Or is it a symbol of what has already taken place in ones heart or life and the person is declaring that publicly? Of course I know the answer but I can't answer my own question. Please keep your answers short as possible in consideration of others. Thanks what do you say and why? and what is your faith?
2006-08-30 09:58:41 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Was the thief on the cross baptized no. Did Jesus say today you wil be with me in paradise yes. Jesus didn't say quick now get down off that cross and go get baptized then today you will be with Me in paradise. Thinking you do anything to be saved falls under works man and we are not saved by works. Eph.2: 8-10
2006-08-30 11:23:02 · update #1
Accepting Jesus as your savior is the only way to heaven according to the bible. Now, baptism is a ritual that is practiced to publicly declare your salvation as John baptized Jesus. It shows the old body go into the water and the new rising up. This , I would believe, is not a deciding factor of acceptance in the pearly gates but as a Christian following Jesus, why would you not do this? I am a non denominational Christian.
2006-08-30 10:08:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration that one believes the Gospel, and has trusted Christ alone for salvation. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, "What must I do to be saved?" the response was to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" -- no mention of baptism. Also, if baptism were necessary for salvation, the repentant thief on the cross would have been in deep trouble. Baptist
2006-08-30 17:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by tom d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. There is over 21 things which baptism accomplishes in the spiritual realm which we have NO control over. Baptism is NOT a work of the one being baptized, nor is it a work by the person doing the baptizing. It is strictly a work of God upon your heart. It is necessary? Yes. It is for the purpose of remission of sins. No matter how much you try to turn yourself over to God, sin removal is a spiritual thing, done by God alone. Israel could never do it, that is why they needed a redeemer.
We must follow Jesus into His death, and that part is symbolic. The grave of water, the total covering over...going in as a person DEAD in tresspasses, only to be cleanses and resurrected. Jesus's death was about blood. You contact that blood when you agree to submit to being buried because you acknowledge you are dead in your sin.
What happens in baptism is a necessity to being made PURE and sinfree. It also causes you to be circumcised in YOUR heart, as a seal or guarantee FROM GOD that HIs promises are guaranteed to be true and will be carried out on your behalf. It is like "earnest" money on a house. He seals you or provides you with an "earnest" showing His intentions toward you. Paul, over in Acts 6 or 7, had see the Lord on the road to Damascus. His heart took a turn for the better, yet water baptism was required to "wash away your sins." It is for cleansing...but not of the flesh.
Hope that helps.
2006-08-30 17:18:17 · answer #3 · answered by DA R 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While baptism is not necessary, it is an outward declaration of the new life you have chosen by accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
I am a Christian.
I was raised Catholic and was baptized as a baby. However, 6 years ago when I returned to God, I chose to be baptized again.
2006-08-30 17:13:22 · answer #4 · answered by JW 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Baptist. I believe that Baptism is a public confession of a private commitment between God and oneself. Baptism is a symbol. People do not have to be baptized to receive salvation through Jesus.
2006-08-30 17:04:28 · answer #5 · answered by SunFun 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Baptism by water is only one kind of baptism. But, yes, baptism of some kind is required for salvation. It puts an indelible mark on your soul to keep the devil from trying to claim you. Remember the open range of the Old West where cattle were branded so their owners could tell which was whose?
2006-09-07 10:42:09 · answer #6 · answered by Ever Learn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - Baptism is required - even Jesus was baptized. I got it spelled out on my web site - under Lessons from the pulpit - then Under Barry Grider - Questions On Baptism.
These people who do not believe baptism is required - better look at the Bible again or for the first time - just believing gets you nowhere.
You better listen to what atreadia has to say - she is right on the money!
2006-08-30 17:05:49 · answer #7 · answered by Gladiator 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Good question, and as you know the answer it will of course be consistent with Gods word ...
Joh 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)
I agree that it is a symbolic declaration of one's faith but I also recognise that it was ordained by none other than Jesus Christ and as such I consider it to be an act of obedience.
Faith: NDBAB [Non-Denominational, Born Again Believer]
2006-08-30 17:36:07 · answer #8 · answered by movedby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved... Mark 16:16
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
2006-08-30 17:08:41 · answer #9 · answered by atreadia 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Acceptance of Jesus is the only way to obtain salvation and become born again. It has been my experience that once you have accepted Jesus as your savior, your church then sets you up to be baptized. Praise the Lord!!
2006-08-30 17:01:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋