My Uncle seems to think he can Baptise himself because it is between you and God not people. But I think you need people around to be baptised. What does its say about it?
2007-07-21 19:40:02 · 7 answers · asked by Mashu 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good question, but there are church guidelines on this rite.
2007-07-21 20:16:20 · answer #1 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Malum Quod,
i think you may need to explore a little deeper as to why your uncle does not want to be baptized with other believers present.
i think biblically: if anyone was qualified to baptize himself it would have been Jesus and yet he went to John the Baptist to demonstrate obedience. If Jesus needed someone else to baptize him-- that's a good model to follow.
Secondly baptism is identifying with the death and resurrection of Christ- it should be done in a community because you are publicily delcaring your faith and desire to follow Christ- and the community of Christ is there to not only celebrate the Baptism but to hold you accountable to the commitment that you've made. It seems unusual that your uncle would think he could do it himself.
Thirdly it seems that most Baptisms are performed by Pastors- is your uncle a Pastor?
Most incidents of Baptism in the Bible are never alone- and while the Bible never specifically says Baptism needs to be in the presence of other believers- the Bible has much to say about the importance of other believers- and so i would really speak to your uncle about that issue. People who get baptized are expressing a desire to identify and live for Christ- and living for Christ happens in community (so i would explore that area a little deeper).
Hope that helps. Kinldy,
Nickster
2007-07-21 19:55:58 · answer #2 · answered by Nickster 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing magical about water baptism.
Paul states there is one faith and one baptism; the one that counts is this one, and it is a baptism of the Spirit. Your uncle can no more baptize himself with the Spirit than can a cat.
Baptism by the Holy Spirit is a promised event to those who turn to God and believe the gospel. Very few even know what the gospel is and the implications of it.
.
2007-07-21 19:49:31 · answer #3 · answered by Hogie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is not a requirement of salvation.
Your dog can baptise you and it will still make no difference.
2007-07-21 19:44:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The model of baptism as shown by the bible by water that is was always done by another believer if he belongs to a group of believers then he should have no problem with having them their to support him.
2007-07-21 19:46:11 · answer #5 · answered by disciple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Baptist religion did't exist until thousands of years after religion came about. An explanation of what happened is created by that religion and they cut their cheese any way that they want.
2007-07-21 19:53:55 · answer #6 · answered by liberty11235 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although you can do it on your own you really need to understand that this a seriously mistranslated ancient text.
You see, at some point the priests of the middle ages mistranslated "Golden Showers" into baptism.
2007-07-21 19:47:10 · answer #7 · answered by Atrum Animus AM 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋