Baptism

[UsagiTsukino]

Question the Moromon claim that the only Baptism is by the prophet and no women and yet they forget that women were prophets too. SO why claim this? Who has the power to give water baptist

[PaulSacramento]

It is not who DOING the baptism that matters, it is the profession of faith that matters, it is into WHOM we are baptized that matters.
The act is nothing without the HS being present, it means only as much as the person being baptized wants it to me.
Then there is also the difference between water baptism and the baptism in the HS ( one being for the remission of sins -water).
According to church tradition only the clergy can baptize, though there doesn't seem to be that explicit statement anywhere in the bible.
The great commission states that people are to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son and HS and NOTHING else and NO ONE else is mentioned other than them so to ADD ANYTHING to the baptismal rite is, IMO, wrong.
The Great Commision was given to the eleven apostles BUT it is viewed in ACTS and by the writings of Paul as something that all were compelled to do by the HS.
We also have from Paul an interesting comment on baptisim in his first letter to the Corinthians:

10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

Paul is addressing what appears to be dissension in the ranks because some felt more "worthy" because they were baptized by someone in specific.
Paul makes the very clear statement that:

Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. 16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

Paul reminds them they were baptized in the name of Christ and states that it matters not WHO did the baptism, only that they were baptized in Christ AND he goes on to further state that he doesn't even remember all he baptized and that it doesn't matter because far more important than baptism is the preaching of the Gospel.
This is NOT a comment that baptism is pointless or unimportant but a clear statement that, for Paul, it took a back seat to preaching the Gospel.

[Byblos]

According to church tradition only the clergy can baptize, though there doesn't seem to be that explicit statement anywhere in the bible.

That's not true. Anyone can perform baptism, even an atheist, so long as the recipient desires it and it is done properly it is considered a valid baptism.

[EssentialSacrifice]

Gotta tell you, if I'm on an island, unbaptized but knowing what baptism can mean eternally, am at the point of death, I wouldn't care who was with me as long as the baptism could take place ... it's the/my intent I'm praying God is ok with.

Anyway, I'm not much of a theologian, but I don't think that's what the Catholic church says... priest only for baptism thing ... I'd need to look that one up.

edit: I may also want to read all the posts before I stick my foot in my mouth ... thanks Byblos

[Storyteller]

What about if you were baptized because all the vicar/pastor was interested in was getting as many people baptized as possible?

What about if you only feel the Holy Spirit later in your journey, you didn`t feel it at your baptism? Would you need to do it again? Or did/does God know that you were going to be baptized by the Holy Spirit later?

[Byblos]

What about if you were baptized because all the vicar/pastor was interested in was getting as many people baptized as possible?

What about if you only feel the Holy Spirit later in your journey, you didn`t feel it at your baptism?

The intentions of the baptizer are utterly irrelevant. It is the intentions of the baptizee that matter.

Would you need to do it again? Or did/does God know that you were going to be baptized by the Holy Spirit later?

That's like asking OSAS believers if they can have a do-over.

P.S. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. Once one is baptized they have irrevocably crossed over from being a child of the world to being a child of God and co-heirs to the promise.

[PaulSacramento]

According to church tradition only the clergy can baptize, though there doesn't seem to be that explicit statement anywhere in the bible.

That's not true. Anyone can perform baptism, even an atheist, so long as the recipient desires it and it is done properly it is considered a valid baptism.

You are correct my friend, my bad.

RCC catechism:
1256 The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon.57 In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize58 , by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation.59

[Philip]

I baptized my son.

[B. W.]

What about if you were baptized because all the vicar/pastor was interested in was getting as many people baptized as possible?

What about if you only feel the Holy Spirit later in your journey, you didn`t feel it at your baptism? Would you need to do it again? Or did/does God know that you were going to be baptized by the Holy Spirit later?

The best I can say is this - if you feel the need by the Holy Spirit then do so.
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[1over137]

I felt the need. I asked some folks.
Now I do not feel urgent need.

Cannot someone baptize himself?

[RickD]

I felt the need. I asked some folks.
Now I do not feel urgent need.

Cannot someone baptize himself?

Only if one has multiple personality disorder.

[abelcainsbrother]

What about if you were baptized because all the vicar/pastor was interested in was getting as many people baptized as possible?

What about if you only feel the Holy Spirit later in your journey, you didn`t feel it at your baptism? Would you need to do it again? Or did/does God know that you were going to be baptized by the Holy Spirit later?

You can be baptised again but baptism is not a requirement but I don't see why a Christian would not want to be baptised.I also think it depends on the believer if they should be baptised again.If it really didn't mean anything to you the first time or if a person has backslid but came back they can but I would not see a reason to be baptised again if you meant it the first time.Revelation 2:5.I'm talking about water baptism.

The baptism of the Holy Sprit is different but important too,however not every denomination practices it because IMO their denomination believes when the apostles died so did this and gifts of the spirit but you should go by the bible.Acts is a good book to read about it.

[EssentialSacrifice]

1over137 wrote:
I felt the need. I asked some folks.
Now I do not feel urgent need.

Cannot someone baptize himself?

Rick wrote:
Only if one has multiple personality disorder. ES = Sybils house of baptism !

[Philip]

Cannot someone baptize himself?

Rick: Only if one has multiple personality disorder.

First the klown, now an empty helmet, before those? Yep, Rick could baptize himself! Sprinkle or total immersion, that's the question. You just KNOW his choice!

Let's just hope he doesn't belly flop from that height!

[RickD]

You guys are sooooo hilarious! I made a "serious" comment about how one could baptize himself, and you comedians made it into a joke. Can't you guys be serious for once?