Can a Christian who refuses to be baptized be a Christian?

[ayin jade]

The bottom line here is that baptism is a requirement or commandment straight from the mouth of Jesus. "List you be saved and baptized you can not enter the kingdom of heaven".

Could you cite the scripture where Jesus expressly says if you are not baptized you cant enter the kingdom of heaven? The born of water and spirit verse does not refer to baptism. When read in context that becomes apparent.

[nebula]

I was just thinking of what Jesus would say if we were debating this before Him while He was still walking this Earth:

"Oy vey! What to do with you people!"

[Guest HIS girl]

If this has already been answered disregard this question..BUT

Since Jesus did not have any past sinful life to "wash" away, was His Baptism symbolic and an example purely for us TO FOLLOW and obey?

[Guest shiloh357]

If this has already been answered disregard this question..BUT

Since Jesus did not have any past sinful life to "wash" away, was His Baptism symbolic and an example purely for us TO FOLLOW and obey?

The reason Jesus was baptized was to identify with us. Jesus stood as our representive before Heaven and Heaven's representative to us.

Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was numbered among the transgressors, baptism was the first step during His ministry in showing that he was counted as being one of us.

[Guest HIS girl]

If this has already been answered disregard this question..BUT

Since Jesus did not have any past sinful life to "wash" away, was His Baptism symbolic and an example purely for us TO FOLLOW and obey?

The reason Jesus was baptized was to identify with us. Jesus stood as our representive before Heaven and Heaven's representative to us.

Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was numbered among the transgressors, baptism was the first step during His ministry in showing that he was counted as being one of us.

Thanks for that, makes sense totally.

Another question

Jesus did not baptise - His disciples did....was this a normal custom amongst Rabbis?

[ColleenLovesMischief]

So for those who say baptism is required.....when did the thief on the cross get baptised?

[ColleenLovesMischief]

Try this instead: http://bible.crosswalk.com/

Acts 16:31 - They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

Problem with using this verse though . . .

Two verses later it says:

33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

acts 16:31

and they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Thanks guys!!!

[Mudcat]

So for those who say baptism is required.....when did the thief on the cross get baptised?

Well the OP is addressing refusal.... doesn't seem like he had much of chance at that.

Not to mention baptism is a symbol of things that were yet to fully transpire.

So its a moot point. Since the resurrection had not occurred.

I would speculate, his faith was imputed to him as righteousness...as it was with Abraham.

Edited September 21, 2008 by Mudcat

[ColleenLovesMischief]

So for those who say baptism is required.....when did the thief on the cross get baptised?

Well the OP is addressing refusal.... doesn't seem like he had much of chance at that.

Not to mention baptism is a symbol of things that were yet to fully transpire.

So it may be moot point. Since the resurrection had not occurred.

But I must say, that is a topic which affirms the concept that baptism isn't necessary for salvation..... Maybe.

Do you think the thief would have gotten baptized if he had lived beyond that point?

He probably would have......but some people have issues that keep them away from other humans, I am sure God understands that as He created us. I also would not believe He holds it against those who haven't gotten the chance, or who just cannot for mental reasons.

[nebula]

If this has already been answered disregard this question..BUT

Since Jesus did not have any past sinful life to "wash" away, was His Baptism symbolic and an example purely for us TO FOLLOW and obey?

The reason Jesus was baptized was to identify with us. Jesus stood as our representive before Heaven and Heaven's representative to us.

Isaiah 53 tells us that Jesus was numbered among the transgressors, baptism was the first step during His ministry in showing that he was counted as being one of us.

But wasn't "baptism" something that came from cleansing rituals or requirements or something like that?

You know what I'm referring to?