Why multiple baptisms?

[Raven]

In the past I have been baptized four times. Once as an infant, and other times due to involvement with various denominations in my adulthood.

Each denomination, or church, wanted me to be baptized again. They seem to think that my previous baptisms were bogus or not as meaningful as their own 'authority' to do so.

Recently, another denomination has been visiting me. I always welcome Truth seekers, regardless of church. Now, one of these young/new evangelists want me to be baptized again.

When I explained that I already have been baptized, I was ignored. It soon became apparent that I was seen as a prize for this person's need for favour by his peers.

The baptism was not for my benefit but for his. His lack of discernment has been more of a barrier than an opening gate to their church.

 

Can anybody tell me why (it seems) that denominations do not recognize a baptism, outside their own denomination, as a baptism?

[Guest shiloh357]

In some cases, there are denominations that believe that baptism is necessary for salvation, and unless you got baptized in their denomination and with the intent that you were trying be baptized to be saved, then all you did, in their eyes, is get wet.   They believe that only their baptisms done for the purposes they assign to baptism is valid.   It is pure hokum, but that is what they believe. 

 

I will say that infant baptism isn't biblical.   Baptism is always in connection with believing, saving faith.   Baptism is only for those who have been born again.  

[alien224]

Pastors that want to say "I have baptised this many people since I have been here."

[other one]

Unless it has changed, the Church of Christ believes that you are not saved unless you are baptized by someone of thier faith.

[Qnts2]

Unless it has changed, the Church of Christ believes that you are not saved unless you are baptized by someone of thier faith.

 

Also, Landmark churches will not accept a baptism from a church which does not subscribe to Landmark theology.

 

Baptism is for believers in Jesus. Therefore many churches will not accept infant baptism as an infant can not profess a belief in Jesus. Baptism is in recognition of what has occurred when a person believes in Jesus and is born again and is symbolic of the work of Jesus, in a believers death and rebirth.

[ricky]

Unless it has changed, the Church of Christ believes that you are not saved unless you are baptized by someone of thier faith.

You are quite correct, having married in to a predominantly Church of Christ family I know this first hand. If you pin down my wife's Grandmother she would say we are not saved because we have not been baptized in the Church of Christ. 

[Littlelambseativy]

That is saying that man's authority and doctrine supersedes your relationship with Jesus. It is good to know that Jesus died once for all and we have but to accept His sacrifice once to be saved. His way is much simpler!

[Ezra]

In the past I have been baptized four times. Once as an infant, and other times due to involvement with various denominations in my adulthood.

 

Raven,

If one of your adult baptisms was a genuine believer's baptism (which you have not mentioned) then that should be sufficient. Anyone who tells you differently is going beyond Scripture.  As you probably know, "denominations" have no Scriptural authority either.

[Willa]

There is a cult called truth seakers that I would avoid. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me."

Most churches accept immersion in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One Pentacostal church only allows baptism in Jesus Name.

[Guest Teditis]

One baptism is good enough for God though