Not Sure

[TheLittleKing]

I am not sure if this message belongs in this forum, but I need help pretty quickly.
I am 14 years old, and am about to be confirmed (protestant). But I don't agree with baptism at birth. However, I do believe in God and Jesus, and basically everything else that protestants do. I need to know if there is another denomination where this is accepted, or if this is still acceptable as a protestant. Please help as soon as you can, by April 4th (my confirmation date) if possible. Thank you.

 

[RVincent]

There should be local churches in your area that do baptisms. They might make you take a class though.

But TheLittleKing, Who are you baptized to? A denomination, or Christ?

Any christian can baptize another Christian.

(1 Cor 1:13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

(1 Cor 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

(Gal 3:27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

[AngelAmidala]

Your question might be best answered in our Protestant/Reformed/Evangelical forum...so I'm moving this thread there.

Moving from Suggestions to PRE

 

[Lotar]

Why do you disagree with infant baptism? Didn't you cover the topic in your confirmation classes?

 

[JVAC]

I am not sure if this message belongs in this forum, but I need help pretty quickly.
I am 14 years old, and am about to be confirmed (protestant). But I don't agree with baptism at birth. However, I do believe in God and Jesus, and basically everything else that protestants do. I need to know if there is another denomination where this is accepted, or if this is still acceptable as a protestant. Please help as soon as you can, by April 4th (my confirmation date) if possible. Thank you.

Most P/R/E commend Infant Baptism. Infant Baptism is a noteworthy practice especially to one who believes in original guilt. I do ask that you take close consideration, if you have already been baptised, to look at why you were baptised when you were. Rebaptism isn't something that should be lauded!

I know how confusing it can be to be told so many different things about baptism, but it isn't something you just feel like doing. Baptism is a precious gift that is given, and one must fully understand this before he will reject his first baptism in exchange for a new one, for as the creed states "We acknowledge one baptism, for the forgivness of sins".

-James

 

[seebs]

My personal approach was to refuse confirmation, because I had reservations. My reservations were themselves confirmed when the pastor tried to convince me to go ahead and do confirmation anyway; I don't trust anyone who asks me to swear falsely. I did eventually find things worth following in Christianity, but I'm glad I took the time to look at things until I was satisfied with them.

 

[Knight]

I assume you are referring to infant baptism.

There are many denominations that do not practice this.
Baptists for example. I think most Pentecostals don't practice this either... But I'm not sure about that.

I attend a non-denom church where we do not practice infant baptisms. We do baby dedications which are similar but without the water. Baptisms, in our church, are for those who've placed faith in Christ.

 

[artybloke]

But if you've already been baptised anyway, why would you want to do it again? If you were born into a Baptist church, I can understand, but if you're already baptised, you're already baptised; you can't do it twice.

 

[Knight]

If you beleive that baptism should follow conversion to Christ and you can honestly say that you were not converted as an infant then I can see why you would want to be baptised as an adult.

 

[ByzantineDixie]

Please help as soon as you can, by April 4th (my confirmation date) if possible. Thank you.

Little King, you are in a very tough spot but I greatly admire you for seeking solutions instead of just going through the motions without questioning. You are wise beyond your years.

I too struggled for a long time with infant baptism until it was finally explained to me by my current pastor. Before you make any decisions about whether or not to go through Confirmation--let your parents and your pastor know your struggle. Ask them the tough questions that your have. Ask them here. Someone may just have that explanation that makes things crystal clear (just like my pastor did for me). Before you bail on Confirmation--know as much as you can so that you can make your best decision.

If you do decide to refrain from Confirmation, there are a few practical considerations. I imagine your parents have planned a big party for you and may have even invited relatives to attend your confirmation. None of this is really important but it will be something that has to be worked through. Then within the family your parents will suffer some embarrassment at your refusal to be confirmed, that too is not of primary concern, but it is something your parents will have to deal with--I am not saying to go through Confirmation for their sake at all...I am just saying to be a little sensitive to the implications of any refusal on your part. Your decision does impact those around you so be sure to reach out to them in love and understanding.

Your faith is the major concern to your parents. When they hear that you do not want to go through Confirmation--the first thing that may rush through their minds is that you do not believe. That would be devastating news...so you must communicate upfront that your faith is intact, you just have a concern about one element, that being infant Baptism.

One other thing...your parents may veto your decision to not take part in Confirmation. You know the drill "as long as you live under my roof...". It would be unfortunate if things came to that...but they may. If this happens you need to discuss further with your pastor. Remember that for Protestants confirmation is not a sacrament--its just a man-made head knowledge thing.

God be with you,

Rose

 

[lorilou]

Little King,

This is a tough decision for you! On one hand, the Bible teaches that kids must obey their parents, but on the other it says to "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." -Philippians 2:12

I applaud you for taking on a personal conviction at such a young age. It's great that you've obviously studied enough of the Bible to know that it doesn't support infant baptism. "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins..." -Acts 2:38
Repentance (turning from sin and asking God to forgive sins) proceeds baptism and infants/toddlers are not mentally aware of any sins and wouldn't physically be able to confess anything even if they had sinned! This isn't to say that younger kids who are more mature in the Lord can't sincerely confess their sins and seek baptism.

All you can do is pray and ask the Lord to reveal His plan for you. Continue to study the Word and let that be your final source of authority...not what somebody tells you to believe. If you feel you shouldn't go through with confirmation, talk to your parents (gently) and try to reason with them. A little embarassment now will be better than years of belonging to a church you disagree with.

God Bless!
Lori