if not whats the point.... just sumthin extra you can do.. maybe u think there is no point?... just showin u have commited ur life? i was baptized... but at a young age when i was unable 2 make my own descians.... i am a christian and i have no problem with baptism i would more likly than not get baptised... but i noticed when i was talkin bout religon and stuff the other day with a friend i answerd that i dont think you haf 2 be baptised to go to heaven... in case u didint pick it up inbetween the lines... i was raised christian got out of it 2 explore (i dont like the idea of good people going to hell because they are buddist or islam or sumthin) and justrecently got back into it... 4 serious this time scince im now old enough 2 make myt own descion in the matter and commit to it and get serious in it..
2007-01-03 14:38:25 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
While we should preach that all men are commanded to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), adding any other requirement to salvation by grace becomes "works" in disguise. Even though numerous Scriptures speak of the importance of water baptism, adding anything to the work of the cross demeans the sacrifice of the Savior. It implies that His finished work wasn’t enough. But the Bible makes clear that we are saved by grace, and grace alone (Ephesians 2:8,9). Baptism is simply a step of obedience to the Lord following our repentance and confession of sin. Our obedience— water baptism, prayer, good works, fellowship, witnessing, etc.—issues from our faith in Christ. Salvation is not what we do, but Who we have: "He that has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12).
2007-01-03 14:42:04 · answer #1 · answered by Jason M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were baptized at a young age when you could not make a decision, that baptism is still valid and any further baptisms are completely pointless. Too many people think this rite belongs to man, but it doesn't -- it belongs to God in a covenant between Him and His people, just like circumcision in the Old Testament. In fact, baptism or replaces circumcision. Your parents should have listened a little bit better to the pastor, and they should have explained it a little better to you, and for that matter, your church should have taken pains to make sure you were educated in your faith. Baptism is not about you, it's what you do as a response to God's grace by being "marked" as the King's property -- and getting your children marked in the same manner.
2007-01-04 14:37:16 · answer #2 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but Jesus was baptized and it is the outward expression of our faith, and it is an important symbol to help us understand, so it is still good to be baptized. Since Jesus was baptized, I think it is good because He was setting an example, but if a sincere Christian believes in God but dies before he/she can get baptized, I don't think they will go to hell.
I do not, however, believe that children should be baptized at a young age- an age when they are too young to commit to God or understand what it means to be a Christian. Baptism should only be done when the individual being baptized is old enough to understand the concept of salvation and would make the decision to commit himself/herself to God- whatever that age may be.
2007-01-03 14:47:06 · answer #3 · answered by Lady of the Garden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would hurt to get baptized. You should follow your own conscience before God, whatever you do. But it is a beautiful, and fun thing to do, and it is basically about making a public acknowledgement of your faith in Jesus Christ. That's really the whole purpose of it. I don't think that God is requiring people to get immersed in water, as much as He is requiring them to accept Jesus into their hearts. But that is great to hear that you are walking with God. If I were you,I would do it. But don't do it because you feel like you HAVE TO. There are a lot of religious people in the church world that will swear up and down that you have to be baptized to go to heaven, and they have to say the words just right over you when you go under. That's just a bunch of junk. Don't let them mess with your head like that. God cares about your heart.
2007-01-03 14:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by firebyknight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being water baptized DOES nothing for you, but get you wet. By being water baptized, you are showing that you have decided to trust Christ as your Lord and Savior. It's symbolic of dying and being resurrected with a new life.
As far as those who have not heard of the offer of salvation, Romans 2:6-15 explains what will happen and why.
2007-01-03 14:45:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you don't have to be baptized. The reason is to proclaim your Faith to those around you. And It's a commitment to Following God for the rest of your Life. Nowhere in the Bible does it say we absolutely have to be baptized to go to heaven. It's a choice you make for yourself to be known as a baptized person in the name of the Father, Son ,and Holy Spirit.
2007-01-03 14:43:40 · answer #6 · answered by Jesus_Freak 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus taught baptism.
He exemplified it for us.
So it's an important step us to make for Him.
Baptism provides us with a forum to proclaim publically that we believe in Jesus Christ. He died publically for us; we should be able to proclaim Him as our Lord and Savior publically.
The glaring exception is the thief on the cross to Jesus' right.
He acknowledge he was a sinner and deserving of his punichment, and stated that Jesus was innocent. He then went on to ask Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom.
We get baptized because Jesus asks us to do so.
The requirement is to proclaim with our mouths that Jesus is Lord.
2007-01-03 15:00:34 · answer #7 · answered by Bob L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is symbolic that you are washing away your old life and starting a new one in Christ. It is not required to get to Heaven but it's a good idea for a Christain.
2007-01-03 14:49:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think that when one gets baptize it is to show every one else that you are committed to serving God. You make your own personal prayer to God dedicating your self to him.
I also do not think that when we die we go to Heaven or hell (as in a place of torment) I think that we are just dead. Like sleeping with out dreaming.
2007-01-03 14:45:47 · answer #9 · answered by mrs.mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but you should make a public confession and baptism is one such way.
Also I feel the more you know, the more you are responsible for. If you have read and understand John 3, you should.
David T
2007-01-03 14:45:18 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋