Complicated baptism question...?

Question

Hypothetical situation:

I accepted Christ, was baptized, then fell away. Then I believed and accepted Christ again.

If the first baptism wasn't associated with the "real" belief...

Why not baptize infants? Same thing, just get it out of the way early...

Or should I get baptized each time I sin? Am I not forfeiting my salvation by walking away from God?

Answer 1

Let me tell you my own story. I think it may be helpful to you.

I was raised Pentecostal, and like many children I was pushed into a "decision" to accept Jesus at an absurdly young age (so young that I don't even remember it happening). A couple of years later I was baptized. It was not until a few years after that baptism, that the Gospel of Jesus was finally presented to me in a clear way that I could actually understand and claim for myself.

For several years I struggled with the fact that (1) I could not remember my "born-again experience," and (2) I didn't even understand the Gospel until *after* I was baptized. Based on the faulty and incomplete teaching I was receiving, I eventually concluded that I couldn't really be a Christian; and so in private I asked Jesus into my heart. Later I shared this with my family, and by my own choice I was re-baptized.

This re-baptism grieved me. I knew it was wrong even as it was taking place, for it was clear that that this "baptism" served no purpose but to prove something. This deep sense of the wrongness of my re-baptism has stuck with me ever since, and it led me to ask a lot of questions about *how* we are saved and what the true role of Baptism is.

This all led me to question whether a decision to accept Jesus can really be the start of our salvation at all, for a couple of reasons. First, if my re-baptism was wrong (as I was certain it was), then I was already a Christian--and yet, I remember no decision, and I could hardly have made such a decision at the age of 3. Second, if my decision was the start of my salvation, this would contradict a foundational principle of the Christian faith: That no action on our own part can save us.

When I finally discovered a church that rejected decision-based salvation, all the pieces began falling into place. My understanding of Baptism had been completely backwards. I have learned that Baptism is *not* a demonstration of my salvation; for if it were, then it would be a work on my own part to "prove something" to others. Rather, Baptism is *God's* work, performed through another Christian, to save me and bring me into His family.

So my first baptism really *was* my true baptism, even though I did not properly understand what was happening at the time. Since I did not understand, I could not have been making a valid decision, but that doesn't matter. God saved me, and my own understanding and assent followed.

And so I would say that your baptism was also completely valid. I don't know your whole story, so I don't know why you fell away for a time; but that doesn't matter. God saved you, and continues to save you. You were His even when you were running away, and to be re-baptized would be to deny the grace that He had already given you even when you were in sin.

And yes, this is exactly the same thing as baptizing infants, which is why we in the Lutheran Church do so. ;-)

Answer 2

One baptism for the remission of sin.

Once a person accepts and believes on Yahshua they have gained eternal life.

fini - done - nothing else

If a person does this and returns to a sinful way of life through mental, emotional, or spiritual sickness then they need repent by confession and return to living a life of the highest moral standards of thought and deed by which a Christian has when they receive the mind of Christ which comes through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

If a person water baptizes and this is done with a false heart and false motive it is still baptism. If a person then becomes a Christian they have received the baptism of water and do not need be baptized again.

Answer 3

Maybe you should find a Catholic priest with whom you can discuss the matter. Different groups of Christianity have different views on baptism. If you come from a Baptist congregation (which seems quite possible since it sounds like you were baptised at an age old enough to do it consciously and voluntarily) the belief is that one can only be baptized when one has declared for Christ for the ceremony to mean anything and thus infant baptism is invalid. However Catholics and other groups view baptism differently.

Answer 4

The purpose of baptism is to come in contact with the blood of Christ, spiritually speaking, so that your sins may be washed away. If you did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God or if you were not baptized for the remission of sins, and you went back into the world, then you need to start over again. This time find a Church of Christ in your area with vocal music, ask one of the elders to assist you in obeying the word of God the right way this time. Once you have done that, if you sin, all you need to do is confess that sin to God and He will continue to cleanse you from all sin and provide you with forgiveness. Hope this helps you.

Answer 5

The Bible says you need to be Baptized. It does not say how many times but most believe once is enough. If you want to do it again to show a renewal to Christ, that is a personal choice and nothing wrong with it. In my opinion, since it was not associated with the real belief you had, do it again. I am thinking about doing it again because I am no longer affiliated with the religion that I got Baptized with. God Bless you!

Answer 6

One per customer, I'm afraid. Baptism is a Sacrament by which we are "born again" of water and the spirit.

The Church has ALWAYS Baptized infants...it's only relatively recently (16th Century) that the some denominations don't.

By far, most of all of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.) still does.

Baptism marks a person for forever as "God's own". It conveys sacramental character.

Answer 7

The truth in baptism is to be baptized in Jesus Name. Acts 2:38. Receive the Holy Ghost. however it's not once saved always saved. you have to live right. it's a battle but it's more than worth it. Infants don't know better. Children aren't really baptized until they receive the Holy Ghost, they have to learn right and wrong.

I hope you find it all :0D

Answer 8

Getting baptized does not mean you are saved. It's just a ritual that is performed. You do not have to be baptized to be forgiven. I am a strong Christian and I'm sure of my final destination. I have also not been baptized. I'm not saying you shouldn't be baptized again either, it's just uneccessary. If you know you are saved, then you have definitly not forfeited your salvation.

Answer 9

there are a lot of questions in there... first why wasn't the first baptism associated with real belief... I don't think you would need to again... plus baptism is a symbol of your belief, not the method at witch you are "saved"... the infant thing you'll have to ask someone who believes its wrong... i hope that helps

Answer 10

The baptism is a public display of accountability, nothing more. Your salvation comes from God who recognizes your fallibility. The only perfect person was Christ, and just keep in mind all the areas you fall short in when you feel the urge to judge another person.