Baptism

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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Baptism is God's Work...be baptized is passive so that means she's not going to be the one "doing" anything in baptism...she receives. What she will receive are the blessings connected to the forgiveness on the cross that Jesus won for us and will be robed in Christ's righteousness. She asked for baptism, do not deny her...do not prevent the little children from coming to Him. Baptism is for all of us (Acts 2:39 This promise is for you and your children) and Jesus told the disciples to baptize ALL nations and that includes children since they are a part of all nations.

Don't make her say a sinners prayer. That does not save. Jesus saves. Let her know she is forgiven.

Depends on where you attend church-- many churches that I know will not baptize
a child who doesn't know the Lord as his/her Savior.

I was raised in a Methodist church (until I was about 10) and was sprinkled as a baby....Christening/baby dedication and the church agrees to pray for me,
encourage me in the faith etc.

When we moved and mom attended a baptist church, we had to be fully immersed
in water because the minister said sprinkling didn't count? OK...mom didn't argue
the point, I followed her example (after all I was a child.)

So I've been sprinkled, fully baptized; saved--then re-affirmed twice
in different churches.

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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Just ask her if she understands that this means, she now belongs to God. Let the convo flow from there and don't worry about sinners prayer and all that and you will see how God will lead the conversation. Then if she still wants to get baptized let your pastor or church leaders know and God wants ALL to get baptized regardless of age! Jesus himself says no one comes to him except if God calls them, so the fact she wants to get baptized means God has been calling her! We are all born sinners so we belong to Satan that's why Jesus says no one can even consider knowing him unless God calls them. God Jesus wants a relationship with her, so it will happen if you let God lead.

John 6:44

For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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Perhaps you could have a Bible study with her and go through the gospel of John together.

It is important for her to understand who Christ is and what He
has done for her so that she can make a choice to receive Christ
based in truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Don't rush into this "trying to save" her but take the time to present the gospel to
her and God will bring her to a place of decision at the proper time.

Pray before you read the Bible together and ask God to give you both His wisdom and
understanding so that you can understand and receive what God is revealing to you in the gospel.

Pray for your sister throughout the week as God puts her on your heart.

You could attend church together if you know of one that will share the gospel
message instead of only giving a teaching.

You could share your testimony with your sister and explain to her what
brought you to faith in Christ as you spend time together studying the
gospel of John.

I hope this helps you.

Don't allow this to overwhelm you but break it down into smaller tasks
like just getting together at a set time and frequency and going through
the gospel together.

God will do His part if you will do your part.

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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Its not a Sinners Prayer, per se, that saves a person...its the REALIZATION that One IS a Sinner , that they desire to trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross ...his shed blood having the power to take away all of ones sins in forgiveness...then to trust Jesus rose from the dead as proof he accomplished that and as proof for WHO he is (God in the flesh) . So...here is the clearest explanation of how One becomes a Christian and maybe you can walk your Loved One thru it BEFORE she gets baptized otherwise all she will be doing is getting wet : Romans 10:8-12 NASB - But what does it say? “THE WORD IS - Bible Gateway

TheyCallMeDave said:

Its not a Sinners Prayer, per se, that saves a person...its the REALIZATION that One IS a Sinner , that they desire to trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross ...his shed blood having the power to take away all of ones sins in forgiveness...then to trust Jesus rose from the dead as proof he accomplished that and as proof for WHO he is (God in the flesh) . So...here is the clearest explanation of how One becomes a Christian and maybe you can walk your Loved One thru it BEFORE she gets baptized otherwise all she will be doing is getting wet : Romans 10:8-12 NASB - But what does it say? “THE WORD IS - Bible Gateway

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That REALIZATION that one is a sinner...is a sign of faith already received by God. It's not the realization that saves, but the Savior who saves. The realization means the person receives the benefits by grace through faith.

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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This is really dependent on the church that you are attending. I would suggest that you speak to your Pastor in regards to this. If she is going to get baptised I assume that your church has some type of course that relates to baptism.

LilLamb219 said:

That REALIZATION that one is a sinner...is a sign of faith already received by God. It's not the realization that saves, but the Savior who saves. The realization means the person receives the benefits by grace through faith.

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I didnt indicate it was the persons realization that saves...in fact, i definitively indicated WHAT it is based on (Christ crucified) . But the ball gets rolling by the Person understanding that they are a Sinner in need of forgiveness and reconciliation to God. Surprisingly, ive met some people in my life that dont feel they are Sinners and feel they are quite 'good' people. The equation is simply : ABC -- Admit you are a sinner, Believe on what Christ did on your behalf , Confess that Christ is Lord of all and that he ressurected from the grave proving so. This is what Romans 10:8-12 (The Gospel) summarizes.

Dragnog said:

This is really dependent on the church that you are attending. I would suggest that you speak to your Pastor in regards to this. If she is going to get baptised I assume that your church has some type of course that relates to baptism.

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Actuall, it SHOULD depend on what Gods Word says on the issue of being Baptized ...and not on what a particular Church dogma says. The Bible indicates that Water Baptism is for the already SAVED person and represents HAVING BEEN washed of the old life with its sin by the shed blood of Christ..and now the person is a new Creation signified by coming up out of the Baptism water.

TheyCallMeDave said:

I didnt indicate it was the persons realization that saves...in fact, i definitively indicated WHAT it is based on (Christ crucified) . But the ball gets rolling by the Person understanding that they are a Sinner in need of forgiveness and reconciliation to God. Surprisingly, ive met some people in my life that dont feel they are Sinners and feel they are quite 'good' people. The equation is simply : ABC -- Admit you are a sinner, Believe on what Christ did on your behalf , Confess that Christ is Lord of all and that he ressurected from the grave proving so. This is what Romans 10:8-12 (The Gospel) summarizes.

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I agree that there seems to be a large amount of misunderstanding on what the effect of and what sin is. Though I think that there is a large list of words that are really not well understood including: good, love, salvation, peace, grace to name a few. Unfortunately this list covers a number of very important theological areas and it may be due to most Christians mistrust of the word "Theology" and possibly "Systematic" as well that causes the rest of these. Sorry a bit off topic there...

Actually, Jesus told the disciples to baptize ALL nations (and to teach them). Baptizing and teaching go hand in hand God's Word is attached the waters of baptism, and it's God's Word that gives us faith.

Dragnog said:

This is really dependent on the church that you are attending. I would suggest that you speak to your Pastor in regards to this. If she is going to get baptised I assume that your church has some type of course that relates to baptism.

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*I've attended many churches and they do have a basic course for young children to do. They will find out what the child knows/understands and proceed from there. Generally the child is connected with a Christian mentor or their believing parent for continued spiritual teaching/instruction etc.

The eunuch that Philip preached Christ to, received the message and following that he saw water, and asked what prevented him from being baptized?
Philip baptized him.

John the baptist preached- repent and be baptized.
That theme seems consistent in the bible...one believes, then gets baptized.
The Word of God is taught/studied etc. this is a lifelong study and application.

TheyCallMeDave said:

Actuall, it SHOULD depend on what Gods Word says on the issue of being Baptized ...and not on what a particular Church dogma says. The Bible indicates that Water Baptism is for the already SAVED person and represents HAVING BEEN washed of the old life with its sin by the shed blood of Christ..and now the person is a new Creation signified by coming up out of the Baptism water.

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I was obviously not clear enough. What I was trying to say was nothing to do with dogma or doctrine and more about practicality. We can explain the significance of baptism and that is important thing to do, but this is about how to go about getting someone baptized in her own faith community. I personally do not want to confuse the issue further, when this is obviously a serious concern to tbogunro and her daughter.

Prayer nor baptism saves a person. A clear understanding that:
A: you are a sinner
B: there is a God, and you sinned against Him
C: you need a Savior, because your good deeds won't save you
D: Jesus Christ is God, and He died for your sins and took the punishment for you
And
E: nothing but Him will save you from your sin

Knowing those things and then asking Christ to forgive you and to become your Savior. From the Bible, I see no other way for salvation to take place other than realizing, accepting, and asking those points. The sinners prayer doesn't save you any more than me saying you're a Klingon makes you a klingon.

Hi,

I just want to direct your attention to what the Bible says about baptism. I know there are a lot of religious teachings out there within Christianity, but if the baptism is going to be valid it is going to need to be for the reasons God's word says it is for. I will let the Bible speak for itself in the Scriptures below:

Acts 2:38 "And Peter said to them, “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."

There are a few things that can be noticed from this passage: The first is that repentance comes before baptism. Does she know what that means? This verse also teaches that baptism is for the purpose of forgiveness of sins, and it is when the person gets the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 22:16 "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’"

This second verse also states that baptism is how our sins are washed away, and also how we call on the name of the Lord.

Colossians 2:11-13 "11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,"

When we come to Christ, we repent (die to our old self), are burried with Christ in baptism where our sins are cut away and we are raised to walk in newness of life.

I think it's important to do things the way God teaches for the reasons He says they are for; I think it makes the difference between a legitimate faith act and one that it just a religious ceremony. If it were me, I would teach her what the Bible says about baptism. Also, I would make sure she understands that it is not just a religious ceremony that people do in church, but that it is the beginning of a life long commitment to follow Jesus Christ. If she understands the reasons it is for, that it is not a light decision but a life altering one, and wants to commit her life to Christ, I think she should get baptized.

I hope this was helpful. God bless.

jesuslover94 said:

My nine year old sister wants to get baptized, and I don't think she's accepted Jesus as her Savior. What should I say to her? Do I get her to say the sinner's prayer? I want her to say it, but I want her to mean it and understand it. But I don't know how to explain it to her. Thanks!

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All one needs to do to be baptized is to believe what the Church teaches and then be baptized. Baptism can be done either by pouring water on the forehead or by immersion.

Also, it is important to know what the Bible says about baptism:

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him."
(Acts 2:37-39 RSV-CE)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(John 3:1-6 RSV-CE)

This is only two verses of the many in the Bible which speak about Baptism. Baptism is a Sacrament and it washes away sins. I know that non-Catholics do not believe in Sacraments. However, baptisms done by Protestants are just as valid as baptisms done by Catholics so long as they believe in the Trinity and it is done in a Trinitarian formula.

A person should at least express belief in the contents of the Apostles Creed before being baptized:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Ave Maria said:

All one needs to do to be baptized is to believe what the Church teaches and then be baptized. Baptism can be done either by pouring water on the forehead or by immersion.

This is only two verses of the many in the Bible which speak about Baptism. Baptism is a Sacrament and it washes away sins. I know that non-Catholics do not believe in Sacraments. However, baptisms done by Protestants are just as valid as baptisms done by Catholics so long as they believe in the Trinity and it is done in a Trinitarian formula.

A person should at least express belief in the contents of the Apostles Creed before being baptized:

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First off, non-Catholics DO believe in Sacraments. It depends on the denomination which ones do (typically Episcopal, Lutherans, Presbyterian, and Methodist). Lutherans believe in the sacrament of baptism and communion.

Stepping in here because what you are saying is contradictory to your faith icon. Why then, does the Catholic church baptize infants if belief is required?

Catholic Catechism: " Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth."

If the child wants to be baptized, why deny them? After all, no one ACCEPTS Jesus, we receive. Salvation is wholly a work of the holy spirit. Without the holy spirit we have no power to believe. At nine, I'm sure the OP's daughter has been exposed to the gospel. Who is to say the holy spirit hasn't worked in her? She doesn't need to say a sinner's prayer to be a child of God if she believes in her heart the truth of the message. There is no such thing as a sinner's prayer in the Bible anyway.

Dragnog said:

This is really dependent on the church that you are attending. I would suggest that you speak to your Pastor in regards to this. If she is going to get baptised I assume that your church has some type of course that relates to baptism.

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This sounds like good advice to me. She is obviously of an age where the issue logically can arise, so the pastor has to have an answer for you, JesusLover94.

First off, the only thing that washes away sin is the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Baptism does not wash away sin, and that is not in the Bible anywhere. Take your catho-tradition crap somewhere else please, this is a CHRISTIAN forum. We believe in the shed blood of Jesus Christ here to save us and wash away our sins, nothing more, nothing less.

Baptistm is an outward sign of obedience unto Christ after (AFTER) salvation has already taken place. God said to do it, so we do it, but it doesn't save us, because works do not save us. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 4:26, Galatians 3:11, Romans 3:27-28, Romans 3:20)