Is it necessary for salvation? If not, why do Jesus and the disciples command converts to be baptized? They don't just suggest it, they command it. What is so important about baptism?
2007-11-24 10:26:36 · 20 answers · asked by Sam 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
So why is declaration of your faith so important to Jesus? Like I said, he commanded converts to get baptized.
2007-11-24 10:30:12 · update #1
Baptism is important as the sign that one has been justified by faith and as the public declaration of one’s faith in Christ and membership in a local body of believers, it is not the means of remission or forgiveness of sins. Repentance leads to forgiveness of sin.
It must be understood that baptism is the beginning of a race towards the Kingdom of God; it is not just a token of having changed churches and beliefs, nor is it a passive entrance into a relaxed life of easy-going adherence to a few vaguely stated Christian principles. Baptism associates us in an on-going sense with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:3-5) - occasions full of ultimate dynamism in every way.
2007-11-24 10:34:14 · answer #1 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is symbolic of repentance. Repentance means one is sorry for "whatever" they have done or said that is or was wrong, so they stop or change from their wrong doings. We cant have salvation until we "really desire to follow Jesus and live the way that He has commanded us to live." So, Baptism symbolizes that people have asked GOD for Forgiveness of their sin(s), and that they've made a Commitment to follow JESUS. Baptism is an INWARD & OUTWARD sign of Good Changes in our attitudes that lead to Good Changes in our daily lives. This action shows GOD that we are "Willing and Want to be COMMITTMENT to HIM through JESUS via THE HOLY SPIRIT." It shows others that as Christians we're NOT ASHAMED to do GODS WILL or COMMANDS infront of others, whether saved or unsaved (smile)! Also, letting our lights shine infront of others may bring someone else to JESUS or Encourage someone whose already saved. Please read the following scriptures (maybe they can help), Matt. 3: 7-11 and Matt. 28: 19-21.
2007-11-24 11:25:16 · answer #2 · answered by cheryl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism, the use of water and God's Word, washes away original sin, the sin that we are all born with. It instills the Holy Spirit in us so that God can work his salvation in us.
As far as necessary for salvation, remember that the dying thief on the cross next to Jesus was saved, and was not baptized. Salvation comes from faith in Christ, that he died and rose for the forgiveness of the sins of the world.
2007-11-24 10:33:30 · answer #3 · answered by Nick Name 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey Sage, You are a very organic thinker. You seek correction and that is the first sign of a soul that is not withering and dying. The Old Testament is a family history and a promise. This is why when you read through parts of it there is so much attention spent to the details of how long people live and their progeny. It is a Royal seed line from Mother Eve to Mother Mary. Mother Mary was from both the tribe of the king and the tribe of the priesthood. Judah and Levi respectively. A Priest of the tribe of Levi was to be baptized by the age of 30 in most cases. (Numbers 4:3) The reason Jesus Christ walked this earth is because man will not follow something he can't see. Even though God wanted to lead us and be our King, we desired what we could see with our flesh eyes. For this iniquity, Jesus Christ suffered. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was sent to us to be received as King of kings and Lord of lords. Instead of being received, he was nailed to a cross and made to suffer when He had never sinned. By trying to murder an innocent soul, satan destroyed himself. Trying to bring death to the sinless is like trying to make a square circle. It is not allowed. Nowhere in scripture does it say He did not perform miracles before His baptism. Be careful not to insert your own ideas into the Word of God. Trying to "read between the lines" is no different than just reading something else. You might as well read a comic book if you plan on inserting your vain agendas and goals into your study. I hope that helped.
2016-05-25 06:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The believer is saved by grace alone,by trusting
Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.The
saved persons next step is obedience to
God by baptism by immersing.Baptism is a picture of the death,burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.Jesus
wasn't a sinner,but he was baptized.By this
anyone should know that water has no power
to save.Baptism is apart from salvation.
2007-11-24 10:50:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is an initiation rite for Christians, as circumcision is for Jews.
For some, baptism is necessary for salvation (Baptismal regeneration); for others not (It is an outward sign of an inward reality; i.e., that you are saved already from the penalty of sin through faith in Jesus Christ).
2007-11-24 10:32:03 · answer #6 · answered by Averell A 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Baptism is the washing of original sin. Everyone is believed to inherit this original sins from the descendents before us (Adam and Eve for sinning after they ate the apple in the garden of Eden)
So, holy water is used usually when a baby is a few months old to wash away the original sin it was born with.
It's a sacrament that also shows your acceptance to God, that's why many have a God mother or father (even both) to answer for the child recieving it if he/she are to young to understand and say it for themself.
Edit: Also, he probably told converts to be baptized to show their acceptance to God and that they are to follow him.
2007-11-24 10:30:13 · answer #7 · answered by Steph 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In my religion getting babtized is a symbol of my dedication to Jehovah God. It is a promise to live your life according to him and his laws.
The act of babtism is also a statement to all around you that you intend to dedicate your life to Jehovah and that you are putting on the new personality, changing your life, and committing to doing what is right.
Truthfully, you should not ever get babtized unless your willing to agree to those terms. You never want to do something just because it is the accepted thing. Babtizm is a serious decision that should be made with prayer and guidance. Good for you for questioning something before just doing it!
Good luck, and take care,
Guardianofthemoon
2007-11-24 10:32:42 · answer #8 · answered by guardianofthemoon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is an act of obedience to God following the salvation experience.
2007-11-24 10:29:35 · answer #9 · answered by Seeno†es™ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Baptism represents dying to a former course of life and starting anew as one who belongs to God and is dedicated to worship him.
It is a vital part of putting on the "new personality" and becoming a true Christian.
2007-11-24 10:32:07 · answer #10 · answered by eliz_esc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋