Baptism

[irishcowboy]

Here's a topic I hope people hit on.  What do y'all think about babies being baptized.  I  am 26 years old and was baptized in the holy spirit over the Christmas break when I knew that I was ready to live my life for Christ.  I know that's a terrible way to put it but....I've heard people talk about baptizing babies and I just don't agree with it.  Baptism is a personal confession of your faith in Jesus Christ.  Please respond.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Baptism is a personal choice between a person and God.

infant baptism serves no purpose, other then possible annointing the child and dedicating the childs life back to the Lord, and is more of a promise the parents are making for the sake of the child to God, rather then saying this will bring the child into heaven.

something else we have to beware of, is there are some that believe we can pray others into heaven, or even be baptised for some one else. even those that are dead, which is not true, those that are dead, there chance is done, they done did all they will ever do..... too late to change the mind of God for them, they chose the way they chose.....

both of my sons, were dedicated as infants, and they were annointed with oil and they were prayed over and i dedicated myself toraisethem in the ways of the Lord.

mike

[Work in Progress]

I am glad to see this topic.  I was baptized as an infant, confirmed as a youth and have partaken in the service of communion.  However, lately I have been struggling with it all. 

Please let me state that I have no problem with the thought of infant baptism, though I have recently asked my pastor for more clarification. 

I have a strong desire to be baptised as an adult.  I want to be immersed.  It's not that I denounce my baptism or confirmation, it's that I have realized that I have nat taken these actions as a personal experience.  These actions were taken 1.  (baptism) of my parents choosing and 2.  (confirmation) in obedience to my parent rather than God. 

I think that if I were more mature when I was confirmed that I would not be struggling with the issue at this time.  I simply feel that I have not of my own desire gone before christ in baptism. 

I will continue to read in this thread as you call it in the days to come.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Imamom, it may not be easy to be "re-baptized" as an adult. Not sure how your church views this, but many churches won't rebaptize because baptism is a sacred act and to "redo" it would be to cheapen that, even if it is thought that you were baptized as an infant in error. I just wanted you to be ready for that in case you run into it - they aren't being "mean".

other then possible annointing the child and dedicating the childs life back to the Lord, and is more of a promise the parents are making for the sake of the child to God, rather then saying this will bring the child into heaven.

Amen, Mike. Genesis 17.

[Fr Chuck]

Accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior is a personal matter, Since enire families were baptised in the bible, and since it was commom for the father to decide matters for his family, it is very bibical for infant baptism.

[irishcowboy]

I am glad to see this topic.  I was baptized as an infant, confirmed as a youth and have partaken in the service of communion.  However, lately I have been struggling with it all. 

Please let me state that I have no problem with the thought of infant baptism, though I have recently asked my pastor for more clarification. 

I have a strong desire to be baptised as an adult.  I want to be immersed.  It's not that I denounce my baptism or confirmation, it's that I have realized that I have nat taken these actions as a personal experience.  These actions were taken 1.  (baptism) of my parents choosing and 2.  (confirmation) in obedience to my parent rather than God. 

I think that if I were more mature when I was confirmed that I would not be struggling with the issue at this time.  I simply feel that I have not of my own desire gone before christ in baptism. 

I will continue to read in this thread as you call it in the days to come.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Imamom,

I was "baptised" ( christened) as an infant at 8 days old. that did nothing for me, that was my parents saying to the catholic church that they would raise me in the catholic church, and that is the day i received my name, until then i did not have an "official" name.

later on in life, i walked away from the catholic church, and joined another church, and in order to join i had to be "baptised" so I was sprinkeled again.

I lived many years after that one until i was dating this girl, that was southern baptist, and she put it forth that she would have to stop dating if i would not join the "Southern Baptist Church" cause she was not allowed to date out side the church cause that was against the Bible ( the un equally yoked thing )... I was immersed...... and I became " Southern Baptist " ( not really, but to pacify this girl i did )

there is something wrong with each of these mentioned above.

the first one is not counted as baptism, but more as a dedication.

the second one is/was for a piece of paper saying i was a member of the church,

the third time was also just for a piece of paper...

all of these were for the wrong reason, the first was not of my choice so that dont count, the second and third were for personal reasons, not for the right reason either, so they actually do not count.....

oct 23, 2000, I re-dedicated my life to Christ, and gave God everything I had, everything i owned became the property of God to do with as He wishes, the house, car, truck, business, cloths, everything about me became Gods. and to do this, i was obedient to the Lord, and was baptised for the Love of The Lord my God. to show the World that I am one of Gods Children, to signify that I am giving my life to the Lord, and this time it was not for a little piece of paper.

something to remember, Baptism does not save a person from damnation, a person can be dunked every day their entire life and that will not gain them entrance into heaven, what will is their personal life with Christ. whether they have a life with Christ or whether they do not is up to them. a person can have Christ as their Lord and Savior, and never be baptised, and see heaven, Baptism is the outward act for an inward deed.

I am not saying "baby baptism" is wrong, but it does not save the baby. neither does praying some one into heaven, we can not do a thing for them once they have passed.

mike

[Work in Progress]

The Bible does not give one single example or command of any baby being baptized anywhere.

That is not necessarily true, Horizon, since many believe that the church started with Abraham and God made a covenant with Abraham and God's people to put "the seal" on their children and He would be their God. Since many believe that the circumcision of then is the baptism of today, then you can see how, to many, there is a "command" to baptize their children.

[Imamom]

Wow! I sure appreciate the interest that has been taken in my time of confusion.

I have spoken with the Minister at the church I attend. There is no such thing here as being baptised again, however a reaffirmation or rememberance of my baptism is possible and probable. I feel comfortabe having this done as a reaffirmation or rememberance. Because truth be known I do not remember my baptism and I am very ready to affirm myself to my Lord.

The Minister I have been speaking with has been very understanding to me and very open to what I have to say, and I truly have found that to be a comfort. There is no means for an immersion in my church, however she is willing to do this for me in the river. I do not want to cause physical discomfort to the one who is willing to do this for me so we will waite until the weather breaks. In the meantime she will be available to me as I am on this journey to discuss the questions I bring, and I do mean discuss which is awesome. I was afraid I would be just told (as was when I was young) how things were and that's that.

I was saddened to hear how many people in my church would be offended by the way I am thinking and the way I know in my heart that I will proceed. Maybe sometimes people become so cought up in their doctrine that...I don't know....They make someone feel bad for wanting to do something they feel convicted to do....something they feel God is calling them to do. I have a real relationship with Jesus now. Something I didn't really have before. I need to acknowledge this before the Lord. And I don't think its a bad thing.

[Work in Progress]

Mike - doesn

[Guest hubertdorm]

Wow!  I sure appreciate the interest that has been taken in my time of confusion.

I have spoken with the Minister at the church I attend.  There is no such thing here as being baptised again, however a reaffirmation or rememberance of my baptism is possible and probable.  I feel comfortabe having this done as a reaffirmation or rememberance.  Because truth be known I do not remember my baptism and I am very ready to affirm myself to my Lord. 

The Minister I have been speaking with has been very understanding to me and very open to what I have to say, and I truly have found that to be a comfort.  There is no means for an immersion in my church, however she is willing to do this for me in the river.  I do not want to cause physical discomfort to the one who is willing to do this for me so we will waite until the weather breaks.  In the meantime she will be available to me as I am on this journey to discuss the questions I bring, and I do mean discuss which is awesome.  I was afraid I would be just told (as was when I was young) how things were and that's that. 

I was saddened to hear how many people in my church would be offended by the way I am thinking and the way I know in my heart that I will proceed.  Maybe sometimes people become so cought up in their doctrine that...I don't know....They make someone feel bad for wanting to do something they feel convicted to do....something they feel God is calling them to do.  I have a real relationship with Jesus now.  Something I didn't really have before.  I need to acknowledge this before the Lord.  And I don't think its a bad thing.     

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a suggestion, but instead of waiting on the weather to use a river, just ask another congregation to use theirs. The bible doesn't say where you have to be baptized, or even by whom.

[Imamom]

even if it is thought that you were baptized as an infant in error

I nor anyone ever said that I was baptized as an infant in error. Had I been more mature when I was confirmed I'm sure I wouldn't have an issue now.

Hubertdorm,

I plan to use the next couple of months to learn more and grow in my faith. I suppose one of the gifts God has bestowed upon me is patience. I know I could have this done in another congregation. I have an past acquaintance who is a Pastor and I'm sure he'd do it. There is comfort in it that my Pastor shows me the understanding and willingness to do this eventhough it is not tradition.

I have such a great thirst for the Word in me, the more I drink it in the thirstier I am. I believe that God is truly working on me.

[Work in Progress]

I nor anyone ever said that I was baptized as an infant in error. Had I been more mature when I was confirmed I'm sure I wouldn't have an issue now.

Please read it again. I said that many churches won't rebaptize, even if it is thought that you were baptized in error. I never said anyone said you were. I was just trying to help and prepare you in case your church wouldn't do it, as I've seen peoples feelings get hurt because of it. Sorry.