Do you have to be babtized to be a true christian?

Question

I've accepted God as my true savior. But I was wondering if you have to be babtized as in with the water and all.
I know it symbolizes a clean slate, and it's not that I don't want to be babtized, it's just I'm not a real active member of a church, and I would just find it weird to jump in there and get babtized within my first month there.

Answer 1

First off, congrats on your new faith.
No you do not have to be baptized to be a true Christian. However, it is a good idea to be baptized as soon as possible to show others of your new faith and life, and who knows maybe doing this will help you meet other new believers.

Answer 2

This is the same answer I gave another person for asking basically the same question... First of all, do you believe in what the Bible says to be true? You either have to take it entirely, or not at all. We can't pick and choose what we want from it. Now...read the following verses in the Bible: Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Mark 10:38, Luke 7:29, Luke 12:50, Romans 6:4, Eph 4:5, Col 2:12, Matt 3:11, Luke 3:21John 1:33, Acts 9:18, Romans 6:3-6. What do you find in common with all these verses? Baptism by water. I think that too many people rely on their "feelings". Someone gets a good feeling and says they have been saved. Don't you think that feelings can be deceiving? I know mine can. Although it is important to have feelings for God, we must do what the Bible teaches and that is that baptism is necessary for salvation. I hope this helps you or anyone else reading my comments. God Bless!!!!

Answer 3

Baptism of Water is for a clean conscience but needed for the conscience sake. But the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's seal on you. (keep reading -this will be explained)

People will tell you all sorts of things. Some just don't see the point and don't and try to justify themselves.

The fact is - (Acts 3:38)- while you accepted God as your true savior, have you accepted Jesus as your redeemer since he has paid the price for you? You "should" be baptized in the name of Jesus as soon as possible even if you have to do it yourself.

Baptism is by submersion - not sprinkling.

After Baptism you are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit and you should pray for God's Holy Spirit to come to you. When you accept Jesus you are led from outside by the Holy Spirit - if you continue in the Holy Spirit (God). But when you receive the Holy Spirit, you will be led from the inside and taught from inside you.

Anyone who tells you that you automatically get the baptism of the Holy Spirit just by saying Jesus is Lord, has not read the scriptures very well. I suggest if people say you can - you make a careful reading of the Book of Acts. It should come apparent if you really read it and don't skip or let someone else steer you through it.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read - not me, not someone else. The Holy Spirit can teach you - and when you have the Baptism of the Holy Spirit you are taught from the inside - more and better understandings.

Take the Bible over men's word any day. As you'll see by reading YAHOO!s Questions and Answers, spiritual and religious section, there are way too many confusing minds all racing to confuse and mislead. The truth gets lost in the mix of lies and deceptions - hence - Let God lead you through the Holy Spirit.

How do you know when you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit ? Trust me - YOU WILL KNOW and you wont have to ask anyone here.

Answer 4

It is good to be water baptized. This is telling your loved ones that you are a new person in Christ Jesus. The old man is dead and the new man alive.

A true Christian is one who believes in ones heart Jesus died on the cross for their sins (his blood washes white) and rose from the dead for ones justification. And confessing one is a sinner needing a savior and Jesus Christ is ones Lord. That means trusting and obeying Him by washing in the Word and renewing ones mind in Christ righteousness.

It just has to be a bible Christian church (no other doctrines please). When some one is first saved, they are suppose to be water baptized soon. This is an act of faith and commitment. Ask the church when they baptize. Once you are born again, you're a child of God. Follow through in your commitment to Jesus.

Answer 5

Yes you must be baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not according to the trinity because there is no such thing. You must be baptized in his name as Jesus told his disciples to do in
Matthew 28:19
19) Go ye therefore and teach all nations,( the biggest problem),baptizing them in the name( the name; not names and not titles) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Then as his disciples did in the book of
Acts 2:38
38) Then Peter(disciple) said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name (name) of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost
Acts 10:46,47,48
46) For they heard them speak in tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
So you must go down in water.
E-mail me at [e-mail] because I want to make sure you have a complete understanding of baptizing, and make sure you get it done correctly. You sound to be serious about being saved and God does not want you to be led blindly. So e-mail me if your are serious,and I will make sure you get all the information you need from the word of god

Answer 6

You can be baptised in your heart without jumping in a pool or river. Baptism in a church generally is considered a public affirmation of your faith AND your joining in their congregation. If you don't have a church yet, don't worry. Keep looking around and going to services until you find one that is a good fit for you, and then discuss baptism with the pastor.

Answer 7

well...being babtized means you have a sure way in to heaven so if you want to be a christian then you need to get babtized because that is when all your sins are wiped away

Answer 8

I don't want to say that you are wrong but Jesus was baptized, and if you would like to fallow His example I would think that you should be able to get baptized at your church the first day there or the first month.May GOD bless you

Answer 9

I got baptized within the first month at my church...but I knew that that God wanted me to do that. I asked them to arrange me a private time for that. Believe, that is one of the easiest things that God will ask you to do. Even Jesus got Baptized and He is the Son of God.

Answer 10

Once you've accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, it is important that you get baptized as soon as possible. Read the book of Romans (The Holy Bible). Baptizing is symbolic in washing away the old sins. Jesus was baptized and I feel in order to walk in our faith as Christians, we must live the holy life that Jesus showed us.

Answer 11

Yes, you have to be baptized by the spirit (which you pretty much are after accepting Jesus). Being baptized by water is symbolic, but it's still an important ritual, 'cuz Jesus himself was baptized by water.