Do You believe that You should be baptized in water again if You change Churches?

Question

I have found a few Churches that do this if You came from a different Denomination.

Answer 1

Devon,

Just to clarify things, there is no biblical teaching that one should be baptized by immersion. There is not a single example in all of Scriptures of one being baptized in this way. The Church has never taught or practiced that this is the only way to baptize but allows pouring also. The only early instructions on baptism are contained in the non-canonical book the "Didache". I pray this helps your understanding and that you will not continue to spread this error in teaching.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Rhonda,

Contrary to what you have been taught the Bible does not say nor do the examples indicate that only believers should be baptized. TheBible has several examples of whole families being baptized many of whom must have been infants. There is no forbidding of infant baptism, in fact the contrary as Jesus himself said: “But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these."

It is unfortunate that you did not believe that God’s grace delivered to you, as well as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; was sufficient to keep you within the body of Christ. It was as evidenced by His one sacrifice for all.

David L,

You are teaching in error, baptism is necessary according to Jesus, "Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5)


wise 1,

Contrary to what you believe we are all sinners in thought, word and deed. Babies are born with original sin and baptism removes that sin so that they may indeed be saved as well as all others. Jesus forbid not allowing children into the Body of Christ

Answer 2

A person should only be baptized in water around the general time when they believe they have absolutely become born again and also recieved the Holy Spirit, also refered to as the Comforter by Jesus. This is done as a symbol or representation of salvation as a statement to the congregation of one's salvation. Salvation is not dependent upon weather I go to the Southern Baptist Church on this corner, or the New Alliance Christian Church on that corner. The statement is made once. So if your congregation says you need to get baptized again, say I already made my profession of faith at my previous church and one does not become saved at various times (some believe that is possible but that is based on a fundamental error and lack of understanding of salvation and the Bible). However if it is the case (as has been with probably a significant number) that once you thought you were saved but were not, then came to the realization that now you have become saved, then you can get baptized again if you feel compelled to do so. If you were baptized as an infant and had no knowledge or were not saved at that time, then you should be baptized again (it is not necessary but when you become saved you will find that you want to and it is according to God's plan, it is part of the process of signifying to the congregation). But under no circumstances is it a requirement for salvation or a step for salvation. A good analogy is when you get that sheep skin or piece of paper that states you have completed a degree and graduated, it is a sign to the members of the institution.

Answer 3

That decision is totally up to you. I was baptized as an infant (well, a toddler), but I came to believe that in the Bible, only believers are baptized. In the Bible, when somebody was publicly baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they immediately became identified as followers of the Way (Christianity), and were instantly marked since Christians were persecuted. So, to be baptized came with the acknowledgment that you could be killed for your faith, and it was a public baptism, which meant you didn't care -- you believed it so strongly that you didn't care who knew it. It seemed to me that much of the meaning was taken out if you were baptized before you even KNEW Christ -- let alone could say you believed in Him.

BUT, I know some strong Christians who were baptized as infants and never got re-baptized as believers. It isn't the baptism which saves anyway, it is the Cross, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I DEFINITELY do not believe that one needs to be baptized more than once in a believer's baptism. I look at it like my first baptism was a dedication, and my second baptism was the believer's baptism. I've been told the believer's baptism didn't count because it was not done by a minister, it was done in a private residence, with witnesses. But, I would never get baptized again -- the one who baptized me was instrumental in saving me and I believe God is happy enough about it.

Answer 4

I really do not believe this, but, many Churches do. Figure once a person Baptized that all that matter. Also, I feel any Christian can Baptize a person, seen this before and had no problem with it. But, again, seems the Churches think you need a Preacher to Baptize you. I not need a Preacher, I need Jesus. But, that my opinion to your question.

Answer 5

Baptism is symbolic. It symbolizes forgivness of your sins. No body has to be baptized at all to earn God's love. You just have to accept that God forgives you and BE forgiven for your sins.

It is completely unnecesary for babies to be baptized, as they are born perfect and also cannot yet understand either symbolism or sin. It just seems as a perfect way to guilt parents into building a bigger church.

If you live life as a consumate sinner, I'd suggest that you get re-baptized, maybe several times until it sticks, because you should be able to let the Holy Spirit of God guide you until you don't sin any longer. God will help you, only if you allow it.

God is not a belief. I am above belief. I know God.

Answer 6

As long as you were baptized the Bible way (by immersion) it is not really necessary to be baptized again unless you choose to. Some do if they have not walked with the Lord for awhile and then return to Him. Remember, we are baptized into the family of God first and then join the church of our conviction.

Answer 7

It depends. Baptism is only valid if performed by someone of proper authority. If you're leaving a sect, doesn't that mean you feel the old sect was wrong, hence didn't have proper authority?

Having said that, there is a reunification movement going on where most sects recognize baptisms performed by most other sects. The biggest exceptions are that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't recognize baptisms performed by other sects, and most other sects don't recognize LdS baptisms.

Answer 8

no you don't need to do that. Unless you were baptized as an infant, that would be significant....other than that....baptism is supposed to be a step of faith... you don't need to do it over again for different churches....as much as you wouldn't need to buy a new church wardrobe for each church.

Answer 9

Given the certainty that Nicodemus, who became a discovered guy, had subject information the thought, i could suspect that the effortless guy had a lots better situation. bear in mind additionally that Jesus preached an intensive theory. All will agree that the thought is radical now in the twenty-first century, so that that is going to think of the way it became won in the 1st and 2nd centuries. i could additionally think of that the right information concerning this coaching, could be better researched with those like Polycarp, a disciple of John, who discovered the spoken custom, which may well be lots extra precise as they won it at as quickly as from the Apostle. it may be worth to observe that the message, whilst no longer completely understood, became nonetheless won nicely as evidenced by way of the artwork of John the Baptist. it type of feels that whilst the "mechanics" became no longer nicely understood, the will of the promise became, and nonetheless is. there are cases while "childlike faith" receives the pastime completed, even now. Peace and be nicely.

Answer 10

I always found baptisms to be kind of offensive especially when it's for infants.