A valid baptism....

[startrekfan1]

hello again

welcome to another one of my fears

I was baptized into the lord in february 2007

since then i have tried to remain faithful

but here is my problem

i was sat down, told the truth, allowed to confess, accepted jesus, got baptized, and tried to remain a faithful christian

but the problem is I Don't remember the process that well anymore

I don't remember what was going through my head or what was in my heart when I was baptized

because of this, I have been wondering if my baptism was valid in the eyes of God or if I need to repeat the process

I know the truth, I just don't remember what I was thinking of or feeling in my heart during the proccess

Any help is greatly appreciated

P.S. I know I keep asking the same kinds of questions, but it's important. My very soul is on the line!!!!

 

[The LORD's Minstrel]

Hello brother
How about this wonderful verse.

2 Corinthians 4:16 ->(NASB version) Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16->(King James version)For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Your on the right path,becuase in order to feel unfaithful,one has to want to be faithful.We are learning about all the old ways we had in us,and the Lord brings them to the surface,so we can learn about them and once we finish that class,theres another classroom waiting for us.
Whos to say how long each class can be in time length?

I hope this helps you.

 

[MrSnow]

If I were in your shoes going through what you're going through, I wouldn't pay any mind to whether or not my baptism was "valid".

The New Testament gives two "formulas" for baptizing: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"; "In the name of Jesus". Christ commanded the former, and the apostles are said in the book of Acts to have used the latter.

So if that's bogging you down (I don't know if it is), I wouldn't worry about it.

I don't seem to recall anything in the New Testament concerning baptisms being "valid" or not. People believed and repented. People got baptized. If you have repented and believed, and if you have followed Christ's command to be baptized, I'd say that your baptism is "good".

But if it really worries you, I'd say go ahead and get educated on all that the Scriptures say about baptism, and be baptized again with a full knowledge of what you're doing. I would say that you probably don't need to do that, but I'd also say that you're probably not going to incur the wrath of God for doing it again. It is my estimation that He is after your heart much more than a particular process of baptism.

Someone might say to you "It's wrong to get baptized again because Paul says in Ephesians that there is 'one baptism.'" True, Paul says that, but that is not what he means. He is telling the Ephesians that there is not a Lord for the Jews and a Lord for the Gentiles - there is One Lord. There is not a Spirit for the Jews and a Spirit for the Gentiles - there is One Spirit. There is not a baptism for the Jews and a baptism for the Gentiles - there is One Baptism.

So my advice is to do what you believe is right, with the above qualifications.

 

[The LORD's Minstrel]

I didnt want to start a new reply,can someone delete this reply,Thx.

 

[dies-l]

hello again

welcome to another one of my fears

I was baptized into the lord in february 2007

since then i have tried to remain faithful

but here is my problem

i was sat down, told the truth, allowed to confess, accepted jesus, got baptized, and tried to remain a faithful christian

but the problem is I Don't remember the process that well anymore

I don't remember what was going through my head or what was in my heart when I was baptized

because of this, I have been wondering if my baptism was valid in the eyes of God or if I need to repeat the process

I know the truth, I just don't remember what I was thinking of or feeling in my heart during the proccess

Any help is greatly appreciated

P.S. I know I keep asking the same kinds of questions, but it's important. My very soul is on the line!!!!

Baptism does not save you. A "bad" baptism does not condemn you. What is far more important than the earnestness of your baptism is the sincerity of your decision to follow Jesus. Biblically, baptism only happens once in a person's life. However, there is no reason, biblically or otherwise that you cannot or should not continually make a decision to turn your will and life over to the care of Jesus. In fact, I believe that this is a decision that we should make at every opportunity; it is by continually and sincerely making this decision that we allow Jesus to change us from within to make us more like Him, which is ultimately what salvation is all about.

If you feel that you have never had a sincere baptism, then there is nothing wrong with a redo. However, I would avoid the temptation to fret too much about whether your baptism was real. If your intent, however immature at the time, was to be baptized as a testimony to your reconciled relationship with God, then it is a legitimate baptism. Be mindful, however, at all times, that our salvation is not a result of baptism; our baptism is a result of our salvation.

 

[pro christo et liberte]

Seems pretty simple to me.

1st your soul is not on the line. Baptism does not save you, it is a public proclamation of your faith in Christ and your union with Him. It is a work and is is not required to be saved, but God instructs us to do it anyway.

2nd as stated above baptism is a way of publicly stating that you are a Christian. If you were saved when you got baptized then you fulfilled God's requirement of you to be baptized. No work on your part to get to Heaven. God's taken care of it all.

 

[chriscim]

I have to agree with everyone else, my brother - you're fine. I had a similar experience: In 1985, shortly after I became a Christian, I was worried that I didn't say the right things when I believed. I'd see televangelists give altar calls and they would all have people repeat something different. For me it was easier to feel this fear - I would "re-accept" Christ every time I felt insecure about any previous confessions of faith.

Let me assure you - what matters when we are baptized (or when we first believe) is our belief in Christ and our desire to be saved. No one knows everything they should know about Christ when they are baptized. I'd be willing to bet the majority of Christians can't remember what they were feeling or thinking at the time. I sure don't. It doesn't matter. You did it - that's what matters!

 

[Sketcher]

I think you're OK.

 

[Mrs Butterworth]

Salvation is a matter of the heart. God isn't going to condemn you for not jumping through all the hoops perfectly. He is more concerned about weather or not you know you are a sinner, and have confessed your sins to him and have made a deliberate and conscious choice to follow him.

I don't know you or your situation but, perhaps the reason why you don't remember much about your baptism is that you were nervous. A lot of people feel this way at baptism, even those who normally arn't very nervous in front of crowds. Perhaps you don't remember much because baptism was new to you. After all most of those who have been in church for a while have been baptized, they have also seen many baptisms, and perhaps have performed a few themselves, they know the procedure. I personally don't remember much from my baptism, partially because it was 27 years ago, but also because I was a converted (and mostly clueless) atheist who was nervous in front of crowds.

 

[iamjcs]

Baptism is mostly an outward portrayl of what has already happened inside.

This helps hold us accountable, it does NOT save us.

The man on the cross next to Jesus never was baptised yet he was told by Jesus "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43 NIV).

 

[Bro.T]

hello again

welcome to another one of my fears

I was baptized into the lord in february 2007

since then i have tried to remain faithful

but here is my problem

i was sat down, told the truth, allowed to confess, accepted jesus, got baptized, and tried to remain a faithful christian

but the problem is I Don't remember the process that well anymore

I don't remember what was going through my head or what was in my heart when I was baptized

because of this, I have been wondering if my baptism was valid in the eyes of God or if I need to repeat the process

I know the truth, I just don't remember what I was thinking of or feeling in my heart during the proccess

Any help is greatly appreciated

P.S. I know I keep asking the same kinds of questions, but it's important. My very soul is on the line!!!!

In order to be baptized, certain events must take place: You must give up a lifestyle where sin has dominion, (ruler ship) over you. Sin according to 1 John 3:4, is the transgression (breaking) of the law. You must be taught "The Word", before you can adhere to God's commandments (judgments\statues). These laws are found in the Holy Bible; beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. You must believe what the bible says and finally, you must confess that Jesus is Lord. Once this has been accomplished, you are qualified to be baptized.

"And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16).

Listen people! Baptism is a commandment or requirement for salvation.

Jesus also, said; "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26). The Lord has spoken! We are to baptize, and be baptized in the name of Jesus. There are no exceptions! "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? 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." (Acts1:36-38).

Keep this in mind that the Lord's sabbath day is on the seventh day of the week, not sunday the first day and if it wasn't for the law (ten commandment) we wouldn't know
about going to church in the first place.

 

[JerryChristian]

First of all, there is no harm in being baptized more than once. If you have doubts, be baptized again. But, it could be that your memory is failing just do to the intensity of the moment. And baptism is not made valid or invalid by whatever thoughts you had. And many do not believe it is essential to salvation for you to be baptized, however the Bible says that it fulfills righteousness. The thief on the cross was not baptized by Biblical record, but Jesus said to him, 'This day you shall be with me in paradise." But, if it eases your heart, by all means be baptized.

 

[DavidPresently]

There have been some great comments to your question, startrekfan1. I want to add a brief exposure of where fear and doubt come from, and how to overcome such.

God does not give us a spirit of fear, and he does not cause us to doubt. So, you do not have to be concerned that the Holy Spirit is causing you to doubt your salvation or baptism. Once the Holy Spirit drew you to Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and you responded with, "Yes," you became a valid believer/Christian.

The enemy (devil) does come around trying to sow doubt and fear in our minds. He wants you to doubt your salvation and baptism so you will not move forward confidently in Christ, overcoming and growing in spiritual maturity. He wants you to quit and give up, or remain in a perpetual cycle of doubt and redoing things you don't need to do over.

The carnal nature (flesh and natural mind) doubts the Word of God and things of the Spirit. The natural mind cannot perceive such things and does not believe. The enemy plays off of this with his temptations to doubt.

Put all of that doubt behind you and move forward. Get into Scripture and study and meditate on the Word. Pray throughout each day knowing God is with you and listening, desiring to help you along the way. Do the other spiritual exercises to grow closer to God such as praise and worship in song, thankfulness, and thinking on the greatness of God and his love for you and grace toward us. Be in fellowship with a small group of Christian peers who are growing in Christ and overcoming, that you may be strengthened together in your faith.

Whenever issues like this arise in your mind again, remember that such is not the work of God. He is not planting doubts in your mind. Your own natural mind and the tempter do such work, and you should ignore it. As it says in Scripture, resist the devil and he will flee.

Trust the Lord always in all situations!

 

[DavidPresently]

In response to those stating that Biblical baptism is a one time experience:

This is an example of traditional Christian thinking from a Greco/Roman Gentile perspective, that is not actually Biblical. The Hebrews in the time of Jesus and the original Apostles practiced regular water immersions as an act of repentance from sin and being cleansed before God. It was a ceremonial act of worship saying, "We repent and want to be clean for you, our Lord."

The truth is, there is only one INITIAL water baptism for the Gentile believer once having faith in Christ. However, should believers want to have ceremonial baptism whenever they have a major repentance from sin in their life, so be it. There is no harm in that. We see this in the ministry of John the Baptist who practiced the ancient Hebrew custom of ceremonial washing aka baptism.

The same is true for spiritual baptism. There is only one INITIAL baptism with the Holy Spirit. However, there is need for subsequent baptism or being filled with the Holy Spirit. See how in Acts 2 they were baptized with the Spirit but in Acts 4 they experienced a fresh baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit.

In regard to spiritual baptism, the fact is, we are leaky vessels right now. The anointing for yesterday to be a witness is not enough for today. That is gone and we need to be refilled with the Holy Spirit today.

In regard to water baptism which is scripturally called the baptism of repentance, we could use more public repentance with this ceremonial washing in the churches. But, no one need doubt that their first baptism wasn't a valid baptism. Such doubts are not of God or faith in God.

Sometimes tradition gets in the way of understanding. Water baptism is a good example of this among Christians.

 

[Bro.T]

And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost;" (Matthew 28:18-19).

These two verses have been mistakenly taught for generations. One mistake religious leaders make is baptizing people without teaching them about Jesus and His doctrine (teaching). Romans 10: verse 17, informs us that faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Therefore, how can you baptize someone in a belief (faith), when the person being baptized, has no knowledge about faith?

Contrary to popular beliefs, faith in Jesus is more than calling his name. It’s about knowing the name you are calling on. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans10:13-15).

Only a bible preacher can instruct out of the bible. Jesus warned us that many false prophets have gone out into the world; so, please, make sure that your preacher has been sent by God. You can tell the false prophets by their fruit (deeds); if they are not reading and living the entire bible then do not take heed (listen) to them.


In Matthew 28, verse 19, the Lord commands his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost.

This is where religious leaders make their second mistake concerning baptism.

They (religious leaders) will submerge (bring under water) the same person three times, to uphold the commandment to baptize in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Ghost. However, "Father", and "Son" are not names, but are a status to describe one's position in life; and the Holy Ghost is slang for the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said to be baptized "in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Ghost", so, let's find someone with a name that relates to all three. Jesus Christ said, "I am come in my father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43). This scripture informs us that both the father and the son's name is Jesus, because Jesus said that he came in his father's name. Jesus also, said; "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26). The Lord has spoken! We are to baptize, and be baptized in the name of Jesus.

 

[Bro.T]

Another error made by many pastors, is the baptizing of infants and children. The Bible does not support this; in fact the Bible only gives examples of men and women being baptized.

"But when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12): "And it came to pass, that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” And he said unto them, "unto what then were ye baptized?" And they said unto John's baptism. Then Paul said, “John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, Jesus Christ.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7).

Listen people, only adults are to be baptized, because once you go under the water in Jesus’ name, you are then under the blood of Jesus and the Lord is going to hold you responsible. Woe be unto anyone, who takes the Lord's name in vain! He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. How much of a sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of the grace? For we know him that hath said, "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense," saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:28-31).

 

[DavidPresently]

It is a misunderstanding that the first time someone is baptized needs to be after they have been fully taught doctrine from Scripture by a teacher. We have accounts in the book of Acts to prove this. It is valid for someone to hear the Gospel and believe and immediately be baptized in water. Again, the Apostles were the ones who were directly taught by Jesus and knew the way he intended things to be done, as well as having the Holy Spirit to set New Testament doctrine after Jesus ascended.

What Tanzel is mistaken is initially coming into Christ because the Good News is heard and the Holy Spirit draws a person to believe and be baptized, and the growing of the understanding of faith doctrine as one is discipled and matures in Christ.

The latter is absolutely what every new believer should become engaged in after believing and being baptized. However, one does not need to wait to believe they are saved or to be baptized until they've been thoroughly taught New Testament doctrines.

 

[doulos_tou_kuriou]

Your fretting is caused by a belief that you have must do something right to validate your baptism, but remember that baptism is an act of God. It is he who claims you and declares you his child. Paul tells us for example not to fiddle over who baptized us, because we were baptized into Christ who was crucified for us.
Remember also that there is only one baptism, so you should never consider it invalid or need to "rebaptize". God made his covavental promise with you once and for all! What you need to remember about baptism is God's promise to you, not how it was done, who did it, what words you said. For one things endures and that is God's Word. The grass whithers and the flowers fade but the word of the Lord endures forever!
It is God who enjoins himself to us. God who came down from Heaven and took on flesh for our sake. God the Spirit who grants us faith, and when we are weak or confused, intercedes in groans too deep for words. Trust that God has called you to him and holds you fast, and that you are a fellow heir in all the blessings of our Lord.

 

[Bro.T]

It is a misunderstanding that the first time someone is baptized needs to be after they have been fully taught doctrine from Scripture by a teacher. We have accounts in the book of Acts to prove this. It is valid for someone to hear the Gospel and believe and immediately be baptized in water. Again, the Apostles were the ones who were directly taught by Jesus and knew the way he intended things to be done, as well as having the Holy Spirit to set New Testament doctrine after Jesus ascended.

What Tanzel is mistaken is initially coming into Christ because the Good News is heard and the Holy Spirit draws a person to believe and be baptized, and the growing of the understanding of faith doctrine as one is discipled and matures in Christ.

The latter is absolutely what every new believer should become engaged in after believing and being baptized. However, one does not need to wait to believe they are saved or to be baptized until they've been thoroughly taught New Testament doctrines.

I understand what you are saying, but we also have to understand that theres a order of how thing are to be done in the word of God.

What Tanzel is mistaken is initially coming into Christ because the Good News is heard and the Holy Spirit draws a person to believe and be baptized, and the growing of the understanding of faith doctrine as one is discipled and matures in Christ.

The only way you get the Holy Ghost, if you repent and get baptize in the name of Jesus.
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." (Acts1:36-38).

To repent is to find out God's righteousness and to sudmit to it. One must change his or her way of believing...Paul said 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. We have understand that God's righteousness is the law (ten commandment) and we also have to understand that God will judge people according to the law. You must give up a lifestyle where sin has dominion, (ruler ship) over you. Sin according to 1 John 3:4, is the transgression (breaking) of the law. You must be taught "The Word", before you can adhere to God's commandments (judgments\statues).
Paul said in Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified

So we see that it takes more then just believing, we have to do something, we have to first clean ourselves up.
Jesus said in Matthew And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jesus said...(John 14:15) If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jesus is plainly and clearly stating that one is to keep his commandments if he loves him. If one truly loves the Lord then they will demonstrate that love by obeying the word of God. You can only serve the Lord one way and that=s according to his will and by following his commandments. Look at the following verses. (Matthew 15:8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.


This is what it takes to get the Comforter...the Holy Ghost..... Pauls said in Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.


Alway keep in mind that the Lord's sabbath day in on the seventh day of the week (saturday) according to the Bible!

 

[DavidPresently]

I understand what you are saying, but we also have to understand that theres a order of how thing are to be done in the word of God.




The only way you get the Holy Ghost, if you repent and get baptize in the name of Jesus.
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." (Acts1:36-38).

To repent is to find out God's righteousness and to sudmit to it. One must change his or her way of believing...Paul said 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. We have understand that God's righteousness is the law (ten commandment) and we also have to understand that God will judge people according to the law. You must give up a lifestyle where sin has dominion, (ruler ship) over you. Sin according to 1 John 3:4, is the transgression (breaking) of the law. You must be taught "The Word", before you can adhere to God's commandments (judgments\statues).
Paul said in Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified

So we see that it takes more then just believing, we have to do something, we have to first clean ourselves up.
Jesus said in Matthew And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Jesus said...(John 14:15) If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jesus is plainly and clearly stating that one is to keep his commandments if he loves him. If one truly loves the Lord then they will demonstrate that love by obeying the word of God. You can only serve the Lord one way and that=s according to his will and by following his commandments. Look at the following verses. (Matthew 15:8) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.


This is what it takes to get the Comforter...the Holy Ghost..... Pauls said in Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.


Alway keep in mind that the Lord's sabbath day in on the seventh day of the week (saturday) according to the Bible!

Yes, change must take place. But, it is a change done by the Holy Spirit on the inside of a man, and does not require that first a man must outwardly come into alignment with the letter of commandments. That is where I think you are missing it.

Also, everything to God is about relationships, from Genesis to Revelations, and all of the letter of commandments. When we see it as things we must outwardly (fleshly) observe to be right with God, we have stumbled over the stumbling stone that is the Law. All of the Law points us to Christ, as Paul taught. All of the Scripture points us to a right relationship with God and other people through being made a NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST.

That is what it is ALL about. It is not about judging whether someone keeps the letter of commandments or understands them like we think they should (as even our interpretations can be faulty, and no one agrees fully on how to outwardly obey the letter of commandments - there are as many opinions as people).

What is important is that someone be born of the Holy Spirit before their initial baptism, or it was a pointless outward ritual. If the Holy Spirit tugged on the original OP's heart to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, and he was relieved of the old sinful burden on his heart, and spiritually made a new creation in Christ, his baptism was good. He did not need to have any great in-depth understanding of the letter of commandments.

Furthermore, Romans 1 is a good text to show that the conscience of man has the essential portion (morality) of the Law of God. Men do not need to be theologically educated before they can do things like turn to Christ and be baptized.

Again, we have numerous examples in the book of Acts that people were immediately baptized in water after believing. They were not sent through classes to learn the letter of the law first.