I'm a new to the Christian faith and have been baptized wityh the Holy Spirit. I was just curious if I still needed to be baptized in water, and if so, would you feel the Spirit more strongly?
2006-10-22 09:03:05 · 18 answers · asked by newbeginning_2k6 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus said, you must be born twice, once of the water and once of the holy spirit.
The water birth he is referring to is the birth that you had no control over and is the birth of the womb of your mother. The second birth is of the Holy spirit. Most churches have you declare this inward change outwardly by water baptism, but you do not have to do it this way. Simply stating your testimony and your experience of your second birth is well enough for God, your church however may have other ideas. If they do, there is no harm in going through the ceremony as it changes nothing.
Remember if it means more to them that you do it this way, there is no need to create waves and hard feelings over something that changes nothing. You may feel the same way about another subject and someone may go along someday in order not to offend you even though they know it means nothing in the larger picture of salvation.
In my own experience, I went through the ceremony of water baptism and God rewarded me with a wonderful "feeling" and I felt truely blessed by him at that moment. Others have reported no differences or feelings at all. It is a personal process and no one should feel obligated to "feel" any one thing.
2006-10-22 09:16:14 · answer #1 · answered by cindy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES
Ac 10:44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 Some Jewish believers had come with Peter. They were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on those who weren’t Jews.
46 They heard them speaking in languages they had not known before. They also heard them praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
2006-10-22 09:07:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on being baptized with the Holy Spirit, sister! Praise God, He has set you apart and made you holy!
On your question, yes, it is necessary to be baptized in water. Water baptism is a public testimony that you are now a Christian. There is also Christian symbolism to water baptism (see Romans 6:4), it was an order from Christ (a la the Great Commission, Matthew 28). Remember, Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and acceptance of God's will. His baptism marked the start of His ministry, and we all know what happened RIGHT AFTER Jesus was baptized in water right. Matthew 3:15.
Go sis! Grow more in faith and in love with God and Christ..Bless you.!
2006-10-22 09:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Karl F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is generally a water purification ritual practiced in many of various religions including Christianity, Mandaeanism, and Sikhism.
Matthew 3:16 - John the Baptist baptized Jesus in water
The baptismal part of being a Christian is following the Word. After such, you will be filled with the spirit. "Strongly" would come from your belief and life you live as a christian.
2006-10-22 09:18:29 · answer #4 · answered by terryoulboub 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no salvation in baptism ,however we are told to repent and be baptized.When we die we are buried.Baptism signifies the death of the old man.Immersion represents this burial of the old man.However when we" come up out of the water" ( Acts 8:39)this represents the resurrection of the new man.This is a message as well as a reminder of what God has done for us.When Joshua crossed the Jordan he had 12 stones set up as a reminder of what God had done.They had been delivered.You will be blessed when your baptized,not more saved but blessed.
2006-10-22 10:22:37 · answer #5 · answered by don_steele54 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not NECESSARY. If anyone tries to tell you different they are wrong. It's a good thing to do but, again, not necessary. The bible tells us to be baptized and you may very well come closer to God by being baptized, but there is nothing you NEED to do but accept what Jesus has done for you.
2006-10-22 09:12:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing "magical" about the water. It is something we do in obedience. Baptism is an outward act that shows people we have decided to follow Jesus. Jesus Himself was baptised, because it was God's will. As Christians, we try to follow Jesus' example whenever possible.
There is nothing "spiritual" about the water, but the fact that you choose to follow Jesus in this small step can be an awesome experience. I see it as sort of a baby step one takes before all the other growth experiences that will come in our Christian lives. It is also really powerful and affirming symbolism.
Please talk to your pastor about the importance of water baptism.
2006-10-22 09:10:44 · answer #7 · answered by Jane--E 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Immersion, sprinkling and pouring are all accepted methods of baptisim. I have no doubt that you can receive the Holy Spirit by other methods, but it is an old tradition that binds you to the faith. If you experience it, you will appreciate it.
2006-10-22 09:10:13 · answer #8 · answered by Suzianne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was just thinking about your question while in the shower this morning; except it was 'how much water'.
Water is essential; however, some believe full immersion and some practice the marking of water on the head.
2006-10-22 09:06:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes as obedience to the command of Christ. There is nothing special in the water, it is just a sign of the cleaning of Christs blood and of His covenant.
2006-10-22 09:10:33 · answer #10 · answered by beek 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋