...yet most fundamental Christians believe that baptism is not essential for salvation. Why was Christ then baptized considering we are all sinners? How can Christians justify this belief?
2007-09-18 06:43:20 · 18 answers · asked by fbjohn117 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus Christ suffered to be baptized to provide us the example. If he being perfect had the need to be baptized, how much more need do we, being imperfect, have now?? Hence the importance of sacred ordinances, the priesthood, and organization. As a member of the LDS Church, I can tell you that baptism is in fact essential.
2007-09-18 06:51:05 · answer #1 · answered by RickNY 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I would not say that "most" fundamental Christians believe that baptism is not essential for salvation. The only denominations that I would consider to be "fundamentalist" are Baptists and Seventh-Day Adventists. Most others are "mainstream" (apostate, backslidden). The only denomination I've seen that is both fundamental AND does not believe in baptism is Pentecostal. That is because, to be truly "fundamental", you go only by what the Bible says, and the Bible is quite clear that baptism by immersion is the only method of baptism sanctioned by God and that every one who has accepted Christ should be publicly baptized if physically able to do so.
Christ was baptized for the benefit not of Himself, but for all those people who cannot, for one reason or another, be baptized, like the thief on the cross, or people on their deathbed, or aborted babies.
A Christian who refuses to be baptized is showing Christ that he is not willing to obey or follow Him - which is not really a Christian. Everyone in the NT, including the apostles and everyone they converted, were baptized by immersion immediately upon conversion.
2007-09-18 06:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why Did Jesus Get Baptized
2016-10-06 11:57:50 · answer #3 · answered by olaitan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ro 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Mt 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Baptizing them. The rite by which those who believe upon him should be formally enlisted and enrolled in the school of Christ is baptism. It is not a baptism of the Spirit that he means, because it is one that those whom he addresses are commanded to administer. He alone baptized with the Spirit; his apostles and disciples baptized in water, and it is to this rite that he refers. Hence, when we turn to the preaching of the apostles under this commission, we find that all converts were at once baptized.
The end or result of baptism is also given. Converts were to be baptized into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
2007-09-18 06:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism was an example. It is not necessary for salvation because the Bible CLEARLY states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Salvation is totally dependent upon God, and totally independent of our own works. Baptism is a good thing, and it is a symbol, an outward manifestation of our faith in Christ, but it has no saving power whatsoever. Christ was baptized to set an example that we as Christians would follow. This sacrament precedes partaking in the Lord's Supper/Communion/Eucharist. Baptism does not save....it has no regenerating or justifying power. There are plenty of people who go to heaven who have never been baptized.
2007-09-18 06:56:00 · answer #5 · answered by centerstage 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Christ was more than just a sinless man, he was fully God and fully human. His divinity was hidden; to most men he seemed to be a man just like them. He therefore did the things that any man is expected to do, to set an example. He was brought to the temple for a blessing when he was baby as Jewish law prescribed. He celebrated passover as Jewish law prescribed. And he was baptized, as all Christians are baptized. John himself protested, saying that it was Christ who should baptize him. John was right, but Christ insisted that John baptize him in order to show that the Son of God submits to the Father in all things. Even though he was sinless he humbled himself for a baptism by water; later he humbled himself further by submitting to death on a cross. All of these acts of humility were for our benefit, to teach us that if God himself can be humble than surely us mere humans should renounce our foolish pride.
2007-09-18 07:06:24 · answer #6 · answered by morkie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
John the baptist was baptizing people and jesus wanted to set a standard and leave an example for us to follow.
No. Baptism is not essential to be saved and get to heaven!
It is the next step after salvation to show commitment and recieve cleansing and new birth. :o)
2007-09-18 06:52:48 · answer #7 · answered by jojo9 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Jesus needed to get baptized so he would remember his previous life, his life in heaven! baptism is necessary!!! BUT if someone doesnt get baptized by pure ignorance that's a differnt story
2007-09-18 09:07:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Funny - Crossan said that the baptism of Jesus is the one detail of his life that is absolutely beyond contestation. If he hadn't been baptized by John, no one would have made it up.
2007-09-18 06:50:43 · answer #9 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wrong, Brian! Only a few churches believe you have to be baptized to get to heaven. Jesus was baptized to set an example. Christians do it as symbolic act, to represent one death but two lives. Buried into death but then born again into everlasting life. Furthremore, they baptize BELIEVERS, not newborn babies, and do it by immersion in water, not sprinkling a few drops on the head.
2007-09-18 06:54:35 · answer #10 · answered by Lil Greek Girl 3 · 5⤊ 2⤋