The place of Baptism

[book_wirm]

Disagreement regarding the position, purpose, and effect of baptism has come up in another post. I thought it would be interesting to find out how diverse the beliefs on WB is.

In Christ,

Eric

[other one]

Book, I voted for not necessary for one reason. The only person that I know will/did go to heaven was the theif on the cross, and he was not baptized.

If a person refuses to be baptized, that may well be a different story, for there are many in the end that Jesus says he will reject for they did not follow the things he said to do and practiced iniquity.

So the answer may be that if one refuses to go ahead and be baptized, is he/she really saved to start with.

I really don't know and I don't think anyone but that person and the Lord would know for sure.

SE

[Abigailwc]

Baptism by immersion is an outward testimony to the world of our salvation by Grace.

It symbolizes our death, death of our old nature, death and burial with Christ, and our birth to a newness of life in Christ, by the Holy Spirit.

[Guest douggarb]

it seems to me that there is one major question overlooked in this age old discussion. why would a person following Christ not want to follow in his footsteps and be baptised like out savior was? although i do not think baptism is a condition for salvation i would like to know some good reasons other than a drought why a christian wouldnt want to be baptised?

[nebula]

I wouldn't say it is "necessary" for salvation -

But without it your spiritual life is lacking, I do believe.

I know in countries where Christians are being persecuted, I have heard that one is not considered "converted" to Christianity until they are baptised.

[Smalcald]

Christ Himself commands us to baptize all nations, it is obviously very important. In fact it is one of the major functions of the Church on this earth, it is something that must be done together, communally and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can't baptize ourselves. I would vote some combination of one and two.

[Leonard]

Can I vote 'none of the above?'

[book_wirm]

Can I vote 'none of the above?'

Certainly, and I apologize for not including that. I only listed the main views I have come across.

Would you be willing to explain what you do hold?

In Christ,

Eric

[serotta]

My vote would fall somewhere between the 2nd and third alternatives. I believe Christ expects us to be baptized. If that's true, what reason would we have not to? While our salvation does not hinge on our baptism, it is an act of obedience to our Savior to whom we owe everything.

[Smalcald]

Matthew

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." very end of the age."

Mark

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. be condemned.