Question About My Baptism

[TaylorSexton]

Hello, all.

I have something that has been a recent concern. I made a profession of faith and was baptized as a preteen. Whether that profession was genuine or not, I will never know. Based upon my lifestyle up until around a year ago, I would have to say it was not. What I want to know is, now that I believe I have made a true profession of faith and see therefore the fruits of genuine repentance in my life, do I need to be baptized again?

Thank you all!

 

[abacabb3]

Hello, all.

I have something that has been a recent concern. I made a profession of faith and was baptized as a preteen. Whether that profession was genuine or not, I will never know. Based upon my lifestyle up until around a year ago, I would have to say it was not. What I want to know is, now that I believe I have made a true profession of faith and see therefore the fruits of genuine repentance in my life, do I need to be baptized again?

Thank you all!

I would get baptized. I don't view this as much different than being baptized as an infant.

 

[JM]

You Asked: Should I Get ‘Re-Baptized’? (Credobaptist Answer) | TGC | The Gospel Coalition

 

[hedrick]

You asked in a Reformed forum. Unfortunately the two answers above are from a non-Reformed person and a person who is generally Reformed but disagrees with the Reformed view of baptism. I don’t wish to sound inhospitable to them, but I want to make sure you’re not confused about what the Reformed answer is.

In the Reformed tradition baptism is not primarily a sign of our faith or our acceptance of Christ. It is a sign of God’s calling. He is placing his mark on us, and making us one of his people. My slogan version is that rather than our decision for Christ it’s a sign of Christ’s decision for us.

This does not mean that our lives always show Christ’s presence with us. Clearly they do not. Jesus’ parables are full of talk about forgiveness, for just that reason. In one of his best-known parables, a son effectively disowns his father and runs away to a foreign land. But note that when he comes back he is welcomed as a member of the family. He is not treated as a servant, as he expected, nor does have have to be re-adopted.

Reformed theology emphasizes that being a member of God’s people isn’t just something we do. It’s a result of God’s call, and God’s gracious action in our lives. Even when we fail, God is still at work in us. When we come to our senses, we don’t need to be rebaptized, because we never left the family. God continued to be at work in us, which is in fact the reason that we returned.

In Martin Luther’s worst days, when he doubted that he was still accepted by God, he took comfort in the fact that he was baptized. Even when he couldn’t have any confidence in himself, he could have confidence in God’s continuing favor.

 

[JM]

...Taylor is a Reformed Baptist.

 

[abacabb3]

In response to Hedrick, I would like to quote JM's link:

"In a nutshell, I'd say yes, you do need to be baptized—for the first time! That's because baptism is for believers, and you seem to be telling me that you were definitely not a Christian when you were "baptized" at 13."

The command in the Scripture is to "believe and be baptized," and the arguments in favor of infant baptism are extra-biblical in my honest opinion. So, as long as we reject paedobaptism, then believer's baptism is a must.

Now, to answer Hedrick's charge that I am not "reformed," though my website is ReformedCHristianTheology.com, having a website does not make one reformed after all. However, I reject that baptism is a saving work. Being baptized as Christ commanded is a matter of obedience. As is practicing the Lord's Supper. As is following head covering regulations. As is living by the SPirit in the way taught by God in the Scriptures.

Now, Christians fail to do many of these things all the time. It does not mean that they should, but even David committed adultery. Even Paul and Barnabas got into a fight. Some argue that there are saved Christians who have commit suicide, though I am unsure about this. The point is, we are not saved by a proper understanding of baptism, the Lord's Supper, head coverings, and a slew of Christian issues.

However, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians that those with the Holy Spirit can appraise things of the Spirit, and that we have the mind of Christ. Those with the SPirit will desire to live obediently to God and will seek the meaning of the Scriptures on baptism, the Lord's Supper, and etc. and by His grace correctly apply them.

The best I understand, Christ commanded us to baptize and be baptized. So, my understanding of the Scripture is that the obedient, GOd glorifying thing to do is to symbolically die with Christ and rise again in baptism, showing to all what the Holy Spirit has done to your heart already.

 

[JM]

The question was asked by Taylor who is, according to his sig, a 1689er.

 

[abacabb3]

The question was asked by Taylor who is, according to his sig, a 1689er.

You know, because I read Hedrick's accusation perhaps I got overtaken with narcissism and missed the obvious. Sorry!

 

[TaylorSexton]

Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it. I am well aware of the teachings of Baptism from both Scripture and my confession—a document I believe to be a good summary of Scripture. I have just been struggling with this issue and Scripture seems to be silent on this particular circumstance. What I thought was the answer from the start was precisely what was in the link graciously given by JM. However, I take the sacraments very seriously and I fear offending God. I did not want to risk getting baptized again if it was not the proper, biblical thing to do. But, in light of prayer and help from you all, I have decided to be baptized either this Sunday or next.

 

[abacabb3]

Thank you all for your help. I really appreciate it. I am well aware of the teachings of Baptism from both Scripture and my confession—a document I believe to be a good summary of Scripture. I have just been struggling with this issue and Scripture seems to be silent on this particular circumstance. What I thought was the answer from the start was precisely what was in the link graciously given by JM. However, I take the sacraments very seriously and I fear offending God. I did not want to risk getting baptized again if it was not the proper, biblical thing to do. But, in light of prayer and help from you all, I have decided to be baptized either this Sunday or next.

Good to hear, GOd bless you.