Are there correct and incorrect ways to be baptized?

Answer 1

Kait's answer at the top is very clear. According to the Bible, baptism is through/by immersion. The most important thing to remember, however, is that baptism DOES NOT save. We are saved by grace through faith alone. Whether a new believer is baptized or not will not change their standing before God. A new believer (someone who has repented of their sins and put their faith in Christ) who is sprinkled is just as solidly saved as one who is immersed. Baptism IS, however, an act of obedience and as Kait so eloquently stated, symbolic of a new believer's new life in Christ. Any denomination that states baptism is necessary for salvation does not stand completely on the Word of God. If baptism were required, then we would not be saved by grace through faith alone and works would then enter into our salvation. If that were the case, then we could, in effect, deserve salvation by our "work" of baptism.

Romans 10: 9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Ephesians 2:8-9"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Titus 3:5-7 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

That is what makes the gift of salvation so precious. There is nothing we can do to earn it or deserve it. Our salvation comes as a gift from God because of the love He has for all of us. But to receive His gift, we must first repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, believing that He died for our sins.

God bless

Answer 2

Baptism cannot be by sprinkling; it is presented in the New Testament as a full-immersion experience (this makes sense when you put it into the proper Jewish context: a baptism is a form of mikvah, or ritual cleansing bath). It can only be done after an individual has publicly professed faith and belief in Jesus Christ, and has repented from sin.

Any other way would be deemed incorrect by Protestants. Catholics see things differently.

EDIT: In response to "EverydayCatholic:" where there's a will, there's a way. Folks living in the desert DO submit to full immersion baptisms. Do a bit of research and you'll see this is not at all uncommon. Even a bathtub full of water is fine. Some of them travel for days, if necessary, in order to be baptized.

Answer 3

Different denominations have different views on this. And what is considered right in one, may not be viewed as right in another.
In the Lutheran church, the holy water is poured over the person's head, while the minister says "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". We also believe very strongly in infant baptism. Everyone is born sinful and thus needs to be baptized and reborn to Christ. It is our duty as parents and church member to ensure that the child is brought up believing and accepting what Jesus did for him or her.
It is not my place to say someone else's way is either right or wrong. It's just different and according to their beliefs. As for those that believe that you can ONLY be baptized by full immersion, I'm sure they will get quite a shock when they reach their heavenly home and we're all there as well! :)

Answer 4

Baptisms should really only be carried out by a Priest or Minister but in cases of certain death lay-people may administer Baptism by pouring water on the head of the person and saying; I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Answer 5

The Bible is very clear about baptism. There are two points we all need to understand. (1) Baptism is to take place after a person has received Jesus Christ as Savior, trusting in Him alone for salvation. (2) Baptism is to be by immersion. The word baptize literally means to "immerse / submerge in water." Baptism by immersion is the only method of baptism that adequately illustrates what baptism symbolizes - believers dying, being buried with Christ, and being raised to newness of life (Romans 6:3-4).

Answer 6

Jesus said that we must be born of water and the Spirit and commanded His Apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

To be a valid baptism, water must be used, though complete immersion is not necessary, and the baptism must be done in the name of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

If total immersion is necessary, then people who live in desert communities with not enough water to form a deep pool would be ineligible for baptism.

Answer 7

Hi, if u look at account of Jesus baptism in the scriptures at Matthew chapter 3 verse 13-17, u will notice that Jesus was an adult not a baby when he was baptized, also he came up out of the water which shows that he was fully immersed in water for his baptism. hope this helps

Answer 8

Full immersion and not before the age of 8.

gw

Answer 9

I'd say JC set the example. Full water immersion.

Answer 10

Try not to hold them underwater for more than 2 minutes.