infant baptism enough? I know different denominations will tell me different things But, I feel like Christ didn't accept me when I was baptized as an infant and he would accept a "proper" baptism more. What do you think?

I was also baptized as in infant.

And I stuck with that, and would argue for it, until the Holy Spirit told me explicitly to join a certain church. It happened like this: We had moved to DC and were visiting churches to join. I had prayed that I would not join a church unless the Holy Spirit made clear which church it should be.

We had visited close to a dozen, I prayed for the week afterward about each one. Nothing.

Then one Friday night during prayer, the Holy Spirit said, "Tell them tomorrow you want to join." Just like that.

I got up that Saturday morning, waited until about 9, then called the office and told them we had visited the Sunday before and decided to join. The receptionist said, "Well, okay, come back tomorrow and after service the associate pastors will be down front to take your information."

About 20 minutes later, one of those associate pastors knocked on the door. He said that it was his task to pay a visit to everyone who had filled out a visitor card. He tried to make all those visits early in the week, but so many things had come up hindering him, and he apologized for it taking all the way until Saturday before he could get to us.

I realized that was a Holy Spirit appointment, and that he was the person I was supposed to tell.

It happened that was a Church of God, and CoG believes in baptism by immersion.

I prayed about that over the next couple of weeks, because I'd never felt "unbaptized" before, yet this congregation had its beliefs. Did I need to be baptized again?

The Holy Spirit spoke to me again: "That is the congregation I told you become a member of, and that is what their members do."

 

[Neostarwcc]

I was also baptized as in infant.

And I stuck with that, and would argue for it, until the Holy Spirit told me explicitly to join a certain church. It happened like this: We had moved to DC and were visiting churches to join. I had prayed that I would not join a church unless the Holy Spirit made clear which church it should be.

We had visited close to a dozen, I prayed for the week afterward about each one. Nothing.

Then one Friday night during prayer, the Holy Spirit said, "Tell them tomorrow you want to join." Just like that.

I got up that Saturday morning, waited until about 9, then called the office and told them we had visited the Sunday before and decided to join. The receptionist said, "Well, okay, come back tomorrow and after service the associate pastors will be down front to take your information."

About 20 minutes later, one of those associate pastors knocked on the door. He said that it was his task to pay a visit to everyone who had filled out a visitor card. He tried to make all those visits early in the week, but so many things had come up hindering him, and he apologized for it taking all the way until Saturday before he could get to us.

I realized that was a Holy Spirit appointment, and that he was the person I was supposed to tell.

It happened that was a Church of God, and CoG believes in baptism by immersion.

I prayed about that over the next couple of weeks, because I'd never felt "unbaptized" before, yet this congregation had its beliefs. Did I need to be baptized again?

The Holy Spirit spoke to me again: "That is the congregation I told you become a member of, and that is what their members do."

Many Protestants believe that Baptism by immersion is the only way and I'm just afraid that if I joined like say for example a Baptist church and they didn't accept my infant baptism that they would force me to get rebaptized their way. I also don't want my baptism to be "not good enough" either. So, I don't know.

 

[samir]

Okay so, I was baptized as an infant by the Catholic church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was wondering if that baptism was valid or if I should get baptized full immersion by a Protestant pastor.

It's valid. Most Christians are baptized as infants. No one doubted or disputed the validity of infant baptism until the Anabaptists started their own denomination over 1,000 years after Christ.

It's been made aware to me that this might be considered heretical because I was already baptized as an infant. I don't want to be a heretic I just wanted to make a public confession of faith because as an infant I obviously couldn't make a public confession of faith and, I didn't even come to Christ until over 20 years later. So, I want to be baptized in the "correct" way.

Should I get rebaptized? Or is my infant baptism enough? I know different denominations will tell me different things But, I feel like Christ didn't accept me when I was baptized as an infant and he would accept a "proper" baptism more. What do you think?

Getting re-baptized is sacrilegious because it shows doubt and disrespect toward God for what He did in making you a child of God when you were an infant.

 

[Phil 1:21]

Many Protestants believe that Baptism by immersion is the only way and I'm just afraid that if I joined like say for example a Baptist church and they didn't accept my infant baptism that they would force me to get rebaptized their way. I also don't want my baptism to be "not good enough" either. So, I don't know.

Just consider it re-affirmation of your infant baptism.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Okay so, I was baptized as an infant by the Catholic church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was wondering if that baptism was valid or if I should get baptized full immersion by a Protestant pastor.

It's been made aware to me that this might be considered heretical because I was already baptized as an infant. I don't want to be a heretic I just wanted to make a public confession of faith because as an infant I obviously couldn't make a public confession of faith and, I didn't even come to Christ until over 20 years later. So, I want to be baptized in the "correct" way.

Should I get rebaptized? Or is my infant baptism enough? I know different denominations will tell me different things But, I feel like Christ didn't accept me when I was baptized as an infant and he would accept a "proper" baptism more. What do you think?

Your baptism is enough, yes. When you were baptized is inconsequential--baptism is baptism.

If you feel the need to make a public profession of faith, there are plenty of ways to do so; baptism isn't a public profession of faith, baptism is baptism; the ordinary means by which God brings us into the Household of Faith by which we are united to Christ's death and resurrection, it is how God makes us Christians.

As you study Scripture you'll notice that no where, in all of the pages of Sacred Writ, does it say baptism is about making a public profession of faith. But it does say that we receive the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) that we are buried with Christ and into His death (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12) that we have been clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

-CryptoLutheran

 

[HereIStand]

If you want to be Baptist, then most churches would require a re-baptism by immersion. Even those who do would not (as far as I know) see infant baptism as heretical. A Catholic infant baptism would be valid though in most other churches, such as Lutheran and Presbyterian.

 

[Neostarwcc]

It's valid. Most Christians are baptized as infants.



Getting re-baptized is sacrilegious because it shows doubt and disrespect toward God for what He did in making you a child of God when you were an infant. Heresy refers to holding doctrine in opposition to what Christ taught. The heresy that says infant baptism is invalid originated well over 1,000 years after Christ.

So, making a public statement of faith isn't required? I mean, I get that my infant baptism is enough and that many Christians are baptized as infants But, when I was an infant I couldn't make a public declaration of faith because I didn't even know who Christ WAS. And what if I wanted to join a Baptist church and they say that I should get re-baptized full immersion or they won't allow me in their church? What do I do then?

 

[grasping the after wind]

Okay so, I was baptized as an infant by the Catholic church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was wondering if that baptism was valid or if I should get baptized full immersion by a Protestant pastor.

It's been made aware to me that this might be considered heretical because I was already baptized as an infant. I don't want to be a heretic I just wanted to make a public confession of faith because as an infant I obviously couldn't make a public confession of faith and, I didn't even come to Christ until over 20 years later. So, I want to be baptized in the "correct" way.

Should I get rebaptized? Or is my infant baptism enough? I know different denominations will tell me different things But, I feel like Christ didn't accept me when I was baptized as an infant and he would accept a "proper" baptism more. What do you think?

I would suggest your headline is not a good one for the subject. Your infant baptism is not enough for your salvation but it may be satisfactory to a number of denominations as a valid baptism. IMO Jesus is enough and your baptism whether infant or otherwise is an acknowledgement of that fact. Since you ask what I think then I think Jesus will accept you under any circumstance. The only thing standing between us and Jesus acceptance is our willingness to be accepted.

 

[Neostarwcc]

If you want to be Baptist, then most churches would require a re-baptism by immersion. Even those who do would not (as far as I know) see infant baptism as heretical. A Catholic infant baptism would be valid though in most other churches, such as Lutheran and Presbyterian.

So I should just not join their church. Because, I can argue that my infant baptism was enough.

 

[samir]

So, making a public statement of faith isn't required? I mean, I get that my infant baptism is enough and that many Christians are baptized as infants But, when I was an infant I couldn't make a public declaration of faith because I didn't even know who Christ WAS.

God can save infants without faith since salvation is by grace and not based on anything we do such as having faith. Once you're old enough to believe, then faith (as well as righteous living) is necessary to remain right with God. As far as making a public statement when you're older, I guess it would depend on the church you attend. I'm non-denominational so I don't really know how it works in other churches.

And what if I wanted to join a Baptist church and they say that I should get re-baptized full immersion or they won't allow me in their church? What do I do then?

Decide what is more important. Joining a Baptist congregation that insists upon a second baptism or following the historical Christian faith. If a church required it, I'd find another church but if you really wanted to be a Baptist then I guess you'd have to follow their rules regardless of what scripture teaches.

 

[ViaCrucis]

A Catholic infant baptism would be valid though in most other churches, such as Lutheran and Presbyterian.

This. The majority of Christians and historic Christian communions, traditions, and denominations recognize each other's baptism--if you were baptized as an infant in a Catholic church you are baptized as a Christian, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Orthodox, and other historic Christian communities which recognize the sacramental character of Baptism confess this. If you were baptized as an adult in a Baptist church, that would also be recognized by Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists (etc). The validity of baptism is not about when or where you were baptized, or by who, but of the baptism itself. There are cases where the validity of baptism is called into question, particular heretical baptisms such as those performed by Oneness Pentecostals and Mormons; but any baptism which is done in the historic way, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is a recognized and valid baptism regardless of when, where, or who. Because, again, Baptism isn't a human work of law, but God's gracious work.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[HereIStand]

So I should just not join their church. Because, I can argue that my infant baptism was enough.

I wouldn't be re-baptized just to join the church, unless you are convinced that's the right doctrine. Try other denominations, or just attend the Baptist church if there aren't other good options in the area.

 

[archer75]

So, making a public statement of faith isn't required? I mean, I get that my infant baptism is enough and that many Christians are baptized as infants But, when I was an infant I couldn't make a public declaration of faith because I didn't even know who Christ WAS. And what if I wanted to join a Baptist church and they say that I should get re-baptized full immersion or they won't allow me in their church? What do I do then?

If you want to join a church, just ask them.

Episcopal churches would likely receive you by confirmation, which could involve a public profession of faith as well as recognition of your infant baptism.

 

[ViaCrucis]

So I should just not join their church. Because, I can argue that my infant baptism was enough.

It would be nearly impossible to join a Baptist church and insist on your baptism--because Baptists do not recognize infant baptisms as valid. In fact, in some Baptist traditions even being baptized in another Baptist congregation is irrelevant--one must be baptized at their congregation.

For me, that is certainly a make-or-break issue. But you need to decide for yourself where your convictions reside.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[vinsight4u]

/nvm

 

[Neostarwcc]

God can save infants without faith since salvation is by grace and not based on anything we do such as having faith. Once you're old enough to believe, then faith (as well as righteous living) is necessary to remain right with God. As far as making a public statement when you're older, I guess it would depend on the church you attend. I'm non-denominational so I don't really know how it works in other churches.



Decide what is more important. Being a Baptist or following the historical Christian faith. If a church required it, I'd find another church but if you really wanted to be a Baptist then I guess you'd have to follow their rules regardless of what scripture teaches.

It's not that I badly want to be Baptist It's just that I agree with mostly everything they teach about scripture and they seem to be a really good fit for me. But, if they're going to force me to get re-baptized their way especially when that baptism is valid I don't think I want to join their church. Especially when all churches are essentially the same.

It would be nearly impossible to join a Baptist church and insist on your baptism--because Baptists do not recognize infant baptisms as valid. In fact, in some Baptist traditions even being baptized in another Baptist congregation is irrelevant--one must be baptized at their congregation.

For me, that is certainly a make-or-break issue. But you need to decide for yourself where your convictions reside.

-CryptoLutheran

So Baptists have to get re-baptized again and again? Forget that.

 

[samir]

It's not that I badly want to be Baptist It's just that I agree with mostly everything they teach about scripture and they seem to be a really good fit for me. But, if they're going to force me to get re-baptized their way especially when that baptism is valid I don't think I want to join their church. Especially when all churches are essentially the same.



So Baptists have to get re-baptized again and again? Forget that.

I recommend studying the writings of early Christians to see what Christians have always believed. They were unanimous about baptism and rejected many Baptist traditions such as:

They believed that "born again" in John 3:5 refers to baptism. Baptists believe it's some kind of experience they feel when they first believed in Baptist teaching about Jesus.

The early Christians were unanimous that baptism was necessary for salvation. Baptists think it's optional.

The early Christians believed loving God and your neighbors (which includes obeying what Christ taught) was necessary for salvation. Baptists think it's optional.

Some baptists believe in "once saved, always saved." Early Christians unanimously believed a justified person could abandon Christ through sin and end up in Hell.

 

[ViaCrucis]

So Baptists have to get re-baptized again and again? Forget that.

Some Baptist groups, not all.

The Baptist tradition is incredibly broad, there are many different kinds of Baptists. I don't think any of the major Baptist denominations/conventions in the US (e.g. the Southern Baptist Convention, the American Baptist Churches USA) have this requirement. In the case of the larger Baptist conventions a full immersion baptism as an adult is sufficient to qualify as a baptism--they would still reject your baptism since you were baptized as an infant, they also don't recognize baptism that were done in any other way beside full immersion.

-CryptoLutheran