should I be re-baptised?

[ChildofGod2004]

If you havn't been Baptized in Jesus name>>>>You need to be baptized again.

 

[Kelly]

Christ said that unless you are baptised by water and the spirit you can not enter the kingdom of GOD, so it is effiecient means of grace!

What about the thief on the cross, what about someone who is introduced to Jesus on their death bed in the emergency room? I agree, the baptism is an important ritual, but for what it does to your heart.

Just like circumcision for the Jew. Before Jesus, an uncircumsized man could not have a relationship with God, but through Jesus Christ we are to circumsize our heart.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

You are misunderstanding scripture. The kingdom of God being referred to is the church. Jesus came to bring about a kingdom, which is why the Jews wanted a rich and powerful king. However, they did not know Jesus meant a spiritual kingdom, the church. This does not mean heaven, it means, the church.

 

[RJHarmony84]

so, what are you saying--that I have to be baptised with water again, or that water doesn't matter & that I just have to have accepted God into my heart?

 

[TheMainException]

If you feel like it meant nothing to you before, I think you should, because it is something that deals with your heart, and if your heart wasn't there, it wasn't worth it. yes, go for it again.

 

[Bain_Adaneth]

RjHarmony84,

Sweetheart, the reason why you are getting baptised shouldn't be because you want it to be good, feel the Holy Spirit, etc....but it shows that you publicly say that you accept Christ as your savior.....I wanted mines to be a felt-the-Holy-Spirit in me kind of experience, but it didn't happen that way.....but still, I don't "think" there's anything wrong with it, as long as your purpose was for God....

 

[RJHarmony84]

Bain_Adaneth,
I have no problem with telling everyone on earth that I'm a Christian. But given the fact that everyone experiences life as one being, I was kind of hoping that my connection with God could be as close to that as possible too.
Actually, I didn't so much have a problem with the baptism as the people who did it and why they did it, and also how they did it. If only I could have been baptised right away, like the Ethiopian, here in Acts 8.
" 34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. "

Just like that. But instead, when I went to my elders with this new, raw feeling of hope and love in my heart, they told me they would baptise me...but I had to join the church too, and I had to take preparation classes every week for 6 months, or until they thought I was ready. And I had to invite everyone in the church, some of whom I only knew to look at. I defiantely didn't want them around while I was opening myself to God...I didn't trust them and having them there would make me more afraid of what they'd think, and less aware of what I was doing. As it turned out, the teacher they appointed to me only wanted to talk to me about how she was doing, what she thought would help me, and how she'd had these awful things happen to her when she was a child. None of which helped me grow in the spirit! But I already told you what happened.
I was baptised in water only that day--no spirit at all. I was baptised in spirit more than 6 months eariler. By the time I was babptised in water, I was well into the "ups & downs" of my new faith. I'm just wondering if that's as it should be--or was I supposed to feel God present when I was baptised? I knew he was there in my heart...but that was all! And the wet hands of my selfish teacher didn't help me any!

 

[stray bullet]

RJHarmony84, I can relate, there is a part of me that wants to get baptized again as sort of a epoch in my life. However, I understand that there is only one baptism, when done validly and that is it necessary for salvation and brings the holy spirit within you-

"Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5

"Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," - 1 Peter 3:21

"Peter {said} to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:38

"'Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'" - Acts 22:16

"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:12

Also check Rule 6 which includes the Nicene Creed, the standard definition of what it means to be a Christian since Christianity really took off in the 4th Century and needed to be defined. This includes the line, "We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)"


There are people who spend their whole lives looking for spiritual experiences, something extra to help them in their faith. There are also those that accept that these gifts come in different frequencies and ways.

I want to be rebaptized. I want to draw a line between the past and the future. I want a spiritual experience. Some people have crummy weddings, crummy wedding nights or crummy children, this doesn't mean you should completely give up and try over again. As Acts 2:38 says, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit now, rejoice in the fact you have it, don't dwell in the way in which you received it.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

[AOL]What Stray Bullet said[/AOL]

 

[findingneo]

Hi there Harmony,

Hope that your day is a good one. It is difficult at times to find the way forward when there are many emotions tied to the issue (and many opinions). Many of the people that I know or have heard of got 're-baptised' because they were baptised as infants and wanted to make the choice for themselves. Others I know who had the same issue simply accepted their infant baptism. In your case it sounds as though you have more of an issue with the people that did it. My personal choice would be to accept the one you had, another one cannot bring you closer to God, He is already as close as He can be through the death of His son which was done because of the great love that He has for us. Talk to Him. I will pray for you.

In Him,
neo

 

[RJHarmony84]

Thanks Neo...
I hadn't looked at it that way before...like I'm married to Christ, and you can't divorce God, no matter how hard the relationship gets. Plus you can always count on your being the reason it's hard in the first place!

Thanks all of you for your good advice and support
Helena

 

[Monica02]

I was baptised in the church that I used to go to, and it really meant nothing to me...When I asked my church elders if I could be baptised, I thought it would be that week, or maybe the next week...I was really serious in wanting to, and i'd been thinking about it for weeks before, but they insisted that I take a 6-month long therepy mentorship with an elder to prepare me. By the time it was over, I was so sick of the whole thing that the only reason I did it was to get them off my back. It really hurt, and I left the church partly because i couldn't get over the feeling of being cheated. Now I just feel sad, 'cause I hear people talk about how wonderful their baptisms were and mine was a total flop. I heard that you can be baptised more than once, and that lots of people do that...Should I be re-baptised?

If the first baptism was trinitarian then it is valid. You should not be baptised twice. You might want to consider the Catholic Church as they will confirm you and offer you your first Holy Communion. There are seven sacraments in the Church, you will never feel cheated. Sacraments untill the day you die. Just like the Energizer Bunny - they just keep going and going....

 

[Monica02]

I almost forgot. You can celebrate your baptism every time you enter a church as fonts of Holy Water are available at all entrances. Just dip your fingers in and cross yourself "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. At Easter Vigil the Priest will also bless everyone with holy water and you can watch all the adult converts get baptised and/or confirmed. The litany of the saints is sung so you know that multitudes are praying for you. You entire Christian life is spent celebrating and sharing your baptism.

 

[Monica02]

What about the thief on the cross, what about someone who is introduced to Jesus on their death bed in the emergency room? I agree, the baptism is an important ritual, but for what it does to your heart.

Just like circumcision for the Jew. Before Jesus, an uncircumsized man could not have a relationship with God, but through Jesus Christ we are to circumsize our heart.

Baptism by blood or baptism by desire is valid if the Sacrament is unavailable.

 

[DawnTillery]

Did you see Jesus or John the baptist standing out on the lake saying sign up for classes before I can baptise you? I just dont understand why some churches do that? Maybe so you can be sure of Jesus? I think we all know whats in our hearts.
If what I said offends anyone, I am sorry but I dont get it..
But before u considering being baptised again, I would talk to your new minister and explain the situation to him. Some say no don't, but its SUPPOSED to be something you do willing and accept. Noone should ever force it.

 

[tbosegarden]

If you want to be re-baptised then go for it. I also feel that if your reasons for wanting to be re-baptised are not pure and are not of the Holy Spirit then you will be in the same boat as now. You do not need to be re-baptised in order to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to come alive in you again. Prayer is so important.
Jenni

 

[stray bullet]

Did you see Jesus or John the baptist standing out on the lake saying sign up for classes before I can baptise you? I just dont understand why some churches do that? Maybe so you can be sure of Jesus? I think we all know whats in our hearts.
If what I said offends anyone, I am sorry but I dont get it..
But before u considering being baptised again, I would talk to your new minister and explain the situation to him.

Do you believe they would baptize someone that had no idea what it meant and what was going on? Should someone get married completely clueless about what they were getting into, or would it be better for them to understand it?

If a person it at risk of dying, I'm pretty sure any church would be willing to baptize them before being confirmed into the Church or denomination.

The reason one is not baptized immediately is to allow them to understand what they are getting into and fully appreciate the gift they were receiving.

Some say no don't, but its SUPPOSED to be something you do willing and accept. Noone should ever force it.

I disagree, as that seems to imply it is wrong for parents to baptize their children. Yet, Jesus was circumcised as a baby, like all the other jewish children.

 

[Sheena_Va]

Dedication is used by parents and church to promise that the infant will be brought up in Christian beliefs, in a Christian home and with Christian support until such time as he/she can affirm that he/she has accepted Jesus. The words are basically the same as baptism, but allows for individual decision. This is used by Church of God, Assembly of God and many others. Baptist, I think.

I was raised Southern Baptist, and was dedicated to Christ as an infant and baptised by submersion around 9. Although I'm sure I truly loved the Lord then, I question my solid salvation at that age. I belong to a non-denominational church now and have "known" I was saved for several years, so I plan on getting baptised again, just to reaffirm for myself and to show my rededication. I'm sure it's just a formality now in the Lord's eyes, lol.
I think a 2nd baptism should depend on what YOU feel in your heart....not what members of the church want you to feel. If you feel you were saved at the time of the 1st baptism......even if you held resentment towards the elders, then I don't believe it is something you MUST do to please the Lord. If you have doubts on your salvation or purpose in the ceremony, than I think you should do as I plan on doing.
Also....ask HIM!!

 

[RJHarmony84]

Do you believe they would baptize someone that had no idea what it meant and what was going on? Should someone get married completely clueless about what they were getting into, or would it be better for them to understand it?

If a person it at risk of dying, I'm pretty sure any church would be willing to baptize them before being confirmed into the Church or denomination.

The reason one is not baptized immediately is to allow them to understand what they are getting into and fully appreciate the gift they were receiving.



I disagree, as that seems to imply it is wrong for parents to baptize their children. Yet, Jesus was circumcised as a baby, like all the other jewish children.

But...the Elders asked me beforehand how long I had been thinking about it, and if I knew what it meant and all...I thought they were asking to make sure I knew what I was doing, so I could be baptised right away, but apparantly I didn't know what they wanted me to. I was already baptised in the spirit and had accepted Jesus at the time, and I'd already been wanting to be baptised for 3 months before I asked them! Plus I'd attended 2 of my friend's baptisms too so I even knew what the vows & things were!
I love God...but Christians never seem worth it to me...I'd rather hang out with non-christians just because many of them are more christian acting than the "church-going Christians" are! Maybe that's why I never even go to church anymore... I like being alone with God where I can think clearly and hear Him clearly too.

 

[Bain_Adaneth]

RJ Harmony84,

Who baptised you anyway? And can you explain why people had to take those classes???Remember, I didn't feel the Holy Spirit's present either when I got baptised,but should of, because I got baptised with over one hundred people who have decided to follow Jesus...but maybe later I'll get baptised again...I dunno...maybe not....