I sometimes wonder if because someone he is baptized, even as adult, he is forced to be christian forever ...some scholars have different point of view over baptism ..some says, it is a symbol of entry in the christian community, some says it is requirement for salvation ..but sometimes, I wonder, if that is the case, so people should be saved forever no matter the amount of sins they have made as long as they ask forgiveness for that ....and also, if baptism was a necessity instead of a symbol of entry, when we consider the other faith like islam and jewish , they don't have baptism, but yet, they are sincere people in those faiths who pray God faithfully and are also faithful to their religious services...I really can't say that God will kill those people because they were not baptized ..that's the christian point of view ..and I don't want to be exclusive myself .., but use my good reasoning ..what do you think of that ?
2007-01-14 19:13:41 · 8 answers · asked by bobby s 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe you are confused about much concerning Christianity. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It is an act done after salvation, and voluntarily. I don't believe you will find any reputable Biblical scholars who will say that it is a means for salvation.
Salvation is a gift from God through grace. It not something we earn or can work for. God chooses individuals for salvation, based on His good pleasure and grace. We have nothing to do with our salvation, and since we can do nothing to gain it, we can do nothing to lose it either. Sincerity in a belief system does not make it valid. Those who worshiped stone idols were very sincere as well, but died in their sins. Salvation is only available through Christ alone. The Bible clearly says that unless one dies justified through the work on the cross and clothed in the righteousness of Christ, he or she will die in their sins and face eternal judgment. It really doesn't matter what we think, or feel, or believe is right, what matters is what God says, and that is found in the words of Scripture.
2007-01-14 19:25:48 · answer #1 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a Christian is a choice and decision of the heart. Baptism does not matter if the person is not sincerely committed to God. It is not a requirement to get into heaven, but a symbolic and public display of your willingness to accept God in your life. If you do get baptized, and later on decide to stray from Christianity, the act of baptism will not guarantee you a place in heaven when you die.
2007-01-14 20:16:05 · answer #2 · answered by James C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being baptized by water isn't necessary to gain salvation. Once you become a christian, you are baptized with the Holy Spirit. Baptism by water is only to symbolise this. Once you are baptize by the Holy Spirit, you will always be a christian from that point onwards.
2007-01-14 19:27:47 · answer #3 · answered by A follower of Christ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetheart, from birth to now I've never been baptized but I know others who have and they're as loose as Hooker Heidi. A douse in a basin of water will probably enlighten a person, but not change their ways. In that grab bag, you only get about 6 out of 20 lucky winners.
2007-01-14 19:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Standing in a garage makes you no more of a car than being baptised makes you a Christian.
Supposedly, baptism is an outward act of an inner change.
2007-01-14 19:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, but for my sake I hope not. It's all just a bunch of hypocrisy.
2007-01-14 19:18:29 · answer #6 · answered by organasolo1977 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's only a matter of opinion ...
2007-01-14 19:18:30 · answer #7 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No
2007-01-14 19:21:33 · answer #8 · answered by Screamin' Banshee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋