Catholic -> Baptist

[KJNELLAMORE]

I have a question and I was urged to ask it here! I grew up Catholic- was baptised as an infant, received communion and confirmation. I consider myself 'saved' 6 years ago, and have been attending Baptist churches every since (now Southern Baptist). However, I was never 're-baptised'. Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?

[DawnTillery]

My daughter was baptised as an Infant at a Lutheran Church when she was four months old (i did it because her grandma insisted), although I didnt know much about what was right or wrong at that time
She is getting rebaptised June 26th at a baptist church.

I guess if your thinking about it, maybe the Holy Spirit is leading you?
You would need to talk to your pastor and im sure he can tell you exactly what is needed.

[TwinCrier]

Most Baptist churches only accept as members those who followed the Lord in ;believer's baptism' or baptism done as a conscious believer. It's not necessary for salvation, but if you're wanting to become a member, go for it.

[novcncy]

Most Baptist churches only accept as members those who followed the Lord in ;believer's baptism' or baptism done as a conscious believer. It's not necessary for salvation, but if you're wanting to become a member, go for it.

It's not necessary for salvation, but it was set up by God, and it's important to obey Him and it also serves to help you identify with your new life. Romans 6, Colossians 2

[Diane_Windsor]

However, I was never 're-baptised'. Is this something that is 'necessary'?

No, you do not have to get re-baptised.

How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?

Because of the autonomy of the local church each SBC church is different. My local church, for instance, would have you re-baptised by full immersion before they would accept you as a member. However, other SBC churches, may or may not have that requirment. I would advise that you speak to your pastor or deacon as to what their church's membership policy is.

Diane
:)

[ZiSunka]

I have a question and I was urged to ask it here! I grew up Catholic- was baptised as an infant, received communion and confirmation. I consider myself 'saved' 6 years ago, and have been attending Baptist churches every since (now Southern Baptist). However, I was never 're-baptised'. Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?

Ask your pastor about how to join the church. Each individual church may have its own procedure and requirements.

I encourage you to consider being "rebaptized." I was baptized catholic as an infant, but my adult rebaptism in 2000 meant everything to me. I'm very happy I did it. :)

[labellady]

I was 'sprinkled' as a teenager in a methodist church and had to be 'immersed' when I joined my church now. Every church has their own requirements, just ask your pastor or deacon.

[Ginny]

Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?


I feel it is necessary. God shows us through His word to be baptized after we accept Him as Lord and Savior. (see scripture below) Unless you accepted Christ when you were a wee little baby (which I know you did not :)) I would do so now.

Most important- pray and read your Bible- His ways are more important than ours...but here is the scripture from God's word....some are examples that you can learn from....Do what God's word shows you. I think the verses below shows you what you need to do...I am so excited for you!!!

You have already done the repent/confess/accept part! You are truly saved now..the next part is on obedience!

Matthew 3:6 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=3&verse=6&version=31&context=verse)
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River
Mark 1:5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=48&chapter=1&verse=5&version=31&context=verse)
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Acts 2:38 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=2&verse=38&version=31&context=verse)
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 2:41 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=2&verse=41&version=31&context=verse)
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 8:13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=8&verse=13&version=31&context=verse)
Simon himself believed and was baptized.
Acts 8:36 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=8&verse=36&version=31&context=verse)
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" [ Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]
Acts 19:4-6


4Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized into[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=19&verse=4&end_verse=6&version=31&context=context#fen-NIV-27578a)] the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues[b (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=19&verse=4&end_verse=6&version=31&context=context#fen-NIV-27579b)] and prophesied.

[constance]

Both my dad and my husband were re-baptized (dad was Presbyterian, hubby was Catholic). Both had amazing baptism experiences. This is something I feel terribly strongly about.

Please read my sig.

Constance

[RED that's ME]

Good post Ginny :angel:

[seekingpurity047]

Yes, props to ginny :) Exactly waht I was going to say.

[daveleau]

I have a question and I was urged to ask it here! I grew up Catholic- was baptised as an infant, received communion and confirmation. I consider myself 'saved' 6 years ago, and have been attending Baptist churches every since (now Southern Baptist). However, I was never 're-baptised'. Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?

Baptism in Protestant churches is a profession of faith that comes by your own choice. The baptism as a child was not of your own choice. God asks us to give this testimony and to do this symbolic gesture for Him. Since you have never been baptized by choice, then I would go ahead and do it, if you want to give this testimony.

To join most SB Baptist churches, you have to come
1) by letter from the past church saying that you are saved and baptized
2) by confession of faith and by saying you were previously baptized
3) baptism in that church

This set of rules regarding membership is a tradition that has no substantial root in Scripture, but which also does not contradict Scripture. The whole idea of church membership is something that was added after the first churches were established. I am not saying it is wrong, but simply saying that it is something we do that could be considered tradition.

[novcncy]

[QUOTE=daveleau]Baptism in Protestant churches is a profession of faith that comes by your own choice. The baptism as a child was not of your own choice. God asks us to give this testimony and to do this symbolic gesture for Him. Since you have never been baptized by choice, then I would go ahead and do it, if you want to give this testimony.
[\QUOTE]

Dave, I hate to snipe, but there a couple issues here.

1. Many Baptist's (I'm one of 'em) don't consider ouselves Protestants.
2. Your first two sentences contradict each other. Many Protestansts (Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians(sp?)/Anglicans and who knows who else) practice infant baptism, hence....this topic on the board.

Regards

[White Horse]

I feel like it needs to be a conscious decision as an act of obedience.

[Ginny]

I don't get it.

You read God's word.

Everyone should come to the same conclusion. I do not feel this is a gray area.

[mesue]

I have a question and I was urged to ask it here! I grew up Catholic- was baptised as an infant, received communion and confirmation. I consider myself 'saved' 6 years ago, and have been attending Baptist churches every since (now Southern Baptist). However, I was never 're-baptised'. Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?
Baptism is not mandatory for salvation.
Jesus was baptized and He was not in need of salvation.
I to was born into a Catholic family and baptized as an infant.
When I was born again and studied out what the Bible has to say about baptism, I was baptized in the Baptist church. Should I ever change churches (denominations) which I highly doubt, I won't get baptized again. The baptism in the Baptist church was my public testimony that I
1.) Believe that Jesus Christ suffered, died, was buried and on the third day arose and is alive and currently seated at the right hand of the Father.
and
2.) Will live to follow and serve Him.

I would not have lost my salvation if I chose not to be baptised, but I don't think my ministry would be effective if I didn't.
Just something for you to consider.
Jesus did not begin His ministry until He was baptized. And after He was baptized God was "Well pleased."

[bleechers]

I don't believe baptism in any form is for the present church, but even if you believe baptism is for the church today, it can't possibly be for infants.

Philip clearly tells the Ethipian who wishes to be baptized that he could only be baptized if he "believes with all his heart." No baby believes with all his heart.

Furthermore, when Cornelius believes he is indwelt by the Holy Spirit before he is baptized, Baptism cannot possibly be associated with salvation.

Salvation is clearly a free gift and baptism is clearly separate from the gospel. The gospel is called "the power of God unto salvation to all who believe," yet Paul separates baptism from the gospel when he said that he was sent to "preach the gospel" and not to baptize.

[GreenEyedLady]

Paul separates baptism from the gospel when he said that he was sent to "preach the gospel" and not to baptize.


ewwww that is a GOOD point!!!!!!!!!

[arunma]

Is this something that is 'necessary'? How would I go about 'joining' my Southern Baptist church?

I think that in order to join the SBC, you must be baptized as a believer. As for necessity, I'm not certain what you mean. But if you're asking what I think you're asking: no, you won't go to hell if you don't get baptized. We don't believe that baptism is a salvation issue. But we think that you should still be baptized as a believer.

I don't believe baptism in any form is for the present church, but even if you believe baptism is for the church today, it can't possibly be for infants.

Woah now; Jesus instituted baptism as a lasting ordinance. I think that the ordinance is of utmost importance. The church has always baptized new believers (and incidentally, the idea of believers-only baptism dates back to Tertullian). I think it's an incorrect doctrine to say that baptism is no longer necessary.

[bleechers]

Woah now; Jesus instituted baptism as a lasting ordinance. I think that the ordinance is of utmost importance. The church has always baptized new believers (and incidentally, the idea of believers-only baptism dates back to Tertullian). I think it's an incorrect doctrine to say that baptism is no longer necessary.

Always is a long time. ;)

What baptism did Jesus initiate? If you are referring to Matthew 28 then you cannot say it has been practiced. You will not find anyone in the Acts who baptizes in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. They all baptize in the name of Jesus only. Jesus also promised that miracles would follow those who believe (Mk 16) heal anybody with your shadow or raise anyone from the dead lately? ;)

In the Epsitle to the Ephesians, Paul says that there remained only "one baptism" and that it was a spiritual baptism into the "one new man."

[daveleau]

[QUOTE=daveleau]Baptism in Protestant churches is a profession of faith that comes by your own choice. The baptism as a child was not of your own choice. God asks us to give this testimony and to do this symbolic gesture for Him. Since you have never been baptized by choice, then I would go ahead and do it, if you want to give this testimony.
[\QUOTE]

Dave, I hate to snipe, but there a couple issues here.

1. Many Baptist's (I'm one of 'em) don't consider ouselves Protestants.
2. Your first two sentences contradict each other. Many Protestansts (Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians(sp?)/Anglicans and who knows who else) practice infant baptism, hence....this topic on the board.

Regards

I agree with your point 1. I will have to do some research on point 2. I was not aware. Thanks.
Dave

[Diane_Windsor]

I don't believe baptism in any form is for the present church, but even if you believe baptism is for the church today, it can't possibly be for infants.

Salvation is clearly a free gift and baptism is clearly separate from the gospel. The gospel is called "the power of God unto salvation to all who believe," yet Paul separates baptism from the gospel when he said that he was sent to "preach the gospel" and not to baptize.

What about the Great Commission?

Matthew 28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028&version=31)
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028&version=31#fen-NIV-24212a)] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

diane
:wave:

[bleechers]

What about the Great Commission?

Matthew 28
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Show me where anybody does this in the NT. You can't because nobody does. This is a futire command for Israel to baptize "nations."

There are numerous things Jesus "commanded" that we do not do simply because He wasn't talking to us. You really do not want to follow EVERYTHING Jesus commanded (and we don't).

:)

This happened along with Matthew 28: "He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God... when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel'?"

Many of Jesus' commands were for the coming earthly kingdom in Israel. This is what Jesus was teaching them. He was teaching them about the kingdom promised to Israel as far back as the Abrahamic Covenant. Surely after 40 days of teaching on the kingdom itself by Jesus himself, they would only ask their question ("are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?") if that is what they'd been discussing for 40 days.

Peter apparently didn't interpret Matthew 28 this way, for he never baptized anyone in the name of the trinity and he was shocked when a gentile got saved. In fact, ALL the disciples were shocked when a gentile got saved (Acts 10).

[mesue]

Show me where anybody does this in the NT. You can't because nobody does. This is a futire command for Israel to baptize "nations."

There are numerous things Jesus "commanded" that we do not do simply because He wasn't talking to us. You really do not want to follow EVERYTHING Jesus commanded (and we don't).

:)

This happened along with Matthew 28: "He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God... when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel'?"

Many of Jesus' commands were for the coming earthly kingdom in Israel. This is what Jesus was teaching them. He was teaching them about the kingdom promised to Israel as far back as the Abrahamic Covenant. Surely after 40 days of teaching on the kingdom itself by Jesus himself, they would only ask their question ("are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?") if that is what they'd been discussing for 40 days.

Peter apparently didn't interpret Matthew 28 this way, for he never baptized anyone in the name of the trinity and he was shocked when a gentile got saved. In fact, ALL the disciples were shocked when a gentile got saved (Acts 10).
I agree

[JPPT1974]

What about the Great Commission?

Matthew 28 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028&version=31)
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028&version=31#fen-NIV-24212a)] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

diane
:wave:

Once we are baptized, we are baptized from all of our sins and arised to the glory and the new body in the Lord!!