I recently understand that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord that He also was water baptized for us. That is why when the thief on the cross confessed he was a sinner, that Jesus was innocent & confessed Jesus Lord & King, that Jesus said to this thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise.". The thief was then made the righteousness of Christ. He is the first person who was born of God, receiving the atonement for his sins & made the righteousness of Christ.
(I do believe we should be water baptized in obedience to Jesus when we confess Jesus Lord & believe in our heart He raised from the dead.)
2007-12-27 15:59:29 · 12 answers · asked by LottaLou 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
SouthernApostolic, Jesus shed His blood on the cross. On the cross Jesus said, "It is finished!". And the veil ripped.
Before the cross, Jesus said, 'Drink of this fruit of the vine, this is my blood that is shed for the remission of sins for many.". It is Jesus atonement that washes away our sins.
2007-12-27 16:35:50 · update #1
Isolde, Those who baptized for the dead in the NT didn't believe in the resurrection. So? They were cultists, not Christians. The thief on the cross believed in Jesus Kingdom. He asked our Lord Jesus to remember him.
2007-12-28 15:48:24 · update #2
I think your question makes a strong case for covenant theology. If Jesus was an "example only" and baptism isn't necessary, then there should have been no commandment to be baptized in the Great Commission . It should have been a Great Suggestion instead.
Christ INSTITUTED baptism, He didn't just set an example. Both circumcision and baptism had to do with sins. The former signified a cutting off, the latter would be a washing away. Yes, Christ fulfilled the law. But the promise of God would remain, as the same "stamp of approval" of God, given to Abraham and his descendants (although God was in charge of who those decendants were, mind you), meaning the Israelites in the Old Testament, and Christians in the New.
As with circumcision, baptism is not "insurance." God loved Jacob but hated Esau, a reminder of His authority even though both were circumcised. And Jesus also had authority in accepting a thief who was in all probability neither circumcised nor baptized.
2007-12-28 01:25:12 · answer #1 · answered by ccrider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. He said to go out and individually baptize. The theif on the cross went to paradise. His baptism was by proxy in the manner Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 15: 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
2007-12-27 16:15:33 · answer #2 · answered by Isolde 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I believe that baptism and salvation are separate things for a Christian.
Salvation is a free gift to anyone with or without baptism.
Romans 10:9 - 10
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
I believe that baptism is a personal choice that Christians make to publicly declare their loyalty to Christ.
Romans 6-3-4
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Baptism is symbolic. It should also be a wonderful experience for you, if you feel comfortable doing it at your Church, I highly recommend it. Invite your friends and family, to be witnesses, and to share the moment with you. God Bless!
2007-12-27 16:26:52 · answer #3 · answered by Dan S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was water baptized as an example just as he washed the feet of the apostles as an example for us to follow. Listen we are suppose to be baptized by water but your church may not do it. But you can find a church that does but many have not had water baptism and the Lord knows their hearts. The water baptism is really an outward expression of an inward change. God bless you in your walk
2007-12-27 16:03:16 · answer #4 · answered by furgetabowdit 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thief was before the resurrection, so he was not under the commandment of baptism. Accepting the Lord is not a bible doctrine. You have to obey Acts 2:38 which commands baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. This is how you get your sins washed away. You cannot use an example from before the church was born to base your doctrine on. You need to do what the bible says.
2007-12-27 16:17:05 · answer #5 · answered by Southern Apostolic 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Water baptism was not a fixture of Judiasm. There is a commandment for ritual bathing after menstrual periods or after a person had been found not afflicted with a leprosy-type infection.
Washing was a symbolic act to signify that the person who washed was in a higher frame of mind to engage in religious activities or eat food.
2007-12-27 16:12:20 · answer #6 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some deferent between John baptism and God baptism
Mt 3:11
11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
2007-12-27 16:12:04 · answer #7 · answered by Mosa A 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You have to understand that Baptism is a outward show of an inward work.
All that happens when you are Baptized you are declaring that I am a child of God, but you don"t have to be Baptized to be saved.
2007-12-27 16:06:11 · answer #8 · answered by Cookyduster 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
*Sigh*, I am not one who is convinced that water baptism is a MUST for salvation, tho I am baptized.... Jesus was baptized because He was fulfilling the Priesthood, just as Jewish law required..... The thief was made righteous in FAITH not because he was baptized .... so I believe it is for us all...... go in peace..... God bless
2007-12-27 16:12:16 · answer #9 · answered by Annie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is not required for salvation, but is symbolic of one's death to sin and being raised under the new life in Christ.
2007-12-27 16:06:11 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan H 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋