I was born catholic but then learned about the bible as i grew older...When i was 6 i have my first baptism but i had another when i was 17 coz that time i have a better understanding about God and truly accept Jesus as my Savior... now i am working oversea and met few Christians, some are missionaries, i do join their charity projects sometimes and they do encourage me to share the gospel and win souls for the Lord...but im curios why they are not practicing baptism anymore??? i havent asked them yet but surely will...is praying the sinners prayer, accepting Jesus as Savior, repenting and share the gospel...enough for us to be considered save??? even without being baptized??? thats what's puzzling me...bcoz non of my christian friends here talk about baptism...they do serve the Lord with all their hearts, and share the good news to others...but never witnessed baptizing anybody...
i need some help here...God bless u all!!!
2006-08-12 09:33:24 · 13 answers · asked by princesss 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Asking Jesus into your heart and truly believing him is what gets you saved and allows you to go to Heaven. Being baptized does not. People get baptized to make a public announcement that they accepted Jesus - it is for that reason alone - kinda symbols the washing away of sins. It is more important for people to get saved then to be baptized. Don't get me wrong - that is an important thing to do, BUT - getting baptized does not save you and getting baptized does not get you into Heaven. It clearly states there is no other way except through Christ as your personal savior - that is getting saved.
2006-08-12 09:54:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most Protestant churches I know of do continue to offer the sacrament of baptism, but understandings of baptism and salvation vary among denominations. You don't say what denomination your friends are, so possibly they are from a group that has a different understanding as to how baptism and salvation work.
Also, in a post-Christian society, some churches have shifted and adjusted some to changing values in society. It used to be that everyone had to be baptized in order to receive Communion (Eucharist). Now in some churches I am aware of, communion is "open" -- based on the idea that it is better to let someone who is willing attend for a while rather than scare them away with requirements. The same is happening with church membership. Many come, but do not officially "join."
When the time seems right you might ask you friends how they view baptism -- you may find that they have a different viewpoint, or perhaps they will be interested to hear how you feel about it. If you are open and respectful, it can be a good opportunity to share and discuss.
2006-08-12 09:55:24 · answer #2 · answered by Ponderingwisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism isn't necessary for salvation. However, we should still consider it one of Jesus' commandments to us. Christians have varying ideas about when and how baptisms should be performed, but I don't know of any Christian who doesn't recognize its importance.
I would ask the people you are working with. It could be that the water in the rivers or lakes there isn't suitable for immersion of humans. It could be that they're planning one service where several people will be baptized together. It could be that they want the opportunity to continue teaching these new Christians so that when they do get baptized it is a fully informed decision.
Definitely bring it up. Being baptized is an exciting event in a Christian's life. Thanks for looking out for your new brothers and sisters in Christ.
2006-08-12 09:46:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them. Outside fo the infant vs. adult baptism debate, I have never heard of a Christian group not practicing baptism of some sort for converts. I do not believe that one is not saved without being baptized, but baptism is a commandment of sorts, in the least. These missionaries may have culturally valid reason for what they do, in any case.
2006-08-12 09:45:12 · answer #4 · answered by SpisterMooner 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know they don't practice it- and that they aren't already Baptized.
Ask them about their beliefs.
Baptism, I believe is important as the conformation to the Church, and or others that you have turned your life over to Jesus.
Do you have to be Baptized to a Christian, I don't think so. It is what is in our heart and our actions that mean the most.
2006-08-12 09:40:21 · answer #5 · answered by IN Atlanta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You DO NOT have to be baptized to be saved...no, no, no. Baptism is ONLY an outward display of what you've already done in your heart - accepted Christ as your savior. You cheapen the cross by saying you have to be baptized (or any work) to be saved. You ONLY have to believe in your heart that Christ (as the son of God) died for your sins and God raised him from the dead...end of story.
2006-08-12 09:44:13 · answer #6 · answered by SAHM2_1B_1G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you does need to be baptized.Jesus was and he came to show us the way in John 3:3-5 He talks about it. When you are submerged in the water it's the same as Jesus being place in the tomb and when you come out that's the resurrection to die to the world and live for Him Romans 6:1-11 and there are many other like this
2006-08-12 09:52:24 · answer #7 · answered by working4jc1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is just a ceremony-it has no salvation value what so ever. The Catholic church used to teach (and may still do) that the only way to heaven was through the catholic church and baptism by a priest. This is pure heresy.
2006-08-12 09:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism in its self does not save you.When you Believe what Jesus
did for our salvation you will receive Jesus as your Lord and be Born of God by Faith in Jesus alone. Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
You said that you believed and trusted Jesus to save you He Did.
I pray that Jesus will give you security you have in Him.
In Christ in Love,
TJ57
2006-08-12 10:14:25 · answer #9 · answered by TJ 57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do not know but everyone that comes to accept Jesus as their Savior is to be baptized Jesus commands it i would polity asked them why god bless you too do not get into an argument
2006-08-12 10:09:42 · answer #10 · answered by teacher2you2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋