I am a christian and I haven't been baptized? Is that a big issue?

Question

Ok sighs I have been a Christian and have assisted a evangelical church since I was 5. I use to participate in bible study class and some activities, but suddenly something happened, I had a bad experience with a few "friends" and decided to stop going to bible study class and just decided to listen to the sermons every Sundays without having to interact with people of my age group.
I lost the opportunity to get baptized since 16, is the best age of getting baptized I assume.Now at almost 20 I feel bad and pressured to get baptized. My mother has been criticizing me saying that I have been in that church for years and there are people who are new members and have baptized already and I have been there for years and seems that I am not a member.I basically don't do it because I am very very shy and scared of huge crowds. By church is HUGE, and they do the baptism ceremonies in front of all of them because the pool is in front. They even put a "high" tech screen so that everybody can

see it,. which is more embarrasing to me. I feel the other members are going to critize me saying that I have been forever her and haven't gotten baptized.

Is it bad for God and the church?
Is God going to be mad at me or "condend" me for just not doing something symbolical as going into a pool full of water?

I still believe in him, and there are PLENTY of christian who are a bunch of SINNERS and have been baptized years ago, and still SIN.

I want serios anwers for christians, not for ignorant atheists please.

Baptism is a Christian thing you retard, not only catholic.

I repeat: Only Christian people Answer with a reasonable question.

Oh Jesus Christ this is like the worst place to ask this question:

I don't feel like I am going to HELL.
Why people are so ignorant here, seriously. Thank God I don't have to give each of you 10 points.

Mormon???? What. Listen Miss, In school I had to do a project on Mormonism, and their doctrines are like the most ridiculous of all the rest I have heard. If you think Mormons are the only ones going to heaven you are a joke.

Answer 1

Baptism is one of the sacraments of the church and is a sticky subject. Most people believe if a person is not baptized they can’t get into heaven but I do not fully agree with that. If that were true a person that confessed their sins to Christ and asked for forgiveness as they were dying could not be saved and that is NOT how God works.

I believe a person should be baptized if they can be and if you feel incomplete by not being baptized you should go through with it because that means it is very important to you and could be a stumbling block for any further development in your walk with Christ Jesus.

No one has the right to tell someone what they have to do to be saved, all we are instructed to do is use the scriptures to plant the seed of salvation into the fertile soil of the human heart and let the Holy Spirit water that seed until it grows into eternal life by the person asking Jesus to become their Savior and King.

In Mark 16: 14-20 Jesus speaks to the disciples and to us
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.
15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.
(RSV)

In verse 16 you will see where Jesus said, “16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” He did not say he who is not baptized will be condemned just he who does not believe. However, He did say to be baptized and that brings us back to the point I made in the beginning, if you feel you should then you should but the choice is yours to make.

We see in Luke 3: 21-22
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened,
22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased."

Since Jesus was Himself baptized and we are instructed to emulate Christ, we should make a point of following His example. However if a person can’t be baptized for whatever reason it will not keep that person from going to heaven if they have truly accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. It could keep you from experiencing the full power of God and possibly keep you from reaching the level He has for you to go in His Church but you are the only one which can answer that question.

I hope this helps you as you search for your answer. If you need reassurance ask Christ Jesus to answer the question for you and if you wait upon the Lord and listen, He will give you the answer you seek.

Answer 2

First of all, it doesn't matter what other people think.
Secondly, being a "member" of a church is not a scriptural requirement.
Third, there is no "right" or best age to be baptized. Nor should one be pressured into being baptized. Neither should you have to wait to be baptized (for example, some churches do baptisms quarterly, and you must wait until that time).

That being said, you should do a Bible study (even on your own) of baptism. There is only one kind of baptism example in the Bible - that of baptism in Jesus' name by full immersion. (Acts 2:28, 8:16, 36,39, 10:48, 19:3-6.

Also, baptism is necessary for salvation. While many do not accept this because they are afraid that it nullifies God's grace. However, true faith is shown by obedience. Also Jesus said you must be born AGAIN, OF WATER (John 3:3-5). Also read the following scriptures for yourself, then draw your own conclusion, based on scripture:
Mark 16:16, Matt.28:19, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:3-6, John 3:3-5, Rom.6:4, Col.2:12.

Be careful who you listen to. Some of these people use little or no scripture to support their "opinions".

Answer 3

Hi I can relate to your story because mine is also very simular, i will give you a summary of mine then i'll tell you the answer...I left the church (Baptist church) at age 15 when i noticed the jhigh level of hypocrocy that engulfed the members of that church and i was really stagnant spiritually. i wasn't baptised however i was at that church every week since age 7, new members baptised but i did not and you know why? i wasn't feeling convicted to go and church was just a routine so i visited others and now i am 23 and i dont have a steady church however i am stronger spritually because i have started to do what the pastors do and that is to study everything on my own.......woah i am straying

The point is you can have a wedding and not be married so you can be married without a wedding...Baptism is just a ceremony to show that you have taken that step but in the end its between you and God.

ps. Life is a test and while you are alive no-one can tell you that you failed the exam ie. Only God can tell you that you are going to heaven or hell, let no man convince you otherwise. Just Love God and praise him and treat everyone like you want to be treated....and then you will be fine.

Answer 4

Yes, you have to be baptized. It's like entering into a gate into the kingdom of Heaven. If you don't, then you can't get in. Unless, you are under the age of 8 (age of accountability) then you don't know the difference between right and wrong and will automatically go to Heaven. Anyone, and everyone should be baptized no matter how old you are......

1st- faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
2nd Repentence
3rd Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
4th Laying on of Hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

We should be baptized by immersion b/c that is how Christ did it. Then we should be confirmed by those in authority holding the preisthood so that we can receive the Holy Ghost.

Fear God more than Man (and any embarassment you may feel).

Also, check out www.lds.org b/c the Mormons are the only ones holding the true line of preisthood from God. Don't believe me? Check out the website before you doubt.......

Answer 5

Sounds like they are doing a lot of preaching at you. Baptism is ones own personal decision as to when and where . Jesus did it and told others to do what he did, but some Churches will not baptize you unless you become a member of their Church , Jesus did not teach that. so pray about it and ask God to direct you. the water Baptism is being submerged for cleansing of sins, and buried into Jesus death( for destroying the old Person) then their is a Baptism in the Holy Spirit that allows the Holy Spirit to change you into a new Person, some clean out the house with water Baptism, and do not refill it with the Holy spirit, then more demons move in than were there before. the Bible tells you this.

Answer 6

I am glad you asked. Baptism is one of the main teachings of Christianity. I would encourage you to read Romans 6:3-9 and 1 Peter 3:21-22.

Acts 2:38, 22:16 and Matthew 28:19 all tell us that baptism is one of God's commandments. It is a sin for a Christian not to be baptized.

Baptism is also an outward sign that you are a Christian. Being able to confess that you are a Christian, especially in front of other Christians, is critical in Christianity (Romans 10:9).

There is no prime age to be baptized. God saves people at all different ages. The true Christians in your church will be thrilled to see you get baptized at any age.

Lastly, I want to address your comment that Christians continue to sin. Everyone sins and even after conversion and baptism Christians sin. This is not because they want to sin but because they are not complete yet. Paul is in anguish over this subject in Romans 7:14-25. Still we are to love others, especially Christians (Galatians 6:9-10).

God bless you in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Answer 7

You can get baptized however and wherever you want, but it won't do you any good unless you get baptized correctly into the true church that has the authority to do baptisms that will actually "count" with God. So you're not in any big trouble yet, because that church, by making baptisms so public and huge, obviously isn't doing it right. You do need to get baptized, but that's only the first step along the right road that will lead you to the highest level of heaven. For more info, go to www.lds.org.
Good luck!

Answer 8

I was baptized as a child, I must say, I'm rather pissed I had no say in the matter. I'm not religious, it's not for me, but please read on.

You don't have to have a specific look or mark on you to be part of something like religion. You don't have to necessarily go to a church to believe in what is preached inside.
Now a days, you can join whatever religion you like and you can follow whatever beliefs you want. So the way I see it is that you can be a devoted Christian and not be baptized but still have a fulfilling relationship with your God and feel loved by Him. Being baptized or not, it should not determine how good/bad of a Christian you are.

Answer 9

Baptism in water is a public showing of your commitment to Christ and a "symbol" of your baptism with the Spirit. It is nice to show your baptism, but that doesn't mean you're baptized into THAT church. Just that your baptized in Jesus name. You can have a small family baptism if you want! DO NOT let other judge you by something so superficial. John 3:17: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Baptizm happened a LOT in the Bible. I would support your doing a small baptizm, since you are uncomfortable with crowds. Don't do it for family. Nor for the church. Do it for Him. You can do it!

Answer 10

Well, some religions believe that if you have not been baptized you cannot see the face of God, so that could be an issue., if you believe that. Most religions don't really believe you are a commited member if you don't get baptized (and sometimes other steps like confirmed, etc.) Why don't you ask your pastor about a private baptism if your shyness is all that is keeping you from it?

Answer 11

Someone said that baptism necessary for salvation. That's wrong. Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead and that Jesus is Lord of all, then we shall be saved. Baptism comes in being obedient to Christ because he told His disciples to baptize (Matthew 28:18-20).

Baptism is symbolic of the inward change that took place when Jesus gave us salvation, shown outwardly through baptism. Baptism shows the world that you are burying your old man and being raised to walk in newness of life. You can still make it to heaven without being baptized, but why not do something that Jesus told us to do? Baptism is really for you, it shows that you are making a commitment to follow Christ.