What is the significance of getting baptised? Does it change you as a christian?

Question

(please, serious answers only!)

I'm 17, I've been a christian for about 8 months and I go to a Baptist church. I've seen two other friends getting baptised and knew I would do it one day.

The problem is I've been battling with my faith and I really want to believe but I'm finding it alot to grasp lately. I'm guessing I should be completely certain before taking that step.

Why is baptism such a big deal? Does it change you at all, or bring you closer to God?

Also, whats the deal with being baptised of the Holy Spirit?

Faith is the most important thing, Baptism isn't essential but I think its still important. It won't stop you from getting into heaven if you aren't baptised. Well thats what I think...

My parents aren't Christian so I haven't had any pressure to do this from my family!

Answer 1

As Christians we are trying to follow the example that Jesus Christ set for us, and he set the example of baptism when he was baptized. If he needed to be baptized, then why not us? Also, when we are baptized we make promises with God. In the scriptures it tells us that baptism is symbolic of the atonement of Christ. My baptism was one of the most important days of my life. I was baptized 2 years ago into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the feeling I felt on the day of my baptism was so amazing that I have a hard time describing it in words. You can not enter into the kingdom of heaven without baptism. I know that increased my testimony that there is a God and that he loves me. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit is when you are confirmed by the laying on of hands. This is when priesthood holders lay their hands upon your head and bless you and give you the gift of the holy ghost. You then have the chance for the spirit to always be with you so that it can guide you in the decisions you make. It is also important.

Answer 2

Baptism is an outward sign to show that you are a believer in Jesus . Being born again means your sins are washed away ,Baptism is the physical body immersed in the water ( gospel ) and raised up out of water ( resurrected like Christ ) Baptizing Infants is useless they don't know what is being done .And baptism does not mean it's the only way to get to heaven . If it was then why did Jesus suffer so much , shed his innocent blood and die on the cross for then ?

Answer 3

Yes, baptism is significant.

It is through Baptism that we are "born again" (or "born from above") of "water and of the Spirit" (John 3:3-5). Read the entire chapter of John 3 which speaks of being "born again" and please note that it is all about Baptism. Despite what some Protestants believe, being "born again" doesn't mean "having an emotional high" or "making a decision for Christ," though these are fine and good, the latter being necessary after the age of reason; being "born again" very clearly refers to Baptism of water and of the Spirit. This regeneration of water and Spirit is necessary to enter the Kingdom of God:

Right from the beginning, as soon as the Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost, water and Spirit went hand in hand: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

http://www.fisheaters.com/baptism.html

Additional Details: I was at Mass this evening and when we recite the creed we say "we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Just thought I'd mention this...baptism is about forgiving sin, not a profession of faith.

Answer 4

The person who has come to believe, must repent and dedicate his/her life to eternal service of God. That person must have faith in the ransom sacrifice God provided through his son Jesus.
^^^^
16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
^^^^^^

Once this is established, the person must begin to produce works befitting repentance. One of these works is baptism.

Baptism is equalled to Noah's ark, and thus is shown to be what God counts as a saving act. Without baptism that publicly state to the world and God -- you cannot get saved.
^^^^^^^^
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV)
^^^^^^^^
Baptism as you phrase it, by the Holy Spirit - refers to being born again.

Here the Baptist church teachings and the Bible are a bit in contention. (big subject)

The same goes for the teaching of the trinity teaching, it is not true. So, do you really want to be baptized into a triune God if this is not so?

See the many pages about the trinity here:
http://www.bythebible.page.tl/
http://bythebible.page.tl/Trinity_Athanasian-Creed.htm
http://bythebible.page.tl/Born-Again.htm

Answer 5

The Bible says in Acts 2:38 that we are to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. It will get rid of your sin nature that you were born with. You will actuallyy feel that burden of sin missing when you get out of that baptismal! The Holy Ghost is the renewal of our dead spirit. This is what Jesus Christ was talking about in St. John 3:5. When we speak in an unknown language, we have it. This is one of the signs that St. Mark gives us in his Gospel 16:17. Acts 2:4 says that the Spirit gives utterance and that is a characteristic of the Holy Ghost. Any questions, go to the scriptures, they will tell tou everything that you need to know.

Answer 6

Baptism in a public acknowlegment that you believe in Jesus. The kind of faith that saves is the faith that speaks and acts in accordance with the Lord's commands.

"go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" Mt 28:19,20

"When the people heard this (the gospel), they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:37,38

Therefore you should be asking, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?" Acts 8:36

What prevents you from being baptized?

Answer 7

Firstly being baptised with the Holy Spirit is when you accept the Holy Spirit in your heart and life.

Water baptism is where you follow scripture and its a way of identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Its is a way of separating yourself from the world and really saying "I'm Chrst's"!! Anytime you need to talk, just email/message and we can discuss further...

Anyway take care, God bless!

Answer 8

Since your a baptist (so am i) then baptism is a part of your religion. It doesn't change you, if anything it brings you closer to God. The purpose of baptism is to signify that you have already taken a step of faith by getting saved. so it's the next step to show that you truly want to be like jesus. and that you are committed to loving him, just like he loves you.

Answer 9

Most (I'm not sure if all) Christian groups presume baptism the only absolute prerequisite for going to heaven. So according to them, it's the first and technically most essential step in saving your soul.

Answer 10

when you are baptised, that means you are recognising God, and putting him first in your life. You need to be certain that this is the right religion and that they are teaching you what the Bible has to say. You need to live your life as God has pointed out in his word. Being baptised by the holy spirit means that God is putting his spirit on you and you must follow in his footsteps, and live your life as he directs. If you are not certain, than check with other religions to see if one is teaching the Bible better than the other ones.