Question on the Holy Spirit

adb5577

Member
May 5, 2019
15
7
23
York
✟16,776.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
You don't need to do anything more than what you have already professed to have the Holy Spirit with you and guide you.

That being said. It would be very wise and helpful to find a church and attend as regularly as you can. It Also would be totally fine to get baptized again as a public declaration of your faith IF that sounds like something you'd be interested in, but that's totally up to you and in your timing. That is what I did, and I was baptized as an infant as well.
Thanks for the good info.
 
Upvote 0

fhansen

Oldbie
Sep 3, 2011
13,887
3,526
✟320,837.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.
The Catholic Church has always taught that if one is baptized with the Trinitarian formula, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, regardless of who or which denomination performed it, that there's never a reason to perform it again. The deed is done, the act accomplishes what Christ intended with it. From here you can begin to follow what that sacrament intended for you to begin with, a life and a walk with God. Seek Him. Study. Pray. As earnestly as you can. Be open to the truth wherever you find it. And let the Spirit lead you as He will.
 
Upvote 0

friend of

A private in Gods army
Supporter
Dec 28, 2016
5,556
3,914
provincial
✟753,613.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
I was baptized as an infant, strayed for a long time, then came back, like yourself. I felt a full submerging baptism and public declaration of faith to be necessary. If that's what's on your heart, I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Read John 14 and John 15 cuz they talk about how the Holy Spirit interacts with us. God bless
 
Upvote 0

ViaCrucis

Confessional Lutheran
Oct 2, 2011
37,342
26,786
Pacific Northwest
✟728,226.00
Country
United States
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
In Relationship
Politics
US-Others
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.

You'll get different answers, but from the historic Christian perspective is that your baptism absolutely counts. Once baptized always baptized. Jesus in the Gospels shares a couple stories about people who wandered off from God, but who then return; the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the Parable of the Good Shepherd specifically. Because in Baptism we receive the Holy Spirit and God's life through His Son--and there is nothing that can destroy or undo that; and so the Lord has never left you, and has always been there like the Good Shepherd who goes to search high and low for the one lost little lamb.

Absolutely do get connected/reconnected into a church; but no getting baptized again is completely unnecessary.

Welcome home, your family welcomes you, enjoy the Feast of God.

-CryptoLutheran
 
Upvote 0

MournfulWatcher

In the beginning was the Word.
Feb 15, 2016
392
444
United States
✟110,673.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Your baptism is valid and you don't need another one, even if it was as an infant. The holy spirit has been with you since, although you have wandered some, and you can tell because he has called you back.
You should definitely find a church so that you have a community of brothers and sisters and so you can receive communion. These things will help you become a stronger christian and improve your discernment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0

Jonathan Mathews

Well-Known Member
Dec 5, 2015
785
449
39
Indianapolis
✟33,461.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.

John (and men) baptize in water. Jesus Christ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire. (Matthew 3:11) Jesus' baptism is the One Baptism that saves (the Holy Spirit), not necessarily water baptism (Acts 19:2-6) Do you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is raised from the dead LITERALLY/PHYSICALLY/Bodily? (Romans 10:9) Have you confessed that with your mouth? Have you gone to the risen Christ Jesus, confessing your sin, and asking the Father for the Holy Spirit? If you do this, you will receive the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13) This is being Born Again. If you are Born of God, you have overcome the World by your Faith in the risen Jesus Christ. (1 John 5:4) Examine yourself to see if you have the Holy Spirit. Do you have the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and the Signs of a Believer (Mark 16:17-18)?
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0

Kenny'sID

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 28, 2016
18,185
7,001
69
USA
✟585,304.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I know you didn't ask for all that follows, but since you are trying to figure things out, I couldn't just throw you out there without some advice. :) so, just a few things off the top of my head:

I might get rebaptised, if for no other reason, it can't hurt and can only help. And yes, if you can find a church that teaches the truth, by all means go. Just know, some churches don't teach the truth, and it is very important that you figure out what that truth is now, because once we get into a church, regardless of their ways, we tend to latch on to it like family, believe whatever they teach, and no one will be able to tell you differently in some cases.

Make sure what they teach is biblical and not biblical according to someone else but biblical according to you. Read the bible for what it says in it's simplest form and if someone tries to twist it into something else don't just think they know more than you so they must be right, as that is so often not the case. I've seen many preachers that are way way off the track. Also the truth is not always the easy way, but that would be why some pretend it's the truth...they like an easier way whether it's biblical or not.

I'm worried for you already lol, but seriously, keep asking for the truth, and seeking it, and eventually you will find it, and be secure with it. If you don't feel completely secure with it, keep looking. I wish for you that it was not so complicated a thing as it is these days, but hopefully, you already have the basics right, and will do well from that.

Reading up here can be great for figuring things out, as well as confusing, even detrimental if we aren't careful. I would not obligate to any one thing before I looked at it all. If you are sincere, God will be with you, and it will be hard to go wrong with that kind of help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0

Joseph kuzara

New Member
May 6, 2019
2
3
38
Austin
✟7,738.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Celibate
Infant baptism is unscriptural, only those whom have come to granted and gifted (not of there own will), repentance and faith by God's choice and Mercy from eternity being appointed unto salvation in order to be called spiritually through the Gospel to believe. Are to be baptized by immersion in water as a sign of repentance of sin.(not as a sign of partaking in Jesus' death ,burial and resurrection) such is already signified through the One baptism into Christ administered by the Spirit at conversion before Christ baptizes us into the Spirit which can be before or after water baptism.

The reason you rebelled as far as you have is because you were not part of God's household yet even though water baptism is not a requirement of salvation but an authentication that you have already been saved by such repentance and faith mentioned above.

Here is the true essence of the Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is detailed as why Jesus died for our sins to then be buried and resurrected.

listen very carefully, DSA: Disciplinary Substitution Atonement is very biblical but the Penal suffering was never wrathful even though through what He suffered in life and death did please / propitiate Father and expiated/atoned our sins as our guilt and sin offering in full to nullify His wrath towards the many He chose to reconcile with through His Son being a peace offering. As why we are no longer under condemnation even if we atumble into sin.

Jesus was born incarnate under the Law with the fullness of God in bodily form in the likeness and not exactness of sinful flesh by becoming the elects scapegoat (lev 16) in order to be subject to the Law( 1 Timothy 1:9-11) to fulfill it Sinlessly on the elects behalf to become there mediator and advocate between them and Father.

Father always taught that those whom are His accepted children He delights in and loves, does He correctively discipline and scourge if they sin for there good so they may partake in His Holiness being made complete as He is holy and complete.

Jesus is that set example and reason why Father disciplines instead of punishes us, through His life and death and why through Faith in His Son(YHVH) as there Savior and Redeemer did Father pass over the sins of His chosen people whom is accredited/imputed Jesus Righteousness by Faith to not punish but chastise and scourge for the sake of what His Son will and has accomplished being Father's Justification( Rom 3:25)to not punish us with the rest of humanity.

Through the One Baptism in Christ at conversion by the Spirit(1 Co 12:13kjv), we partake in His suffering( 1 Peter 4:13) , death and burial(Colossians 2:12;Rom 6:4).As a ligit righteous Son He voluntarily underwent Chastisement and Scourging for the sins, transgressions and iniquities of the elect as Sinless,(isa 35:5 Musar#4148-10) did He suffer in order to learn obedience even obedience onto the Crux simplex(stauros,xylon)(Heb 5:8-9;Philipp 2:8) in order to be the pioneer of our salvation as our High Priest whom can sympathize with those of His Royal Priesthood. Becoming our ransom and redemption price by His voluntary shed blood to purchase us.

Jesus' suffering unto death was to learn obedience being in our likeness of sinful flesh under His Law which Father only chose to come by corrective discipline and scourging as wrathful punishment is not for one's good , done out of love nor in order to learn obedience.

Father can be satisfied by presenting Jesus as our living and sacrificial atonement to suffer correctivective discipline and Scourging unto death as a Sinless Son in our likeness instead of the elect suffering everlasting wrath, as an equivalent disciplinary substitution(the just for the unjust) in order to justify our atonement, reconciliation and be freed from God's wrath for those He chose to undergo what Jesus did while imputed His righteousness: Chastisement and Scourging to learn obedience and partake in God's Holiness.

But God's wrath will not be satisfied because those whom remain under wrath to die as wicked (of those not chosen to come to conscious repentance and faith)does God not take pleasure in, even though justice is administered(Ezekiel 18:23). What God is not willing to forgive can't lead to His appeasement/satisfaction as God will everlastingly pour out His fixedforge and thymos on those whom don't know Him nor obeyed the Gospel.

Ezekiel 18:23 is a counter to Jesus becoming the embodiment of wickedness on the pole to die under and satisfy wrath.

But also the cup of Father in which Jesus did undertake was not the cup of God's wrath nor was it implied nor described as such because His disciples were to "drink" of it as well.

Matthew 20:22-23 reveals to us what cup of suffering was intended with accordance to us partaking in Jesus suffering, picking up our own poles and following after Jesus. Whom is the set example by lifestyle of why Father Chastised and scourges those whom He loves and received as ligit righteous children through Faith in His Son. Jesus himself for the elects sins suffering corrective discipline as the ligit righteous son.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0

Joseph kuzara

New Member
May 6, 2019
2
3
38
Austin
✟7,738.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Celibate
Actually the One Baptism is in Christ at conversion by the Spirit and why we are said to be by one Spirit baptized into one body.1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV

That one body is Christ Himself of whom elsewhere it is stated we are baptised into His death and burial which has nothing to do with water or being baptized into the Spirit by Jesus.Holy Spirit baptism is a filling of the Spirit as a gauarantee to bear fruit continually, giving us power unto the ministry of reconciliation involving our great commission and of being resurrected.

The teachings of baptisms in Hebrews 6 involved
Christ's baptism by the Spirit
The Spirits baptism by Christ
And water Baptism for repentance of sin by believers.

Baptizing in fire by Christ are for those whom will remain under wrath.
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Peter J Barban

Well-Known Member
Mar 29, 2016
1,474
973
62
Taiwan
Visit site
✟97,647.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I grew up in a church and was baptized as a baby, but I grew up more as an agnostic. In college, I began studying the Bible with others and truly became born again. After several years of following Christ, I decided to get baptized as an adult.

I do not count my first baptism as valid because I was not given a choice and I did not show evidence of faith. I will let others decide for themselves.

If a child is baptized and leads a life of faith into adulthood, a second baptism is not needed. But if there is true conversion after baptism, then a second baptism is welcome.
 
Upvote 0

adb5577

Member
May 5, 2019
15
7
23
York
✟16,776.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I know you didn't ask for all that follows, but since you are trying to figure things out, I couldn't just throw you out there without some advice. :) so, just a few things off the top of my head:

I might get rebaptised, if for no other reason, it can't hurt and can only help. And yes, if you can find a church that teaches the truth, by all means go. Just know, some churches don't teach the truth, and it is very important that you figure out what that truth is now, because once we get into a church, regardless of their ways, we tend to latch on to it like family, believe whatever they teach, and no one will be able to tell you differently in some cases.

Make sure what they teach is biblical and not biblical according to someone else but biblical according to you. Read the bible for what it says in it's simplest form and if someone tries to twist it into something else don't just think they know more than you so they must be right, as that is so often not the case. I've seen many preachers that are way way off the track. Also the truth is not always the easy way, but that would be why some pretend it's the truth...they like an easier way whether it's biblical or not.

I'm worried for you already lol, but seriously, keep asking for the truth, and seeking it, and eventually you will find it, and be secure with it. If you don't feel completely secure with it, keep looking. I wish for you that it was not so complicated a thing as it is these days, but hopefully, you already have the basics right, and will do well from that.

Reading up here can be great for figuring things out, as well as confusing, even detrimental if we aren't careful. I would not obligate to any one thing before I looked at it all. If you are sincere, God will be with you, and it will be hard to go wrong with that kind of help.
Great insight. Thank you.
 
  • Friendly
Reactions: Kenny'sID
Upvote 0

Butch5

Newbie
Supporter
Apr 7, 2012
8,932
767
62
Homer Georgia
Visit site
✟308,497.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.

I would suggest you get baptized again. Baptism is the acknowledgment of the New Covenant. Jesus said, believe and be baptized. If you were baptized as an infant you had no say in the matter, therefore you just got wet. You'll find that many today kind of dismiss baptism as not really important. However, Jesus listed it among things that are required to be saved. He said, 'he who believes and is baptized shall be saved
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

samwise gamgee

Active Member
Supporter
Jan 25, 2019
127
62
83
Kansas
Visit site
✟55,190.00
Country
United States
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.
Why wait until you leave for college? You need fellowship with other Christians now and you might find the answers to the other questions you have asked.

If you are a believer you now have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. He has made you part of the body of Christ but in order to function as you should you need to be connected to the other parts of the body and the best way to do that is through a good, Bible believing church.
 
Upvote 0

Maria Billingsley

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Oct 7, 2018
9,578
7,775
63
Martinez
✟894,261.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.
As you may have noticed, different denominations have different opinions on the matter of water baptism. Some recognize two baptisms water and Holy Spirit. This can get confusing however it is the natural course when a person gives their life fully to Christ and walks in His Spirit.
I am not sure what denomination you have chosen to follow as this will highly influence what your walk will look like for the rest of your life. So chose wisely. For now, pray for guidance and the Holy Spirit will lead you to the truth. After all this is His number ONE function.
Blessings
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

PaulCyp1

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Mar 4, 2018
1,075
849
78
Massachusetts
✟239,255.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
A person cannot be re-baptized. Baptism is spiritual rebirth. A person is either born or not born, and likewise, a person is either baptized (reborn in the Spirit) or unbaptized. Going through the motions again will not have any further effect.
 
Upvote 0

StephenDiscipleofYHWH

Well-Known Member
Jul 11, 2018
1,483
378
28
Ransom county
✟69,666.00
Country
United States
Faith
Apostolic
Marital Status
Single
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.
Baptism only comes after believing in Christ, repenting of ones sins, Forgiving all those who have wronged you, and confessing that Christ is Lord. After this comes baptism in the one name given under heaven unto man by which man can be saved, not three titles(father, Son, Holy spirit) but one name(Yahshua the original Hebrew name), this is done by full submersion in water in to bury yourself in the water of Baptism in the Likeness of Christ's death. Since this is not what happened when you were an infant it was not actually a baptism but just a really short bath.

We must believe that God became flesh, John 1:1,14. We must believe that Yahshua the Christ lived a Sinless Life, 2 Corinthians 5:21. We must believe that Yahshua the Christ died on the cross for us and the sins of the world. Then raised himself from the grave on the third day, John 10:17-18. We must repent of all past sins, and ask the Lord God forgiveness for our past sins in the name of Yahshua the Christ Luke 24:47, 1 Timothy 2:5. We also must forgive all whom have sinned against us or we will not be forgiven, Matthew 6:14-15. We must all do exactly as Acts 2:38 says to do to receive forgiveness and remission for sins, Luke 24:47. This must be done in the(name) of Yahshua the Christ(only) as it was in every account of water Baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sin in the New testament. (One Name, Acts 4:10-12,Matt 28:18-20,Acts 10:48) (full submersion, Romans 6:3-11,John 3:2-7,Galatians 2:19-20,2 Colossians 2:10-15,19-23)
By doing these things we will receive forgiveness and remission for sins. NO other way is written in the word of God under grace, Galatians 1:6-9, Acts 4:12, 1 Peter 3:21.

I have several studies for each of these points, using scripture alone to prove all things. If you would like to read them I can send them to you.

May the Lord bless and Guide you to the truth of his word
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0

Kris Jordan

Acts 4:12
May 1, 2019
377
539
56
Southern California
Visit site
✟46,741.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter. I am about to graduate high school, and throughout my childhood and teenage years I have not exactly been religious. At times, I have even identified as athiest. My family does not practice the religion at home or attend church. However, things have changed. For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior. My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ? Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks.

P.S, I plan on attending church regularly once I leave for college in a few short months.

Hi ADB5577,


Thank you for your transparency and honesty about your situation. I want to address your question biblically concerning baptism, salvation and being led by the Holy Spirit, because I don’t want you to be misled or believe something that may not be gospel truth. So...


Regarding the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit only indwells a person who has been born again. Being born again means that person has (1) recognized they are a sinner before God, (2) understands their sin has separated them from God and has eternal consequences in hell, (3) turns away from their life of pursuing sin to follow Jesus, (4) believes Jesus died for their sin personally on the cross and paid their sin debt in full, and (5) places their faith solely in Jesus for what He did for them that they could never do for themselves.


When a person becomes born-again, God immediately saves and forgives them by crediting Jesus’ righteousness to their account, and He sends the Holy Spirit into their heart to take up residence there. Then it is the job of the Holy Spirit living inside each believer who:

1. Empowers them to be effective witnesses of Jesus to the world;


2. Enables them to stand firm in their faith and grow in their knowledge and understanding of God;


3. Helps them walk in obedience to Jesus and His Word;


4. Enables spiritual gifts to operate in their lives according to His will;


5. Produces and develops spiritual fruit within each heart;


6. Empowers them to live victoriously in Christ;


7. Leads/guides them in righteousness.


So if you have been born-again, you have the indwelling Holy Spirit living within you to help you and guide you. He is our Helper; He is the One who strengthens us; and He is our Comforter, Counselor and Teacher, along with the written Word of God (the Bible).


Regarding Water Baptism: Water baptism does not save us nor usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit into our lives. Instead, baptism is an intentional act of obedience on the Christian’s part that should take place after receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is an outward, visible sign (to the world, our friends, our family, etc.) which symbolizes the inward, invisible change that has already taken place in the life of a believer who has received the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the act of baptism serves as a public witness and testimony of a believer’s new life in Christ.


Please understand that there is no saving power in baptism, nor does the Holy Spirit get deposited into a person’s life through baptism. In addition, the act of baptism itself does not cleanse or redeem anyone from their sin, nor is it required for salvation to “take effect.” Salvation from one’s sin comes by grace alone and is imparted strictly through faith in Jesus Christ, not by external acts, works, behaviors, feats or actions of any kind, including baptism. Therefore, if someone desires to be baptized, yet has not been born-again, their baptism will be of no effect and will accomplish nothing of value.


When it comes to the methodology of baptism, the biblical model is submersion. When a believer is submerged under water, it signifies their death to sin and to the “old self” which had dominion over them before they were saved. When they rise up out of the water, it signifies that they have been raised up with Jesus into new life in Him, and that they will later take part in the resurrection of their body. It is important to remember, however, that even though submersion is the biblical model for baptism, the focus should be on what it signifies, rather than on the exact methodology of how it is performed. For those who are bedridden or unable to be submerged for any reason, alternate methods can be employed which accomplish the same goal.


So to answer your questions about these subjects:


1. Yes, you will be guided by the Holy Spirit if you have been born again.


2. No, you do not need to belong to a church or be re-baptized to “have” or “receive” the Holy Spirit. That only happens through being born again.


3. Yes, you should be rebaptized if you have trusted Jesus fully for your salvation because this is an outward testimony to others of your new faith in Christ, and we are instructed in the Word to believe and then be baptized.


4. Yes, you should be reading the Bible (preferably the New Testament, since you are a new believer) every day so the Holy Spirit can guide you into all truth according to what God Himself says.


5. Yes, you should become an active part of a solid, Bible believing church that teaches God’s Word soundly, accurately and thoroughly.



Hope this helps!
 
Upvote 0

Butch5

Newbie
Supporter
Apr 7, 2012
8,932
767
62
Homer Georgia
Visit site
✟308,497.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Hi ADB5577,


Thank you for your transparency and honesty about your situation. I want to address your question biblically concerning baptism, salvation and being led by the Holy Spirit, because I don’t want you to be misled or believe something that may not be gospel truth. So...


Regarding the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit only indwells a person who has been born again. Being born again means that person has (1) recognized they are a sinner before God, (2) understands their sin has separated them from God and has eternal consequences in hell, (3) turns away from their life of pursuing sin to follow Jesus, (4) believes Jesus died for their sin personally on the cross and paid their sin debt in full, and (5) places their faith solely in Jesus for what He did for them that they could never do for themselves.


When a person becomes born-again, God immediately saves and forgives them by crediting Jesus’ righteousness to their account, and He sends the Holy Spirit into their heart to take up residence there. Then it is the job of the Holy Spirit living inside each believer who:

1. Empowers them to be effective witnesses of Jesus to the world;


2. Enables them to stand firm in their faith and grow in their knowledge and understanding of God;


3. Helps them walk in obedience to Jesus and His Word;


4. Enables spiritual gifts to operate in their lives according to His will;


5. Produces and develops spiritual fruit within each heart;


6. Empowers them to live victoriously in Christ;


7. Leads/guides them in righteousness.


So if you have been born-again, you have the indwelling Holy Spirit living within you to help you and guide you. He is our Helper; He is the One who strengthens us; and He is our Comforter, Counselor and Teacher, along with the written Word of God (the Bible).


Regarding Water Baptism: Water baptism does not save us nor usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit into our lives. Instead, baptism is an intentional act of obedience on the Christian’s part that should take place after receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is an outward, visible sign (to the world, our friends, our family, etc.) which symbolizes the inward, invisible change that has already taken place in the life of a believer who has received the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the act of baptism serves as a public witness and testimony of a believer’s new life in Christ.


Please understand that there is no saving power in baptism, nor does the Holy Spirit get deposited into a person’s life through baptism. In addition, the act of baptism itself does not cleanse or redeem anyone from their sin, nor is it required for salvation to “take effect.” Salvation from one’s sin comes by grace alone and is imparted strictly through faith in Jesus Christ, not by external acts, works, behaviors, feats or actions of any kind, including baptism. Therefore, if someone desires to be baptized, yet has not been born-again, their baptism will be of no effect and will accomplish nothing of value.


When it comes to the methodology of baptism, the biblical model is submersion. When a believer is submerged under water, it signifies their death to sin and to the “old self” which had dominion over them before they were saved. When they rise up out of the water, it signifies that they have been raised up with Jesus into new life in Him, and that they will later take part in the resurrection of their body. It is important to remember, however, that even though submersion is the biblical model for baptism, the focus should be on what it signifies, rather than on the exact methodology of how it is performed. For those who are bedridden or unable to be submerged for any reason, alternate methods can be employed which accomplish the same goal.


So to answer your questions about these subjects:


1. Yes, you will be guided by the Holy Spirit if you have been born again.


2. No, you do not need to belong to a church or be re-baptized to “have” or “receive” the Holy Spirit. That only happens through being born again.


3. Yes, you should be rebaptized if you have trusted Jesus fully for your salvation because this is an outward testimony to others of your new faith in Christ, and we are instructed in the Word to believe and then be baptized.


4. Yes, you should be reading the Bible (preferably the New Testament, since you are a new believer) every day so the Holy Spirit can guide you into all truth according to what God Himself says.


5. Yes, you should become an active part of a solid, Bible believing church that teaches God’s Word soundly, accurately and thoroughly.



Hope this helps!

Hi Kris, welcome to the forum.

You might want to have a chat with the apostle Peter.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38 KJV)

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Pet. 3:18-22 KJV)

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess you're Baptist, correct? There is nothing in the Scriptures that says baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality.


Regarding point #5 in your final analysis, good luck.
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

aiki

Regular Member
Feb 16, 2007
10,874
4,348
Winnipeg
✟236,528.00
Country
Canada
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Hello. I am fairly new to Christianity and am trying to figure everything out piece by piece. I was baptized when I was an infant. I have no recollection of this event and had no say in the matter.

Kinda' pointless wasn't it? You'll find no instance in the New Testament of any infant being baptized, though there are several accounts of adults being baptized.

For the last few months I have started to really delve deep into the bible and trying to understand its messages. I fully believe in God and in Christ as the savior.

What do you mean by "fully believe"? Mere intellectual belief is not sufficient to bring you into relationship with God. Are you convinced Jesus was God, that he was the Way, the Truth, and the Life as he said, and that all other religions are false? Are you willing to live in daily surrender to God, yielding everything you are and have to His control?

My question is, if I was baptized without choice as an infant, have strayed from God for most of my life, and do not regularly attend church, will I still have and be guided by the holy spirit as long as I fully believe in Christ?

Your baptism did not serve the purpose for which it exists which is to signify a person's spiritual union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes the death a new convert dies to who they once were and their rising to new spiritual life in their Saviour, Jesus Christ. But this dying to an old, godless life and rising to one centered upon Christ is the result of understanding and positively responding to the Gospel which a baby cannot do.

Do I need to belong to a church or be re-baptized in order to have the holy spirit, or is full belief enough? Thanks

Belonging to some particular local church community has nothing to do with being born-again by God's Spirit. When a person is saved, they immediately become part of the Body of Believers, the Church (capital C), of which Christ is the Head. Belonging to this Church, though, is not something you do to be saved, but is what happens to you as a consequence of being saved.

I think a proper baptism is definitely in order provided that you have come to genuine faith in Christ and have yielded your life to him. But baptism does not save you, or cause the Holy Spirit to indwell you. Baptism is merely symbolic.

Here's the Gospel in a nutshell:

  • God is perfectly holy. (Deuteronomy 32:3-4; 1 John 1:5)

  • We are wicked sinners. (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23)

  • Our sin separates us from God. (Psalms 5:4; Isaiah 59:2; Psalms 1:5-6)

  • God offers to us reconciliation to Himself through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23; John 3:16-17; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-24; Isaiah 53)

  • If by faith we receive Christ as our Saviour, we will be saved from the just punishment of our sin and be reconciled to God. (Romans 8:9-10; 1 John 5:11-13; John 3:16)

  • Receiving Christ as one's Saviour involves a change of mind (repentance) and behaviour, a confessing of one's sins and a forsaking of them, and a turning to a life centered upon Christ. (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; 1 John 1:8-9; James 4:6-10)

May God lead you to Himself!
 
  • Like
Reactions: adb5577
Upvote 0