Question about adults getting baptized twice

[A_JAY]

My tradition [Baptist] viewed rebaptism unfavorably. We had a pastor who refused to rebaptise anybody. Going forward to rededicate one's life to Christ was the acceptable means to publicly declare your allegiance to Christ.

 

[SANTOSO]

I would like to read people’s replies to this question.

If an adult believer was baptized as an adult but strayed away from their faith-life for a few years do you think they should get baptized again or is there one time enough?

We should consider what is written:
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. -Mark 1:4

So we can consider baptism is of of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Selah

 

[Thera]

I would like to read people’s replies to this question.

If an adult believer was baptized as an adult but strayed away from their faith-life for a few years do you think they should get baptized again or is there one time enough?

In the Old Testament, there was circumcision. In the New Testament, baptism. Under what circumstances in the Old Testament would someone be circumcised twice? Only if it was done incorrectly the first time. I believe the same applies with baptism.

In Acts, we read about the disciples who only received John's baptism (they did not believe on Jesus for salvation). Paul baptises them in the name of Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit.

 

[BravoM]

I don't think there's a simple answer.
By definition and Jesus' own example in His baptism it is a public declaration of faith and acceptance of God into our lives.
Therefore, infant baptism makes no sense. They and children are not old enough nor mature minded enough to make a wise, important decision. You can't do it on someone in a coma nor force someone.
Logically, God handles infants and children differently than the rest of us. Children became adults younger than they are now. The Age of Reason is rarely talked about but it is common sense.
In your case, you did it and fell away like so many. "Technically" you were baptized but didn't take God into your life as you should.
I would be wary of where and who you have it done b/c most churches and leaders are doing wrong and are highly flawed. IMO, finding a good church you can stay at and develop a strong bond with other Christians is going to take time. I know there was a time when people attended a church for a long time and celebrated births and baptisms to the point where after many years so many in the church had long standing relationships.
IMO, it could be seen as a renewal of faith but we are not saved by works or baptism (Reminder).
If you've found a good church leader and your family supports it then the bond between this group is one that is likely to last than an ever-changing church group.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

I believe it is up to the person, what they would like to do. The fact is the cross covers all of our sins, for our whole lifetime. So returning is not a problem.

Heb 9:27-28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.

The way I like to see it is we were baptized into Christ, but He ramained "faithful and just" all through the time of wandering. So I would say, other than a recommitment, or heartfelt desire, there is no need to be rebaptized.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

[BobRyan]

In the Old Testament, there was circumcision. In the New Testament, baptism. Under what circumstances in the Old Testament would someone be circumcised twice? .

circumcision did not apply to females in the OT and was not applicable to gentiles nor did it require any sort of decision or commitment on the part of the infant.

By contrast - Rom 2 says the spiritual equivalent is the new birth - applies to all and reflects a decision on the part of the one who is born-again.

 

[SANTOSO]

I would like to read people’s replies to this question.

If an adult believer was baptized as an adult but strayed away from their faith-life for a few years do you think they should get baptized again or is there one time enough?

I consider one time enough.

But let us also consider what we have heard:

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10:1-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10:6-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So we should be baptized in the covering or the cloud and in the wisdom of Christ or the sea.

For we also heard :
“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let me ask you how every one of us be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins ?

This we heard:
“Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let every one of us be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. that we submerge ourselves in the goodness of God.

For He washed us thoroughly from our iniquities, that we may taste and see or perceive His goodness.

So have you been baptized in the Lord’s name ? If not yet, be baptized in His goodness, that you may perceive His wisdom.

For we heard:
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:7-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

To God the Father be all glory and thanksgiving through Christ.
Amen