To Be or Not To Be Baptized

Why should I be baptized?

First of all we should understand what baptism is.  Baptism means to dip or immerse.  It is an outward sign of a person’s fellowship with Christ in His death and resurrection.  We go under the water as if to be buried, then we are raised up from the water as Christ was in newness of life.  So if you are a believer in Christ, you should be baptized as a confession of their faith and in obedience.

What baptism is not:  It is not simply done to become a member of a church, although that some churches require it for membership; it is not the washing away of sins; it does not save you; it is not a condition for salvation; it is not sprinkling which is totally different.

Baptism is very controversial.  Some denominations believe that baptism is what saves you.  They argue with Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of yours.”  Baptism does not save you.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Eph. 2:8-9.  Yes, baptism does follow faith and Scripture is clear on this.  Scripture never says be baptism and then believe.

To be saved the heart must be cleansed.  Being immersed in water cannot cleanse the heart.  Only the blood of Christ through faith can cleanse the heart.  Acts 15:9 tell us hearts are purified by faith.  When we are baptized we publicly identify with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).  We become members of His body and His church.

Baptism means “immersion”.  Sprinkling is not a form of baptism.  Sprinkling or pouring was a standard in the Old Testament and was associated with cleansing and anointing.  The New Testament speaks only of baptism.  Jesus authorized and commanded baptism, not sprinkling.  Only immersion meets the criteria for a burial and a resurrection.

What about when infants are baptized? 

There are churches who baptize infants, but this is not the true baptism.  They are sprinkled.  This signified that the parents are dedicating their child to be raise in the church and the church members agree to help raise and point them in the ways of Jesus.  When these infants become older, they must decide for themselves if they believe in Christ or not.  No one else can do that for them.  It must be a personal faith in the crucified and risen Savior.

What about sprinkling? 

Baptism is commanded.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matt. 28:19-20.  If you are truly a believer, you will be obedient to His command and be baptized.

What is I have been baptized, but had a lapse of faith? 

As far as I know Scripture does not teach re-baptism.  There is no reason to be re-baptized unless you never had a personal faith in Jesus.  All you need to do is confess and repent of sins and you will be restored.  However if you are not sure, getting re-baptized may be the answer.

Conclusion

Remember, first you must publicly confess your faith then be baptized.  Eternal life is a free gift and you can only receive it by faith in Christ, not through baptism.  Baptism is only an outward sign that you believe and are now part of God’s family.

Join me next time for more studies.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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