Is adult baptism required

[Severian]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?

[JimfromOhio]

Baptism of believers is crucial for three reasons.
1. Christians must imitate the man that led a perfect life and follow his example of baptism.
2. The Bible commands Christians to be baptized in numerous places throughout.
3. Baptism is a symbol, not only of the death, burial, and resurrection, but also of individual rebirth.

Why do Christians get baptized? Basically, knowing that Jesus lived the exemplary Christian life, Christians must realize that they are to follow Jesus and be baptized like him. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. The story of Jesus’ baptism is told in the third chapter of Matthew. Not only does God provide a perfect man for Christians to model their lives after, but God also commands us in the scripture to be baptized. In Acts, Peter tells believers living then and now, to “repent and be baptized.”

To me baptism is a symbol. Baptism is essential not only to obey the Lord’s commands, but also to show an outward sign of inward growth. Baptism is a public confession of the Lordship of Christ in an individual’s life. A verse in Matthew says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my father in heaven” (NIV). Arguably, baptism also depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and the believer.

This is my belief as well as with many Anabaptist & Baptist denominations that baptism is not essential for salvation but demonstration of our faith in God.

[Diane_Windsor]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?

No. Everyone is free to worship at the Baptist churches that I have visited.

Diane
:wave:

[graysparrow]

I have been a couple of times in a baptist church even though I was baptized catholic as an infant. But that was one church.

[Stinker]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?

They are required to be baptized (immersed) as an adult if they have not been already, if they want to be members of the Baptist Church.
If they have already been immersed with the understanding that it was to be saved, then the Baptist Church will re-baptize that person in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Mt.18:19)

[Flynmonkie]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?

No, of course you can fellowship and worship with Baptists even if you are not baptized! However, my experience, becoming a member of a church is not allowed unless you publicly profess in this manner. Which at times bothers me.

I belong to a Baptist church, and I love witnessing others being baptized, however it does not save anyone. To me it is a sign of fellowship amongst like-minded believers.

[mesue]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?
No, but once you see the Biblical doctrine of it you may want to.

[bleechers]

I was baptized as an infant in the RCC. When I was saved I was baptized as an adult in the Assemblies of God. I now work at a Baptist college and worship at a Baptist local church... if I wanted to officially join, my adult baptism would be accepted.

Oddly enough, I don't believe in baptism for the present church, but since I have already been immersed, I could still join. :)

[arunma]

If someone wants to worship with Baptists are they required to be baptized as an adult?

At my church, no. Anyone can come to our congregation and worship with us. They don't need to be adult baptized, or even Christian. In fact, we'd love to have non-Christians visit us as often as possible.

If someone wants to become a member of our church, they probably should be adult baptized. Of course, most people join a church because they agree with its doctrines, so I don't see why a prospective member would ever wish to not be baptized as an adult.

[Happy to be His]

You don't have to be baptised to worship with baptist.......but it is a requirement once you acept Christ. You would be following in His steps..

[mesue]

You don't have to be baptised to worship with baptist.......but it is a requirement once you acept Christ. You would be following in His steps..
It is not a requirement once you accept Christ. I didn't have to be Baptized once I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, but once I learned of the Biblical doctrine of baptism, I couldn't help but to be baptized. The thief on the Cross was not baptized. And yet today he is in Paradise.