Do You Feel Different After Baptism?

[joey_downunder]

I got baptised at the local Baptist church on Sunday. I found it quite scary giving my testimony in front of so many people!!!

Anyway, I felt different - "clean", more at peace almost immediately.

What about other people's experiences after baptism? Did things change much e.g. people treated you differently - even the ones who didn't know you had been baptised, did personal circumstance change, feeling more or less under spiritual attack, and so on?

 

[Victorium]

I got baptised at the local Baptist church on Sunday. I found it quite scary giving my testimony in front of so many people!!!

Anyway, I felt different - "clean", more at peace almost immediately.

What about other people's experiences after baptism? Did things change much e.g. people treated you differently - even the ones who didn't know you had been baptised, did personal circumstance change, feeling more or less under spiritual attack, and so on?

CONGRATULATIONS! You done the right thing getting baptized and you've got a great life ahead of you and I pray that you grow in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, my baptism was amazing. Like you I felt like my soul had been cleaned spotless and I was filled with overwhelming joy that everyone noticed it even unbelievers. Things did change as a few people became quite hostile towards me when they found out about my Christianity, I was also mocked, but don't let that turn you off, most people treated me well. Unfortunately you will come under attack as Satan will use relatives, friends and even your own fears to try and trip you up, that's why you have to dress in the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Lean on the Spirit always and enjoy the love & fellowship of your brothers & sisters in Christ.

Victor.

 

[RobertZ]

Water Baptism is only an outward testimony of what has already happened on the inside, nothing wrong with feelings of joy so long as you dont mistake them for thinking that being dipped in and out of water saved you.

 

[Victorium]

Water Baptism is only an outward testimony of what has already happened on the inside, nothing wrong with feelings of joy so long as you dont mistake them for thinking that being dipped in and out of water saved you.

No of course not. I know the water is not what saves you. My joy came from being "Born Again" (Romans 6:3-4) that experience is profoundly unmistakable and cannot be produced by the carnal mind, in fact I don't think anybody can produce real joy by simply being dipped in and out of water. You are saved by faith and that's what led me to be baptised thus confirming my commitment to Christ as my Lord and Savior. This experience my not be the same for all Christians so I can only speak for myself.

 

[miamited]

hi Joey,

Welcome to the family. You now have the right to be called a child of God! How anyone wouldn't be excited and overjoyed to have been adopted by such a loving
Father for all eternity is beyond me. Anyway, I think it's a fairly common feeling that you have expressed among those who are born again and the Scriptures do tell us that we are washed clean, which would certainly explain such feelings.

While I fully agree that the act of baptism itself isn't what saves us, I am also convinced that for those who are born again there is a change in our attitude and demeanor when we receive water baptism. Let's keep in mind that the baptism of our Lord showed that it was at the time of baptism that the Holy Spirit descended upon him. Based on this example given us in the Scriptures, I'm not completely convinced that water baptism for the born again doesn't bring to us some greater blessing of joy.

I would also like to point out that this is just the beginning of a great journey walking hand in hand with the one who died for us and we need to steel ourselves to learn more about the God who loves us. Persevere more in our desire to attain the goal that is set before us. Love more the one who died for us and to grow in the strength and depth of our faith day by day, year by year. Finally, it is at this time that we begin to set ourselves apart and strive for holiness as He is holy.

God bless you and may you always be joyful in knowing who you are through the Christ.
In Christ, Ted

 

[savedfromdistruction]

I got baptised at the local Baptist church on Sunday. I found it quite scary giving my testimony in front of so many people!!!

Anyway, I felt different - "clean", more at peace almost immediately.

What about other people's experiences after baptism? Did things change much e.g. people treated you differently - even the ones who didn't know you had been baptised, did personal circumstance change, feeling more or less under spiritual attack, and so on?

Don't base your faith on feelings. That is a big mistake and can open the door for satan. We can know we are saved according to scriputre.
1John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1john 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (practice) sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

 

[joey_downunder]

Thanks Victorium, yes I was told the same thing yesterday by another christian lady. She felt more under spiritual attack for a couple of weeks after she had been baptised.

Yes ted you make a good point about only after Jesus' baptism did He start His ministry.

Hi savedfromdistruction - I was expecting NO real change in feelings at all. That is why I am quite surprised at how different I felt.

 

[RobertZ]

I have backed out of baptism more than I care to count because everytime it gets down to like a day or two before my baptism I get extremly anxious and frightened and start doubting my salvation in a big way. The last thing I would want to do is to give a false testimony.

 

[Victorium]

I have backed out of baptism more than I care to count because everytime it gets down to like a day or two before my baptism I get extremly anxious and frightened and start doubting my salvation in a big way. The last thing I would want to do is to give a false testimony.

Robert, that's what I was like before I got baptized. Satan was messing with my thoughts filling me full of fear and doubts, but I knew I wanted to fellow Jesus and get baptized and I totally ignored all the stuff going around in my head, listened to my heart and just went forward, made my confession of faith and was baptized! Born Again!

I think most Christians experience this type of attack to try and stop them putting down any roots and growing to bear fruit.

You want to be saved, but Satan keeps attacking you because he knows your fears and you can't see what's going on in your heart. Would it really be a false testimony if you went forward?

 

[RobertZ]

Robert, that's what I was like before I got baptized. Satan was messing with my thoughts filling me full of fear and doubts, but I knew I wanted to fellow Jesus and get baptized and I totally ignored all the stuff going around in my head, listened to my heart and just went forward, made my confession of faith and was baptized! Born Again!

I think most Christians experience this type of attack to try and stop them putting down any roots and growing to bear fruit.

You want to be saved, but Satan keeps attacking you because he knows your fears and you can't see what's going on in your heart. Would it really be a false testimony if you went forward?

Everything around me has become so dark, its really hard to explain but its as though everything good has pulled away from me including the presence of God so im often left to wonder if God has just quit striving with me all together?

Did you ever feel this immense presence of evil around you at times? especially when you would suddenly wake up at night when everything is totally silent?

 

[joey_downunder]

I have backed out of baptism more than I care to count because everytime it gets down to like a day or two before my baptism I get extremly anxious and frightened and start doubting my salvation in a big way. The last thing I would want to do is to give a false testimony.

I understand why you are scared. It took me a few years of humming and ha-ing before I finally decided to do it. I wasn't sure if I was entitled to because I had been such a sinner.

These feelings of anxiety leading up to your baptism day are most likely a direct attack from the Enemy. Last Wednesday I said in my Bible study that I was going to be baptised on Sunday. That night my house was broken into and my laptop computer was stolen. It sounds like the same type of thing is happening every time you nearly got baptised in the feelings department.

You should be going to God for strength when these feelings come. Sometimes you just have to totally ignore your feelings and DO what you know is right. Letting your feelings control your faith is like the tail wagging the dog. Remember God defeated Satan, you are a believer in God so God will defend you and He is the victor every time.

 

[FreeinChrist]

MOD HAT

This thread has undergone a small thread clean up.

Please stay on topic. ​

 

[FreeinChrist]

I got baptised at the local Baptist church on Sunday. I found it quite scary giving my testimony in front of so many people!!!

Anyway, I felt different - "clean", more at peace almost immediately.

What about other people's experiences after baptism? Did things change much e.g. people treated you differently - even the ones who didn't know you had been baptised, did personal circumstance change, feeling more or less under spiritual attack, and so on?

Congrats on getting baptised!!

 

[Victorium]

Everything around me has become so dark, its really hard to explain but its as though everything good has pulled away from me including the presence of God so im often left to wonder if God has just quit striving with me all together?

Did you ever feel this immense presence of evil around you at times? especially when you would suddenly wake up at night when everything is totally silent?

No, I haven't felt immense presence of evil, but I have suffered from a very deep and dark depression in which I felt as if I had lost the Holy Spirit and was condemned. It was very frightening and devastated me. I had terrible nightmares. I believe this was the result of my backsliding. It caused me to fervently seek God and beg for mercy. I have certainly improved, but still feel sometimes that I may have lost the Holy Spirit. I no longer backslide and have no desire to.

I don't know exactly what to say in your case, but you shouldn't accept this as God utterly forsaking you. As you don't fit the profile of a reprobate. Don't dismiss that you may be suffering from an acute form of depression or something like that. Explore all avenues don't just accept the status quo that you're dammed beyond all redemption. There is hope for all who are alive. Don't give up praying!

Anyway we are going way off the original thread and I do apologize to everyone. I just want to leave you a great bible reading that I found hopeful in my situation.

Lamentations 3:31-32

For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion.

Yours truly,

Victor.

 

[His_disciple3]

Everything around me has become so dark, its really hard to explain but its as though everything good has pulled away from me including the presence of God so im often left to wonder if God has just quit striving with me all together?

Did you ever feel this immense presence of evil around you at times? especially when you would suddenly wake up at night when everything is totally silent?

Romans 8:15-18
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
KJV
Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments, two Commandments He gave us: To love God with all we have and the second is like unto the first that we love one another, and on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. now Jesus said to go out and baptize, but there is a debate which baptism Jesus referred to, John's or the one Jesus spoke of after John's; the baptism of the Spirit and with fire. John preached that there would come another baptism, Jesus said there would come another baptism and Paul baptised with this other baptism (before you ask yes I currently attend a southern Baptist Church) But I believe the Word of God over man's doctrine as well as the Pastor does also, where I attend. Clearly there was prophesised of another baptism, and clearly from scripture Paul believed this also;
Acts 19:1-6
19 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
KJV

now also from scripture the bibical doctrine is that one faith is important, one baptism is important, and Only one Lord is important:

Ephesians 4:3-6
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
KJV
Now I have received both, But I can witness that the latter one, the one Paul baptised with, The one received by the laying on of the hands was the one that jump started my relationship and Walk with the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. not trying to start a debate here, just sharing my experiences after baptism, these believers in acts 19 were as many of you that have posted in here so far. You have done and are doing what you believed was and is scripture but are lacking the power to get it done. Jesus when He left, scriptures says:
Matthew 26:64
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
KJV

God is power, and He is able to deliver His people from their temptations, He provides away out from every temptation. And He sent His POWER to us through the Holy Ghost, Power to convict of sin, power to deliver from sin, and power to be ye Holy for your Father which art in Heaven is Holy. and fear is one of the sins that we keep us out of heaven. Baptism, the old man dies and is buried, and up comes the new Man, in the likeness of Christ, with the Power of God, in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord!!!!!

 

[RobertZ]

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
KJV

This passage has always bothered me, you see, I seem to have a spirit of bondage and fear and am unable to cry out Abba Father from my heart. Sure I can say the words verbally but you and I both know the difference between just saying it with our mouths vs our hearts. Also the Spirit seems to bear witness against me, not for me when I read this passage and I know thats not a good sign either.

Now most here will tell me that its my fault that im unsaved and that I just have to believe but the problem is that I dont know how to believe?! How do I become saved? Everyone makes it sound so simple yet to me its the hardest thing in the world to do.

Im gonna stop being dishonest with myself in thinking that im saved but just lack assurance, no I think its a much deeper issue than that, I think im lost and I think my very spirit deep down inside of me knows this because I can literally feel a physical morning inside the pit of my belly.

 

[His_disciple3]

This passage has always bothered me, you see, I seem to have a spirit of bondage and fear and am unable to cry out Abba Father from my heart. Sure I can say the words verbally but you and I both know the difference between just saying it with our mouths vs our hearts. Also the Spirit seems to bear witness against me, not for me when I read this passage and I know thats not a good sign either.

Now most here will tell me that its my fault that im unsaved and that I just have to believe but the problem is that I dont know how to believe?! How do I become saved? Everyone makes it sound so simple yet to me its the hardest thing in the world to do.

Im gonna stop being dishonest with myself in thinking that im saved but just lack assurance, no I think its a much deeper issue than that, I think im lost and I think my very spirit deep down inside of me knows this because I can literally feel a physical morning inside the pit of my belly.

Robert, I don't know what you have been taught, but it sure sounds like someone has really messed you up, for you are relying too much on you saving yourself instead of allowing Christ to save you, and after we become saved, our walk is as growing up in the flesh, the Bible speaks of those babes on milk, and of others on meat, you are letting some feed you meat, and they are choking you by doing so. when we try to save ourselves and keep ourselves saved it is hard, actually the Bible says it is impossible. But with God all things are possible. Romans 10 says if we believe with our Heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, this is not to confess all our sins, if we had to confess all ours sins some of us would still be confessing when He cames back. this says to confess Him, Jesus as Lord. if we have confessed Him as Lord, then the Bible says that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, but to call upon the name of the Lord again doesn't mean we call to Him, but UPON him, this means we humble ourselves and realize that we Need Him as Lord of our Life. and then our faith insures that He has saved us as He has promised, He would. now as our walk matures in this new relationship with Our Heavenly Father, we grow closer to Him each and every day, even though to us some days it may seem like we slip a step or two in the wrong direction. It is our faith in Him that gets us back on the right track. this is one error that I also see in faith + works = salvation. if we start off as babes in Christ, how much work can a baby do, nothing until they learn to crawl or even walk in Christ, as Babes we have to rely on Christ to do eveything for us, to keep us clean, to clean us up when we mess up, to move us from one place to another as He would have us to be, as babes we need Christ for everything, but even as adults some never muture up to the fact that we even need God as adult christians, we need God for that breath of life. so some never learn that without God giving us that breath, than we still can't do anything with out Him. My friend your salvation needs alot more Jesus and Him Crucified for you and a whole lot less religion.


John 3:17-18
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
KJV

 

[Hupomone10]

I have backed out of baptism more than I care to count because everytime it gets down to like a day or two before my baptism I get extremly anxious and frightened and start doubting my salvation in a big way. The last thing I would want to do is to give a false testimony.

Have you ever considered that those doubts could be the voice of the enemy?

 

[RobertZ]

Robert, I don't know what you have been taught, but it sure sounds like someone has really messed you up, for you are relying too much on you saving yourself instead of allowing Christ to save you, and after we become saved, our walk is as growing up in the flesh, the Bible speaks of those babes on milk, and of others on meat, you are letting some feed you meat, and they are choking you by doing so. when we try to save ourselves and keep ourselves saved it is hard, actually the Bible says it is impossible. But with God all things are possible. Romans 10 says if we believe with our Heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, this is not to confess all our sins, if we had to confess all ours sins some of us would still be confessing when He cames back. this says to confess Him, Jesus as Lord. if we have confessed Him as Lord, then the Bible says that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, but to call upon the name of the Lord again doesn't mean we call to Him, but UPON him, this means we humble ourselves and realize that we Need Him as Lord of our Life. and then our faith insures that He has saved us as He has promised, He would. now as our walk matures in this new relationship with Our Heavenly Father, we grow closer to Him each and every day, even though to us some days it may seem like we slip a step or two in the wrong direction. It is our faith in Him that gets us back on the right track. this is one error that I also see in faith + works = salvation. if we start off as babes in Christ, how much work can a baby do, nothing until they learn to crawl or even walk in Christ, as Babes we have to rely on Christ to do eveything for us, to keep us clean, to clean us up when we mess up, to move us from one place to another as He would have us to be, as babes we need Christ for everything, but even as adults some never muture up to the fact that we even need God as adult christians, we need God for that breath of life. so some never learn that without God giving us that breath, than we still can't do anything with out Him. My friend your salvation needs alot more Jesus and Him Crucified for you and a whole lot less religion.


John 3:17-18
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
KJV

I would have to say that your right on track and your discernment in this situation has to be coming from God because everything you said about me is true.

I grew up in a fairly legalistic Free Will Baptist Church that was heavy on alter calls etc, I also went to their school for 12yrs where we had a ton of rules to follow. I remember during some of the youth services some of the preachers would try to pressure us by saying things like this..... "if you dont get saved by the time your 20yrs old chances are you will never be saved"


I always understood salvation as something that we must do in order to get it such as praying the sinners prayer to become saved and then doing everything as perfectly as possible after salvation so we dont lose it. Everything was YOU do this and YOU do that yet all I understood was that Christ died on a cross but never really understood or knew why he died? neither did I understand how his death applied to me personally.


So yes your right when you noticed that someone messed me up when I was younger in regards to salvation but at the same time I am still of course responsible for all of my sins, I will not put the blame for my sins on anyone else but me.

 

[RobertZ]

Have you ever considered that those doubts could be the voice of the enemy?

Absolutely, I know that after a person is saved that the Devil will do all that he can to disrupt that persons testimony. I just want to be careful though and not be too quick to say that this is just satan trying to frighten me when I could have a real salvation issue concerning my soul. Eternity is too long for me to slip out into not knowing for sure whether or not im saved.