Baptism

[DannyM]

Do I need to be baptised for any reason? I always thought I had the Holy Spirit indwelt inside of me from the moment Christ gave me faith. I’m going to my first worship at a United Reformed church tomorrow and if it’s any good I’ll ask the churchman; but I’d like and appreciate the scholarly opinions of some of the brothers and sisters on here.

Cheers

[jlay]

You were baptized, the moment you trusted in Christ. 1 Cor 12:13

I understand you are referring to water baptism. Water baptism is an ordinance some denominations require. Some even consider it necessary for salvation. And some even require that it be performed only by an "authorized" clergy member for salvation to take. I would suggest running far from these groups. (Oneness Pentecostals)

The bible mentions baptism often, but the question is, "when is it referring to water baptism?" John's baptism (water) was for Israel and preparing them to receive Messiah. sure, water baptism goes beyond that. The ultimate question is, "is water baptism necessary for salvation?" My understanding is, No. However, I do believe that water baptism, when rightly executed is a wonderful ordinance and marking moment in the life of a believer. My question to a believer is, "why wouldn't you want to participate and confess your faith before men?"

Some dispensational groups don't practice baptism at all because they are so dogmatic in their opposition that it necessary for salvation. And they tend to berate groups who practice it. You have both ends of the spectrum.

http://www.faithalone.org/journal/1990i/Farstad.html

[Katabole]

Hi Dan.

I don't believe Baptism is necessary for salvation. Water baptism is a symbolic gesture of one who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior for example the eunuch in Acts 8:38. If you look at the thief on the cross for an example, I believe he accepted Christ and that Christ forgave him but he was not baptised.

However, I do believe that water baptism, when rightly executed is a wonderful ordinance and marking moment in the life of a believer.

Exactly.

[DannyM]

Thanks for that, J. Matthew 28:19-20 seems to be their defining scripture on this. But I can still see how the "ultra-dispensationalists" interpret this command to be obsolete. I’m not necessarily agreeing with them, but when does the time come for dispensationalists and the “ultras” to clarify the dispensationalist position?

I want to be baptised because of the symbolic nature of ‘showing my colours,’ but I’m pretty fed up after hours of searching for a definitive answer on the www only to walk into pub fights all over the place concerning paedo vs. credo baptism. What a pathetic situation that is.

Thanks, J. Good link, by the way. I might bookmark it.

[DannyM]

I don't believe Baptism is necessary for salvation. Water baptism is a symbolic gesture of one who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior for example the eunuch in Acts 8:38. If you look at the thief on the cross for an example, I believe he accepted Christ and that Christ forgave him but he was not baptised

Hi Katabole

I agree that it is irrelevant to one's salvation. I also agree with you that it is symbolic of our being in Christ.

But one who holds to water baptism being imperative to salvation could easily see the salvation of the thief on the cross and his lack of water baptism as simply necessary since a water baptism was outright impossible at the time. But these are semantics and I agree with you.

So, is it a sprinkling, a real wetting or a full immersion I should be seeking? Or is this irrelevant as any one is okay?

[Katabole]

So, is it a sprinkling, a real wetting or a full immersion I should be seeking? Or is this irrelevant as any one is okay?

That would depend on the church you are a member of an/or how you personally feel about it. For me it was a full immersion. The etymology of the word is essentially to "dye". For example, you take a white cloth and immerse it in red dye and it comes out red not white.

[DannyM]

So, is it a sprinkling, a real wetting or a full immersion I should be seeking? Or is this irrelevant as any one is okay?

That would depend on the church you are a member of an/or how you personally feel about it. For me it was a full immersion. The etymology of the word is essentially to "dye". For example, you take a white cloth and immerse it in red dye and it comes out red not white.

Good stuff, Katabole. Thank you.