is any closer to God, than one who isn't?
2006-11-26 08:56:49 · 16 answers · asked by Kerilyn 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not at all. Being baptized as a baby doesn't prove anything to God, it has no meaning. To tell you the truth, I have no idea where they came up with the idea that babies should get baptized before their first word. That is no where to be found. Even JESUS was baptized at around 30. As a baby, you cannot show that you love God or follow his rules. The parents are basically manking a decision that the baby should've made. Thats why it is important to let them make it themselves when they think its right. But being baptized as a child does not bring anyone closer to God. You become closer to God by praying to him and following his rules. As a baby, you cannot do that.
2006-11-26 09:11:48 · answer #1 · answered by kclr16 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Children should not be baptized, unless they themselves understand the full significance of the sacrament.
Babies and younger can be dedicated, and it means that the parents are saying they wish their child to always know God. The church believers acknowledge this and promise to help the parents and the child fulfill this vow.
I know some adults that are very close to God and are not baptized as they never felt the need or call to do so.
2006-11-26 17:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by crimthann69 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dear Michele,
The church age ended in 1988! God has commanded the true believers to come out of the local congregations and churches (Revelations 18:4-). The reason being that the Lord has left ALL the local churches and has allowed satan to rule there (Matthew 24:15, 16). There is ABSOLUTELY NO POSSIBILITY of salvation in ANY local church today. In fact those that remamain there are under the the wrath of God (2 Thessalonians 2).
When the church was still being utilized by God, water baptism and the Lord's table were the two (2) ordinances of the church. They had no spiritual benefit in themselves. They were just signs to point people to truth. Regarding water baptism, we know that no amount of water can ever wash away sins. However, water is a picture of the word of God (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5). If Christ is going to save an individual, they must be under the hearing of the Gospel (Romans 10:17). However, you must remember that every person is born DEAD in sins and trespasses. They cannot hear the word of God, let alone obey it. If God has determined to save an individual, He gives them "ears to hear" and also a new resurrected soul. That is why Christ said in John 3, "Ye must be born again." This "new birth" is salvation from sin.
The other ordinance of the church is the Lord's table where people partake of the bread and grape juice commemorating the last supper. Again there is no spiritual benefit from this bread and grape juice! It is merely symbolic to help people understand that Jesus gives us the spiritual nourishment that we need. What is that noursihment? The Bible-the word of God.
I suggest that you read Ezekiel 9 and understand that the sanctuary is representative of the local churches. The men with the slaughter weapons represent God's judgment on the churches. Those who receive a mark on their forehead are God's children, and are not under the wrath of God. But all those who do not belong to the LORD are undethe wrath of God.
2006-11-26 17:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
No. When a child is baptized it is usually the parent's doing. It may not mean anything to the child. I think being baptized is a very personal decision.
2006-11-26 16:59:27 · answer #4 · answered by glitterprincess 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For years my Grandmother insisted that my sister was *evil* because she wasn't baptised in the Catholic church like my brother and I were. But - having been baptised I can tell you that I don't think I'm any closer to God than someone who isn't. Case in point - I'm a very spiritual person and have sought my own path. My brother, who was also baptised, doesn't seem to care much about religion. My sister, who wasn't baptised, is probably more spiritual than my brother. I have a friend who was never baptised, and she's even more spiritual than me.
So I think it really depends on the person and their own personal need to have the God of their understanding in their life.
2006-11-26 17:01:54 · answer #5 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on what you mean?
Do you mean inside the church vs outside the church?
Do you mean baptized vs not being baptized?
2006-11-26 16:59:18 · answer #6 · answered by Mav here! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Matthew 3 verse16 And Jesus when he was Baptized went up straightaway out of the water
2006-11-26 17:23:47 · answer #7 · answered by righteous992003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No but if that same child goes to a Baptist preacher and gets saved, he will be holier than you.
He will still be able to sin, within reason, and he has a free pass on Judgment Day.
So what side are you on? Hell or heaven? If you don't get saved you'll go to Hell for sure no questions asked. You'll scream and holler.
The fact is if you don't get saved that means you don't believe in Jesus, and if you don't believe in Jesus he is not amused.
I'm a saint and I'm holy, so you can bet I know what I'm talking about.
2006-11-26 17:02:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wasn't baptised as a child, and have no intentions of doing so as an adult. I don't think sprinkling a bit of water on me is likely to make me believe. I wont have my children baptised either as i think the decision should be by the person themselves as an adult.
2006-11-26 17:04:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. You can be baptized and be very far away from God. It's not baptism that matters, it is your personal relationship with God that matters.
2006-11-26 16:58:43 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋