What about Baptism?

[KeysforChrist]

I was baptised as an infant, and have been a member of various churches since I was 12 years old. Today I find myself at a crossroads. I have been attending a "Community Church" for about six months now. I blindly joined the worship team before asking the core theological questions about the church. This is basically a baptist church with a non-denominational name. In other words, they want me to be baptised by immersion before I can become a member of their church. And they really stress membership at this church to the point to where I feel like an outsider to some extent. The sad part is, I enjoy the fellowship, and have built up the worship team from just 3 people struggling to play a song on Sundays to a team of 10 and growing that is self-confident and into the spirit of worship.

The question becomes, do I stand my ground and leave the church because I disagree with their requirement of baptism by immersion, or do I just get over it and be baptised and stay with the church. I don't feel compelled to get baptised by immersion just because this church requires it. I don't think I should be forced to do this. I feel that my infant baptism is more then adequate for my faith, and that my born-again experience of 6 years ago more then gets me entrance into heaven. I may very well be baptised by immersion one day, but not at the "point of a bayonet".

Anyone have a similar experience in their life? Anyone have a theological answer that makes sense for this issue? Biblically I have discovered countless arguments on both sides of the fence, and I am confident in my faith the way it is, without having an adult baptism. After all, the Apostles Creed says, "One Baptism for the remission of sins." Says nothing about one as a baby, and then one later in life of your own free will.

All opinions here would be welcomed.

 

[reeann]

The infant baptism is usually done by those of the Catholic faith for the removal of "original sin". I make no judgment about the necessity of that. I think all babies, should they be take away, go to heaven.

Baptism does not save you but Baptism is an obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself showed us the example of obedience by having John baptise Him. It should be done with a cheerful heart, full of love for our Savior, and with the heart of the obedient servant. I do think its important and commanded; not for salvation but like the ceremony of marriage, its a committment to the world that you love Jesus.

Prayerfully consider these words. This is a concious choice on YOUR part, not a gun to the head. Do you love Jesus enough to be obedient? Do you feel Jesus is calling you to this church to serve?

Romans
6:3
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
6:4
Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life.

Galations:&nbsp; <B>3:27</B>
<DL compact>
<DD>For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. </DD></DL>


I do not understand you having to be baptised in order to join the Church though. Someone help me here, won't Pastor's baptise people even if they don't join a church. This is an area I do not know about. These seem to be two different issues to me.

 

[Blessed-one]

will they let you stay at the church if you didn't join as a member (thus baptism)? if that wasn't the case, then just leave it, there's no point in get baptised feeling you're forced to do so...

but all the same, pray and seek God's will in this matter, maybe He's trying to tell you something, though you'll probably need to spend some time with Him and with your heart to find out.

 

[Fresh_ers]

This was not deleted because of disagreement. My reason is posted under the "Feeling Hopeless" thread under Struggles, Depression, Recovery category.

 

[reeann]

1st April 2003 at 11:04 AM Fresh_ers said this in Post #4


Besides, the Baptism that is important is not the water baptism, but the Baptism with the Holy Spirit and with Fire. This Baptism is from Jesus, and is the one that Saves us.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matt. 3:11)

I disagree just slightly here, in that I believe we are commanded to be baptised in obedience to God's word; not for salvation, but to show an outward committment of our inward change.