Baptism or not

[PhotoMatt]

I would say that water baptisms being mentioned several times means something but to say it was done whenever possible is something I don't believe there is evidence to support. Certainly not in the bible. Having been raised in a denomination where water baptism is seen as essential I have done alot of research which started so I could prove to someone else that water baptism is essential. My current position has changed as a result. I am happy to change my view again if convinced. Although here is probably not the place for that discussion but rather via pm or starting another thread.

Hi, TheDag! How ya doing?

Well, as I said earlier in the thread, probably noone will convince anyone they are right. It's really not about that, anyway. Baptism is not essential to Salvation, but it is a beautiful tradition. Peter said, concerning the first Gentile converts, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." And so they were baptized...

Now, see, one of the biggest problems we face as human beings is extremism. I've dealt with this all my life. Legalism vs. liberalism, Tongues or no tongues, Gifts or no gifts... we tend to make things either black or white when there's alot of grey out there. It's not just a choice between "Baptism as essential to Salvation" and "Baptism as a useless ritual." Here, as with most extremes, the truth lies somewhere between the two counter-points. I like to think of it as, "Baptism: a beautiful picture of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection that I can be an active participant in." It's not a salvation issue. It's a time to reflect on what Christ has already done -- already given you, and participate in a tradition that is full of symbolism and wonder...

In His Service,
Matt