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Baptism - Page 6

Pockettape, I appreciate your input, but I'm wanting for some more scriptural references that support your belief. If a person goes on what one scripture says then the christian sects would number as the stars in the heavens or sand on a beach. For me if I find a scripture that says something I will search the scriptures that support the first, remember in Matthew 18:16 says, "...In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."

I'm not saying this to start an argument, but to prove your point please find one or two more scriptures that support your belief.

Your friend,
Kevin

Baptism

This has truly been an interesting thread to read. I'm so impressed with the conviction that everyone seems to have on this topic. This topic made me pull out my Bible and look up the scripture that has previously been quoted. I found a couple of verses that I hadn't seen mentioned (If I'm wrong on this, please correct me).

Luke 3:21-22
"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

In my opinion, one of the ways I try to be a better Christian is to be more Christ-like and to please God. The act of baptism pleased God, so therefore I should also do the same.

When I was saved at the age of 12, it was on a weekday during a Church revival. I brought Jesus in to my heart and believed that he died on the cross as a sacrifice to save me from eternal damnation. To show this change in my life, I was baptized just has Jesus had done, but not until a few days later.

Would I have gone to Hell had I been hit by a bus and killed between the time of my declaration of faith and the act of baptism? In my opinion (strictly my opinion), no. My intent for baptism and to follow in Jesus' footsteps were there. Since I wasn't hit by that bus, I was baptized. By performing that act, it was pleasing to God. For that reason, I felt it was important if not mandatory to be baptized.

Edited: cwahsheh on 8th Apr, 2006 - 4:48pm

Baptism Revealed Bible The

Thank you cwahsheh, I was beginning to think that I was one of the only Baptists on this forum who actually believes in the importance of full immersion Baptism, until I read your post!
At last another Baptist who actually sees the importance of Baptism.

I have found it interesting to see other people's opinions, often of the same religion, but all saying different things.

I decided today to check out my Baptist's church policy on Baptism, it is as follows-

Quote--
Baptisms--"Following on from a prepatory baptism and membership course, we regularly hold special baptismal services, usually in the evenings.In line with normal Baptist practice throughout the world, we give the opportunity for those who have made a profession of faith in Christ to testify in public to this, so deepening their experience of god, and committing themselves to following Him through an act of Baptism by total immersion"

This is done in line with "normal Baptist practice throughout the world"

This is why I was surprised to read of other Baptists seeing it as "only the icing on the cake"

and also stating that Baptist don't need to be Baptized!

As far as I am aware, Baptist churches belong to the same belief systems, I know that I personally checked out Baptist churches before I attended one, as the title suggests "Baptist" you would certainly hope that they all do believe in Baptism!

Page 6 Baptism

Cwahsheh and DianeC, thanks for your input on the issue. Just a couple of more questions, do baptists believe in baptism as just being something important they have to perform in order to show commitment to follow Christ? or do they believe is a necessary step towards entering Heaven? (I am not saying if you all believe baptism automatically makes you go to Heaven, what I am asking is if you all believe is an essential step towards it).

Baptism

I can't speak for anyone else, or their personal beliefs, but personally from my Baptist Church and my own point of view...

We believe that the act of Baptism is a requirement, and totally imperative.. that's not to say that everyone has to be Baptized at the same time, or that this has to be done immediately they join the Church, but it would be expected at some point (preferably sooner into your Christian life than later) that you would be baptized.

It isn't just a show of your faith towards Jesus Christ, or just something good to do, but it is one of the things that has been required of Christians as a step forward to receiving their place in Heaven.This act is done for the remission of sins.

I hope this makes sense!

To put it another way, Jesus set this example, as something that should be done.(By himself being Baptized by John the Baptist.)
As a Christian, we should try to be 'like Christ', and this means to follow in his example as much as we can.
Obviously we can't turn water into wine, but as Baptism is seen to be a required act of faith, and costs absolutely nothing, I cannot see why most 'believers' cannot come forward for Baptism.

First of all, you would have to be interviewed by the Pastor's for your opinion and full understanding of why you would be Baptized,then there would be some pre- Baptism talks/lessons to make sure that you have a full understanding of the requirement of the act of Baptism, if all these things have been undertaken, then the Baptism would be arranged.

Personally, myself, my eldest Son, and also my Husband have all been Baptized.

I hope this covers the questions!

Baptism

DianeC wrote:

Thank you very much for your explanation. I was having some questions because of different posts within this same thread from people from the same religion but you clarified my doubts.

Baptism - Page 6

Hi LDS, I'm glad that answered your questions.

I did check My Church's policy on this matter, so that was their stance as well as my own.

I must admit, I also was getting quite concerned to see so many differing answers of how Baptism wasn't that important from other people from the same faith as myself. This is why I was very pleased to read Cwahsheh's response to this thread.

Personally, I can't see why people cannot understand the importance of Baptism, it is clearly there for all to see in the Bible!- Nothing is hidden!

Baptism The Bible Revealed - Page 6

Baptism is a symbol of an inner choice to follow Jesus and give your life to him. Baptism is nothing if you haven't made that choice in your heart.