Baptized Twice?

[Nessie]

I grew up in and out of the Apostolic/UPC church, and at the age of nine I was baptized (in an alligator pit in FLorida. I was told that if I was of God, I would not get hurt, and if I wasn't of God, well, then, bummer. Needless to say, no alligators appeared that day).

I moved out of my father's house when I was 11. It was fine, because he was hypocritical, hence the in-and-out church going experience. I left Christianity for two yeas, and have since been "sorta Christian" I haven't been to church since I was ten, and want to go back but I live on a mountain so I have to wait until I have a car before I can go back.

But what I'm wondering is, can I be baptized again? I have done so much bad since I was nine, and from what I know, being baptized washes away your sins. And God knows I have billions of them I need to rid of. It is all right to rebaptize?

 

[honeybee2]

I grew up in and out of the Apostolic/UPC church, and at the age of nine I was baptized (in an alligator pit in FLorida. I was told that if I was of God, I would not get hurt, and if I wasn't of God, well, then, bummer. Needless to say, no alligators appeared that day).

I moved out of my father's house when I was 11. It was fine, because he was hypocritical, hence the in-and-out church going experience. I left Christianity for two yeas, and have since been "sorta Christian" I haven't been to church since I was ten, and want to go back but I live on a mountain so I have to wait until I have a car before I can go back.

But what I'm wondering is, can I be baptized again? I have done so much bad since I was nine, and from what I know, being baptized washes away your sins. And God knows I have billions of them I need to rid of. It is all right to rebaptize?

Well, i would say it would be fine. Sounds like when you were 9 you didn't have a lot of say in the matter. And even if it was your choice, there's sometimes more meaning in it when you have reached an age when you are more accountable for yourself.
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, and the Father by him."

 

[rainbowprism]

If you are actively recommiting your life and you feel it upon your heart to do so, then why not? I know some baptists that have gotten rebaptized whenever they moved and found a new homechurch. I feel if you are doing this as a public proclamation of your old life dying and a refoucs on God I don't see any harm in it. Anyways, your age when you were orginally baptized is right on the borderline from when I think a child has enough maturity to understand the concept of what a baptism is...did you do it becuase you wanted to at the time or because of your parents?

 

[Tara]

I think if you are rebaptized you will be greatly blessed. If that is what is in your heart go do it.

 

[Sharky]

that's fine. I don't see anythign wrong.

Just about your strength in faith. I'm worried for you; it's not uncommon to be 'sorta christian' when there's alot of hypocritical people around you. But please keep in mind that is no excuse for lacking faith.

When you die and see God, you give Him "All those hypocrites made me like this". God will motion you away. It's not what others are it is what you are. Others only affect you if you let them.

The enemy wants you to think like that so that you yourself lose faith. Don't lose faith because of discouragement around you. stand strong.

 

[HoT-MetaL]

Nothing wrong with it at all...

Baptism is a public confession of your sins.

God Bless, metal.

 

[KleinerApfel]

I grew up in and out of the Apostolic/UPC church, and at the age of nine I was baptized (in an alligator pit in FLorida. I was told that if I was of God, I would not get hurt, and if I wasn't of God, well, then, bummer. Needless to say, no alligators appeared that day).

I moved out of my father's house when I was 11. It was fine, because he was hypocritical, hence the in-and-out church going experience. I left Christianity for two yeas, and have since been "sorta Christian" I haven't been to church since I was ten, and want to go back but I live on a mountain so I have to wait until I have a car before I can go back.

But what I'm wondering is, can I be baptized again? I have done so much bad since I was nine, and from what I know, being baptized washes away your sins. And God knows I have billions of them I need to rid of. It is all right to rebaptize?

Nessie,

welcome back to the Church You have recognised your need for forgiveness. Your Father will give what you ask:

Luke 11:

9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[6] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"


As for the baptism, I agree with others who say it would probably be good to be re-baptised, this time as a believing, consenting adult.

However, your forgiveness doesn't depend upon this, but upon repentance.

Jesus alone washes away your sins.

Baptism is a way of showing outwardly, to ourselves and everyone else, of what the Lord has done invisibly inside us.

1 John 1:

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.


S be assured your heavenly Father forgives you completely and immediately when you come to Him asking for that.

One more thing - don't go back to that scary church where they frighten small children and endanger their lives placing them in waters ifested with toothy creatures! Find a place that will accept and teach you with love and encouragement!

Get that car fast, or find a lift!

God bless, Susana