Self Baptism

[RaymondG]

Why a shower? Why not take the condensation from a bottle or glass of soda that you're enjoying on a hot day, dab a drop of it on your head and baptize yourself right there in the restaurant? If immersion and the amount of water doesn't matter, then just the moisture from a glass should be more than enough. Why don't churches just use wet-wipes to baptize?

I like the symbolism of the filth of sin being washed down the drain with the dirty from the outer body. Easier to wrap my head around than using wet wipes. But to each their own.

 

[Albion]

The use of water was about the only thing that was correct in that post about taking a shower and pretending it was a baptism.

 

[RaymondG]

The use of water was about the only thing that was correct in that post about taking a shower and pretending it was a baptism.

I find nothing wrong with any post that you make. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[FenderTL5]

No need for a baptismal course

Philip gave no such course to the eunuch

(truncated)
"..So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?”

..Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus."

This was prior to the baptism.

 

[Jack Isaacks]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

If you baptize yourself, that is a work. But Christians RECEIVE baptism at the hands of another person.

Christ is risen!

 

[miknik5]

Hardly anyone knows anything about what God teaches, since they don't try to study the bible real hard.
Being baptized your baptized into Christ's death, so your dead to sin, but that doesn't mean you no longer sin.
Here's something that could help you on your way, because like I said no one knows much.
Matthew chapter 4 verse 4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Romans chapter 1 verse 28
Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

John chapter 8 verse 31,32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, " If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2 John
9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Job chapter 23 verse 12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Matthew 11
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Luke chapter 21
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Romans chapter 10
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Mark chapter 13
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
James chapter 1
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
James chapter 4
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Isaiah chapter 45 verse 19
I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Jeremiah chapter 9
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah chapter 5 verse 1
5 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.

We can also refer to the sign of Jonah

 

[PKFox]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

I personally think baptism should be done with someone else present to baptize you. Being baptized is a symbol of the washing away of sins and devotion of life to Christ, and is a cause for celebration, so I think that it would be better to have someone else present to rejoice with, rather than doing it alone. I also think of it as a way for someone else to welcome you into the kingdom of God by baptizing you. If you do it alone, then there's no one physically there to welcome you in and to celebrate with you that you've entered the kingdom of God and made the single most important decision of your life: choosing to live for God.

Now, I support your desire to be baptized, and that you went along with it. This is just my thinking regarding baptism. Either way, I'm sure there was rejoicing in heaven when you accepted Christ, I just think it could be or could have been more beneficial to you if someone else were present to baptize you.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

(truncated)
"..So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?”

..Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus."

This was prior to the baptism.

Preaching the gospel is not the same as what modern church would call a "baptism course"

 

[Sketcher]

This is the problem - why are these man-made additions being forced upon people? Where is scriptural precedent or command of a "baptismal course" and studying up? Why does any denomination have the right to withhold baptism from someone who has repented? Where is the Biblical basis for that?

Acts 8:35-36 doesn't tell us exactly how much Phillip shared with him or exactly how long it took to reach the water. One can rightly assume that Phillip taught him everything he needed to know prior to baptism. With incoming converts today, you can't always be quite so sure, so those courses are intended to cover those bases, so to speak.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

Acts 8:35-36 doesn't tell us exactly how much Phillip shared with him or exactly how long it took to reach the water. One can rightly assume that Phillip taught him everything he needed to know prior to baptism. With incoming converts today, you can't always be quite so sure, so those courses are intended to cover those bases, so to speak.

one cannot scripturally converted until they are baptized, so I am not sure what you mean by "incoming converts" still needing baptism.

Romans 6:3-4
Colossians 2:11-12
Galatians 3:27
John 3:5
Mark 16:16

All make it abundantly clear...

 

[Sketcher]

one cannot scripturally converted until they are baptized, so I am not sure what you mean by "incoming converts" still needing baptism.

Romans 6:3-4
Colossians 2:11-12
Galatians 3:27
John 3:5
Mark 16:16

All make it abundantly clear...

I'm talking about people who hear, say they believe, and want to be baptized. In Acts 10:44-48, it is very clear that the conversion happened before they were baptized with water.

 

[dqhall]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

You might continue your studies of Christianity online. This can be done without baptism. You may call a pastor and explain your desire to be baptized and your lack of a car. Perhaps someone in that church might be able to give you a ride. Otherwise you may wait until you are in a position to be able to go to someone who can baptize you.

John the Baptist was in need of being baptized by Jesus. He continued to preach and baptize even while needing to be baptized:

Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”
15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. 16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

 

[ArmenianJohn]

Acts 8:35-36 doesn't tell us exactly how much Phillip shared with him or exactly how long it took to reach the water. One can rightly assume that Phillip taught him everything he needed to know prior to baptism. With incoming converts today, you can't always be quite so sure, so those courses are intended to cover those bases, so to speak.

I don't think we can "rightly assume" that - in fact, I think assumption can't be right when it comes to scripture. If the Bible isn't specific, we shouldn't assume. I think the fact that the story about Philip and the eunuch does not specify that any particular thing needs to be covered makes it clear that there is no set "course" or "instructions" for checking a person's validity or worthiness.

The clear points in the story are:
1. Philip helped the Eunuch understand what he was reading (from the book of Isaiah)
2. Philip asked in verse 37 if the eunuch believed with all his heart, and the Eunuch confessed to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (and even this verse is said to have been an addition and is not accepted as reliable, but I won't nit-pick this, I'll just accept it as True Scripture)
3. Philip baptized the Eunuch and the Eunuch went on his way, rejoicing

So the only thing Philip asked of the Eunuch is if he believed with all his heart, and the only thing the Eunuch is reported to have said is "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God".

Here, and in other parts of the Bible, there is no instruction given for a certain level of questioning, checking for "worthiness" of any sort, testing, instruction, etc. as a pre-requisite for someone to be baptized.

So this leaves us with scripture that emphasizes baptism but never provides any precedent for procedure (beyond perhaps asking if one is "saved") required before a baptism.

Liturgical/traditional churches (like mine) can and do fall back on Church Tradition as the teacher for pre-requisites for baptism, but Sola Scriptura churches like most protestant churches do not. Despite my Church's beleifs I as an individual tend to be more "Sola Scriptura" and that's why I disagree on my church's teaching from tradition on this (not entirely, but largely, anyway).

I don't understand why so many non-traditional and "sola scriptura" Christians (protestants) here are arguing for a baptism pre-requisite when there is no Biblical precedent whatsoever.

 

[Sketcher]

I don't think we can "rightly assume" that - in fact, I think assumption can't be right when it comes to scripture. If the Bible isn't specific, we shouldn't assume. I think the fact that the story about Philip and the eunuch does not specify that any particular thing needs to be covered makes it clear that there is no set "course" or "instructions" for checking a person's validity or worthiness.

My assumption is that Phillip was not derelict in teaching the Ethiopian the Gospel. Therefore, he would have taught him everything that one must know prior to baptism. Granted, it isn't much. When I was baptized in my current church, which is Sola Scriptura, it was just a quick meeting with the youth pastor where I had to answer a few questions so as to determine that my faith was in Christ. It probably didn't take more than 15 minutes.

 

[Monk Brendan]

I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it.

Okay. Forgive me if I get a bit on the legalistic side, but baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace given to you by the Church. It can only be administered by a Baptized Christian. So you can't baptize yourself.

Were you baptized as an infant? Several Churches do that, including Catholic and Orthodox Christian. If so, you then you don't have to worry about it, as you have already been baptized.

I don't know how old you are. Is there bus service in your town? Does it work on Sunday. If so, then take the bus to a solid Christian Church--Catholic, Orthodox Christian, or any of the mainline denominations, talk to the pastor, and tell them you want to be Baptized. Most will require some sort of Catechumenate (learning what it means to be a member of their church. Contact them by internet. Look around, learn.

But first thing, start reading the Gospels.

 

[Bluerose31]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

I think it is still a true baptism. I think it's beautiful. I have done something similar. You can be baptized again in a church when your ready.

 

[Mrs.Re]

Hello, I have been a Christian for about a year and I have been surrounding myself with scripture and have done everything I can to grow close with the Lord and to fully devote my life to serving Him. I am 18 and I don't have a car yet or any way to get to church on Sundays, even though I desperately wish I could. My family isn't part of the faith much at all and we don't talk about Jesus or God and we don't even say Grace before meals (I do but I am the only one). I have been wanting to be baptized but with no way of attending a church or anything similar, I researched self baptism. I baptized myself this morning after coming to the conclusion it would be a bit before I could find a church and attend it. I felt so alive after my baptism but I do wonder, is this a true baptism if I did this alone ? I prayed before and after and I do plan when I can find a church and attend to be baptized again but I wonder if my self baptism is a true baptism. I fully put my life to Christ so He may use me to do whatever purpose He wishes. God bless you all brothers and sisters in Christ and thank you for anyone who takes to time to talk to me.

 

[Mrs.Re]

I would 1st try to contact the Church of Your faith and ask if They'd be willing to give U a ride to church..
I don't understand why it's become difficult to get baptized ..In the Bible in the spot the man was Baptized..
It's not about what someone is doing it saying..Its what declaration U are making to The Savior..
Ure dying to self and resurrecting in Christ Jesus Our Lord...
Try to get someone if not Baptize Yourself in His Name..

 

[miknik5]

I don't think we can "rightly assume" that - in fact, I think assumption can't be right when it comes to scripture. If the Bible isn't specific, we shouldn't assume. I think the fact that the story about Philip and the eunuch does not specify that any particular thing needs to be covered makes it clear that there is no set "course" or "instructions" for checking a person's validity or worthiness.

The clear points in the story are:
1. Philip helped the Eunuch understand what he was reading (from the book of Isaiah)
2. Philip asked in verse 37 if the eunuch believed with all his heart, and the Eunuch confessed to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (and even this verse is said to have been an addition and is not accepted as reliable, but I won't nit-pick this, I'll just accept it as True Scripture)
3. Philip baptized the Eunuch and the Eunuch went on his way, rejoicing

So the only thing Philip asked of the Eunuch is if he believed with all his heart, and the only thing the Eunuch is reported to have said is "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God".

Here, and in other parts of the Bible, there is no instruction given for a certain level of questioning, checking for "worthiness" of any sort, testing, instruction, etc. as a pre-requisite for someone to be baptized.

So this leaves us with scripture that emphasizes baptism but never provides any precedent for procedure (beyond perhaps asking if one is "saved") required before a baptism.

Liturgical/traditional churches (like mine) can and do fall back on Church Tradition as the teacher for pre-requisites for baptism, but Sola Scriptura churches like most protestant churches do not. Despite my Church's beleifs I as an individual tend to be more "Sola Scriptura" and that's why I disagree on my church's teaching from tradition on this (not entirely, but largely, anyway).

I don't understand why so many non-traditional and "sola scriptura" Christians (protestants) here are arguing for a baptism pre-requisite when there is no Biblical precedent whatsoever.

I believe it is clear by the passages which the eunuch was trying to understand that Philip clearly preached CHRIST crucified for the salvation of those who would believe

And since it is also clear that the Ethiopian eunuch mentioned to Philip what should stop us from my being baptized now (given there was a body of water) that Philip must have mentioned baptism since until Philip expounded Isaiah the eunuch had not even heard of CHRIST yet

 

[miknik5]

Further, another thing... an angel of THE LORD purposely directed Philip (an already baptized believer in CHRIST) to go a certain way and THE SPIRIT directed Philip to where the eunuch was

(This is similar to Peter being led to Cornelius)

The prerequisite of both these baptisms was hearing and believing the GOSPEL