Baptism question #1

[Freedom&Light]

Hi everyone! :)

My mom and I were having a conversation last night about baptism (though neither of us attend anymore, we both lean heavily to the CofC). For her, it is more important that one be baptized by immersion than it is for the baptism to be viewed as regenerative. I feel the opposite, that the mode of baptism isn't as important as the message behind it, of being buried with Christ, and rising again a new, sinless creature.

What do you think? Which is more important for you?

[crawfish]

I vote "other". I think the MOST important thing is the obedience behind it.

However, I must qualify that with the following:

1) Immersion is important, because that is the ONLY way it was modeled to us. I could see situations, however - one didn't have access to enough water to immerse, or one died before having the immersion performed, for instance - where God would accept the act of obedience in some other way.
2) Public obedience is good, but not required - the Ethiopian eunuch certainly didn't need an audience when being baptized.

However, if God judges your heart, then the obedience to God's offer of grace is tantamount.

[Apollos1]

Bible baptism in the NT consists of:

1. A penitient believer
2. Immersion in water
3. Is for the remission of sins
4. Is done by the authority (in the name)
of Jesus Christ.

If the "baptism" is not performed according to how the Bible shows it should be, it can not be and is not BIBLE baptism.

Therefore the results that one desires from a proper Bible baptism can not be obtained.

[annie1speed]

There are too many important sides to baptism for me to distill down to one 'most' important part. HaHaHa! Maybe we need an 'all the above' choice.

Annie

[crawfish]

You only used four fingers, apollos1. ;)

[DanielRB]

Peace, Freedom :wave:

Hi everyone! :)

My mom and I were having a conversation last night about baptism (though neither of us attend anymore, we both lean heavily to the CofC). For her, it is more important that one be baptized by immersion than it is for the baptism to be viewed as regenerative. I feel the opposite, that the mode of baptism isn't as important as the message behind it, of being buried with Christ, and rising again a new, sinless creature.

What do you think? Which is more important for you?

I voted "message behind it", in that my response to the message only affects my salvation; the message is unaffected by my response. As such, the message is what is important and eternal; actually being baptized is an individual drama played out millions of times throughout history.

In Christ,

Daniel

EDIT: I thought I chose "message behind it" but I guess I didn't because that total is still zero.

[RefrusRevlis]

There are no "modes" of baptism. Baptism is a mode - the Gk word means "dip or submerge" sprinkling or pouring doesn't achieve that. I voted other. Being submerged doesn't make any difference if one does not have faith and has not repented and it is done for the incorrect reason (an "outward sign of an inward change" for instance).

Refrus

[Apollos1]

crawfish said - You only used four fingers, apollos1.

I left you one to suck one crawfish... :D

To all -

Baptism requires the correct information, person, action, and purpose - to be BIBLE baptism. Accept no substitutes - lol!

Water baptism is the means chosen by God through which man appropriates the salvation (ei. forgiveness of sins) that God offers man through His grace.

[DanielRB]

There are no "modes" of baptism. Baptism is a mode - the Gk word means "dip or submerge" sprinkling or pouring doesn't achieve that. I voted other. Being submerged doesn't make any difference if one does not have faith and has not repented and it is done for the incorrect reason (an "outward sign of an inward change" for instance).

Refrus

Good point, Refrus! :thumbsup:

[Loveaboveall]

There are too many important sides to baptism for me to distill down to one 'most' important part. HaHaHa! Maybe we need an 'all the above' choice.

Annie


I agree with Annie and Refrus,

The act of baptism is important, but the heart of the baptizee is the most important thing is it not? It matters not whether you are sprinkled or immersed if you don't accept and believe, the same for the message behind the baptism if you do not accept or believe it.

[mont974x4]

I voted message...if not with the Message of Christ being impacted upon my heart..I'd just be wet no matter what.


Also, water is not always available, I know people who did it by being buried in the sand in Iraq