Worrying About Being Re-Baptized as a Christian

[Cindy12]

Hi my wonderful friends! I know that God has been working on my heart because for the last 2 weeks, all I can think about is being re-baptized (by full immersion) in my Christian church. I was baptized as a baby Catholic. I thought 100% that I was completely saved after giving my heart, mind, soul and life to the Lord. I have confessed, spoken with my mouth, repented for my sins and walked a life trusting God as my Savior for quite some time now.

I joined the World Bible Study online and my teacher there tells me that I am "NOT" saved, because without baptism (not Catholic baptism) by full immersion, I am not saved. He put the fear in me fast. My pastor is in Honduras with my husband, but he did tell me that he would perform a baptism for me if I wanted when he gets back next week.(this was a prior request before my teacher told me this) I want to do that because I have never done a full immersion baptism and that is what my church believes in, but as far as being saved, am I already saved? I thought that baptism was more of a symbol of being saved, the death and resurrection of our Savior. Now he has me panicking saying I better get down there and get SAVED because I never truly was (the World Bible Study teacher). Can you guys help me and let me know what is right and wrong?

 

[KennethC]

Baptism is exactly what you have said, it is a symbol of being buried in the flesh with the Lord and being raised as a new person in the Spirit (His resurrection).

It also shows in scripture from Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 3:19 that this is how we are converted to be a disciple of Christ, and is a command given from the Lord Jesus to be done by believers.

Do not listen to the pastor and do it out of fear, but if you want to do it think of it in the manner of a rededication of your life to Christ !!!

 

[Cindy12]

Thank you Kenneth! It was not my pastor that told me that, it was a teacher through World Bible Studies online. My pastor knows that I have been saved, he just offered to do the baptism for me at church again fully immersed if that was my wish because I had asked him about it last week before they left for Honduras. To me, it was just a way to show my dedication and commitment to Christ! I just know that World Bible Studies is supposed to be Christian teachers, and wondered why they would scare me to death that way if it was true or not. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

Baptism is exactly what you have said, it is a symbol of being buried in the flesh with the Lord and being raised as a new person in the Spirit (His resurrection).

It also shows in scripture from Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 3:19 that this is how we are converted to be a disciple of Christ, and is a command given from the Lord Jesus to be done by believers.

Do not listen to the pastor and do it out of fear, but if you want to do it think of it in the manner of a rededication of your life to Christ !!!

 

[KennethC]

Thank you Kenneth! It was not my pastor that told me that, it was a teacher through World Bible Studies online. My pastor knows that I have been saved, he just offered to do the baptism for me at church again fully immersed if that was my wish! I just know that World Bible Studies is supposed to be Christian teachers, and wondered why they would scare me to death that way if it was true or not. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

We are never to use condemning tactic's to get some to do something, but as for baptism goes there are doctrines that our taking away from the importance of it.

Is it for salvation or is it not, well if we use the example of the thief on the cross we run into issues.

The first being he died before the Lord Jesus did therefore the new covenant had not yet been dedicated by the Lord's sacrifice yet, second we don't know from reading scripture if he ever was baptized as it doesn't say, and third his example would be that of God's mercy being shown on a death bed confession.

I mention this because this is always the example some use to say baptism not needed, but my problem with that is that Jesus commanded it and if we have the opportunity to do it why would we not but instead be disobedient.

Also we are told in scripture not to use examples like this to be disobedient to His teachings and commands !!!

There is a lot of bad doctrine now days that have not only infiltrated churches but also institutions that are suppose to be teaching the truth. This is why we are called to test all things and not just take it as truth !!!

 

[Cindy12]

We are never to use condemning tactic's to get some to do something, but as for baptism goes there are doctrines that our taking away from the importance of it.

Is it for salvation or is it not, well if we use the example of the thief on the cross we run into issues.

The first being he died before the Lord Jesus did therefore the new covenant had not yet been dedicated by the Lord's sacrifice yet, second we don't know from reading scripture if he ever was baptized as it doesn't say, and third his example would be that of God's mercy being shown on a death bed confession.

I mention this because this is always the example some use to say baptism not needed, but my problem with that is that Jesus commanded it and if we have the opportunity to do it why would we not but instead be disobedient.

Also we are told in scripture not to use examples like this to be disobedient to His teachings and commands !!!

There is a lot of bad doctrine now days that have not only infiltrated churches but also institutions that are suppose to be teaching the truth. This is why we are called to test all things and not just take it as truth !!!

Thank you for explaining that. I have to ask then - since God commanded baptism (and I know he did) since I was baptized as a baby, is that considered being baptized? Again, I know many that go different ways on this as well. Some say yes, baptism is baptism, some say no, that as a baby you are too young to know what you are doing. Either way, I know the Lord has been speaking to me heavily about this because for a month, it's been weighing on my mind a lot about being baptized again by full immersion. I am doing that for myself and because I want to for my Savior. But, would the Catholic baptism as a baby count as baptism? (according to the Bible?) I am ever so thankful that by confessing with our mouth and hearts that Jesus is our Lord and believing that he did it all for us, suffered, died, was buried and rose again is enough to save a soul, because my parents have done that as well - both baptized ONLY as babies and Catholic to this day. It would crush me to think that they are going to Hell because they never got baptized via full immersion. They have lived good lives and been excellent examples of doers of good things for our Lord. This teacher of mine online told me that they are not saved either. I am telling you, it was really frightening.

 

[KennethC]

Thank you for explaining that. I have to ask then - since God commanded baptism (and I know he did) since I was baptized as a baby, is that considered being baptized? Again, I know many that go different ways on this as well. Some say yes, baptism is baptism, some say no, that as a baby you are too young to know what you are doing. Either way, I know the Lord has been speaking to me heavily about this because for a month, it's been weighing on my mind a lot about being baptized again by full immersion. I am doing that for myself and because I want to for my Savior. But, would the Catholic baptism as a baby count as baptism? (according to the Bible?) I am ever so thankful that by confessing with our mouth and hearts that Jesus is our Lord and believing that he did it all for us, suffered, died, was buried and rose again is enough to save a soul, because my parents have done that as well - both baptized ONLY as babies and Catholic to this day. It would crush me to think that they are going to Hell because they never got baptized via full immersion. They have lived good lives and been excellent examples of doers of good things for our Lord. This teacher of mine online told me that they are not saved either. I am telling you, it was really frightening.

Well I would have to say no when it comes to being baptized as a baby, and I was in the Catholic church for 5 years but left do to to many things taught that does not align with the Word of God.

Baptism is a sign of one who has personally dedicated themselves to Christ, can a baby make that dedication???

I think not as that person even though baptized as a baby could still grow up to be a vial sinful person, and thus that baptism is for not.

It is a sad thing to think of knowing that love one's may not be seen in heaven, which is why we are called to expose the works of false teachers and doctrines because they will lead others the wrong way.

I have friends and family that do not believe or are following bad doctrines to, and I continue to try and show them the truth in God's word even if it leads them to hate me. Stand firm in the Lord !!!

 

[atwhatcost]

Hi my wonderful friends! I know that God has been working on my heart because for the last 2 weeks, all I can think about is being re-baptized (by full immersion) in my Christian church. I was baptized as a baby Catholic. I thought 100% that I was completely saved after giving my heart, mind, soul and life to the Lord. I have confessed, spoken with my mouth, repented for my sins and walked a life trusting God as my Savior for quite some time now.

I joined the World Bible Study online and my teacher there tells me that I am "NOT" saved, because without baptism (not Catholic baptism) by full immersion, I am not saved. He put the fear in me fast. My pastor is in Honduras with my husband, but he did tell me that he would perform a baptism for me if I wanted when he gets back next week.(this was a prior request before my teacher told me this) I want to do that because I have never done a full immersion baptism and that is what my church believes in, but as far as being saved, am I already saved? I thought that baptism was more of a symbol of being saved, the death and resurrection of our Savior. Now he has me panicking saying I better get down there and get SAVED because I never truly was (the World Bible Study teacher). Can you guys help me and let me know what is right and wrong?

Yikes! Leave that online Bible study. Anyone who teaches that salvation is an act of our will, instead of what Jesus did, is going to mess you up in a hurry... and already has. Get out of there immediately.

That said, you're right it is a symbol of what Jesus already did. He gives us new birth through his Spirit. We declare it by being water baptized. It's like circumcision -- a cutting off of the old man. But in reality it doesn't change us, we're committing. That's all.

I was baptized when I was a baby as a Catholic too. I've been baptized again as an adult into the church. (Not RCC version of "the Church.") I'm now in another denomination that believes that infant baptism was enough. I agree, but I'm glad I was baptized as an adult, because that was me making an outward confession in front of my friends and future-hubby. (We were engage already.) It has absolutely nothing to do with saving me. Christ did that for me almost 2000 years ago. And then he did it to me when I was 16.

Anyone telling you otherwise isn't worth listening to. Matter of fact, is someone to be avoided.

 

[atwhatcost]

Thank you Kenneth! It was not my pastor that told me that, it was a teacher through World Bible Studies online. My pastor knows that I have been saved, he just offered to do the baptism for me at church again fully immersed if that was my wish because I had asked him about it last week before they left for Honduras. To me, it was just a way to show my dedication and commitment to Christ! I just know that World Bible Studies is supposed to be Christian teachers, and wondered why they would scare me to death that way if it was true or not. Thank you for clearing that up for me.

Well, apparently they either aren't Christians or aren't teachers. Possibly both.

 

[Cindy12]

Thank you as well Kenneth! I am going to stand firm with the Lord! Believe it or not, it was my 16 yr old son who asked me if he could join a Christian church to be with his friend and the big youth group there ... of course I was fine with that, and then he got baptized, taught me a LOT about what was wrong with Catholicism, and then brought me and my husband to the Christian church which is where we found out the truth! Thank GOD!!!

 

[Cindy12]

Well, apparently they either aren't Christians or aren't teachers. Possibly both.

I know! I am going to delete the messages and the page as well! Thanks for your input too!!

 

[Cindy12]

Yikes! Leave that online Bible study. Anyone who teaches that salvation is an act of our will, instead of what Jesus did, is going to mess you up in a hurry... and already has. Get out of there immediately.

That said, you're right it is a symbol of what Jesus already did. He gives us new birth through his Spirit. We declare it by being water baptized. It's like circumcision -- a cutting off of the old man. But in reality it doesn't change us, we're committing. That's all.

I was baptized when I was a baby as a Catholic too. I've been baptized again as an adult into the church. (Not RCC version of "the Church.") I'm now in another denomination that believes that infant baptism was enough. I agree, but I'm glad I was baptized as an adult, because that was me making an outward confession in front of my friends and future-hubby. (We were engage already.) It has absolutely nothing to do with saving me. Christ did that for me almost 2000 years ago. And then he did it to me when I was 16.

Anyone telling you otherwise isn't worth listening to. Matter of fact, is someone to be avoided.

Thank you Lynn for sharing that with me and I am going to do just as you said and leave that site immediately and block his email. I even checked the references for them being Christian believers, but evidently that did no good! They are gone! Thank you all so much. I am doing my baptism as an adult for the same reasons - I just want to outwardly confess that Jesus is my Savior who died and was raised from the dead - and then follow him and help spread the Word to all that I can! Thank you and bless you!

 

[KennethC]

Thank you as well Kenneth! I am going to stand firm with the Lord! Believe it or not, it was my 16 yr old son who asked me if he could join a Christian church to be with his friend and the big youth group there ... of course I was fine with that, and then he got baptized, taught me a LOT about what was wrong with Catholicism, and then brought me and my husband to the Christian church which is where we found out the truth! Thank GOD!!!

Well I am glad God brought you out of that apostate teaching, as there is to much wrong with their teachings and it has even flowed over to other denominations as well since the Protest reformation movement as in that time a number of apostate teachers came forward.

Their doctrines defile a number of churches still to this day but I will not get into that as some on this site follow such doctrines and it leads to heated debates I do not want this to turn into to derail the thread.

Our own righteousness is not where our focus should ever be, but we should be focused on doing His righteousness in our lives !!!

 

[tjogs]

Im baptised twice. First time as a baby (lutherian way) and then fully. For me that second baptism was really asked by Jesus. Now this is a matter I can speak only about "between me and Jesus": For him it was important that I have the full baptism and he made sure I remember that.

But I don't wanna draw line that it's must for everyone. Pray and listen what God have to tell you. With me he showed such a patience yet dedication: "If you gonna follow why not do it perfectly" way of thinking.

I read someone said here (by referring) that those people who were baptised just as catcholic way would end up to hell. Think about how upside down statement or idea that really is. "for God have loved us so much that he sent his only son here so no one who believes him would not perish"
And then someone says that person who have learned only the catholic way of baptism and trusts God his or her full heart would go to hell? That sounds so much like devil speaking behind the people thing.

 

[atwhatcost]

Thank you for explaining that. I have to ask then - since God commanded baptism (and I know he did) since I was baptized as a baby, is that considered being baptized? Again, I know many that go different ways on this as well. Some say yes, baptism is baptism, some say no, that as a baby you are too young to know what you are doing. Either way, I know the Lord has been speaking to me heavily about this because for a month, it's been weighing on my mind a lot about being baptized again by full immersion. I am doing that for myself and because I want to for my Savior. But, would the Catholic baptism as a baby count as baptism? (according to the Bible?) I am ever so thankful that by confessing with our mouth and hearts that Jesus is our Lord and believing that he did it all for us, suffered, died, was buried and rose again is enough to save a soul, because my parents have done that as well - both baptized ONLY as babies and Catholic to this day. It would crush me to think that they are going to Hell because they never got baptized via full immersion. They have lived good lives and been excellent examples of doers of good things for our Lord. This teacher of mine online told me that they are not saved either. I am telling you, it was really frightening.

Catholic is an odd religion. You can be saved and Catholic, but there is so much room to be not-saved and Catholic. I had to really talk to my parents to see what to believe, before I figured out neither are believers.

For Mom, she became Catholic because the man she called Dad was Catholic. Her biological father died when she was 6 months old and then her mom remarried before Mom remembers much, so, to her, Dad was always her Dad.

To him, it wasn't enough. He was her father, but out of respect for her biological father, he wouldn't let her change her last name or religion until she was 18. So, on her 18th birthday she got her name legally changed and became Catholic. Her faith was in that church, not in God.

And Dad? Dad was born and raised Irish Catholic. It took me years to figure out if he was a believer. He has always done what believers are supposed to do -- tithe, do good works for others, and raise his kids in the faith, but which faith? And he believes he'll go to heaven when he dies. But that is where things went funky. To him, heaven is God letting him do whatever he wants to do, and what he wants to do is visit the universe one planet at a time. (Note, no God needed for this. Just magical after-life abilities.)

The topic got to evolution vs. creation once. He was appalled I could ever believe in creation. The OT is simply fables to keep people on a good path. It's certainly not history, nor did God ever get that involved in people. And he gets angry with me every time I talk about God, (to the point I'm well aware he will get angry with me for what I'm about to answer, but he asked the question, so he rather forced the answer.

)

So, yeah, it takes a while to find out if our parents are both Catholic and believers, but we can find out.

Neither of mine are. Worse yet, Mom died and Dad has severe dementia now, so it's unlikely I'll ever run into them in heaven. (Still not giving up on Dad.)

 

[Cindy12]

Catholic is an odd religion. You can be saved and Catholic, but there is so much room to be not-saved and Catholic. I had to really talk to my parents to see what to believe, before I figured out neither are believers.

For Mom, she became Catholic because the man she called Dad was Catholic. Her biological father died when she was 6 months old and then her mom remarried before Mom remembers much, so, to her, Dad was always her Dad.

To him, it wasn't enough. He was her father, but out of respect for her biological father, he wouldn't let her change her last name or religion until she was 18. So, on her 18th birthday she got her name legally changed and became Catholic. Her faith was in that church, not in God.

And Dad? Dad was born and raised Irish Catholic. It took me years to figure out if he was a believer. He has always done what believers are supposed to do -- tithe, do good works for others, and raise his kids in the faith, but which faith? And he believes he'll go to heaven when he dies. But that is where things went funky. To him, heaven is God letting him do whatever he wants to do, and what he wants to do is visit the universe one planet at a time. (Note, no God needed for this. Just magical after-life abilities.)

The topic got to evolution vs. creation once. He was appalled I could ever believe in creation. The OT is simply fables to keep people on a good path. It's certainly not history, nor did God ever get that involved in people. And he gets angry with me every time I talk about God, (to the point I'm well aware he will get angry with me for what I'm about to answer, but he asked the question, so he rather forced the answer.

)

So, yeah, it takes a while to find out if our parents are both Catholic and believers, but we can find out.

Neither of mine are. Worse yet, Mom died and Dad has severe dementia now, so it's unlikely I'll ever run into them in heaven. (Still not giving up on Dad.)

Thats really sad. My dad is starting to suffer with some dementia right now. Mom goes to the Catholic church and has her whole life, Dad says to us "what kind of God would rip my 10 year old son away from me after making him suffer through leukemia" .... but during his last 5 surgeries adding up to 3 months in the hospital, he told mom one night that he had a meeting with Jesus and he had to keep his appointment, so we were so afraid he would go that night. He didn't, and I am left not knowing what he believes. I know he believes in God, but he's sad that God took his son. Always has been since that death ..... All of us girls (they had 4 girls and 1 boy - he was the youngest) have converted from Catholicism to a Christian Bible based church and all of use have found Christ and given our lives to the Lord. It's just hard to really know what others believe in their hearts and minds.

 

[Angela53510]

Thank you for explaining that. I have to ask then - since God commanded baptism (and I know he did) since I was baptized as a baby, is that considered being baptized? Again, I know many that go different ways on this as well. Some say yes, baptism is baptism, some say no, that as a baby you are too young to know what you are doing. Either way, I know the Lord has been speaking to me heavily about this because for a month, it's been weighing on my mind a lot about being baptized again by full immersion. I am doing that for myself and because I want to for my Savior. But, would the Catholic baptism as a baby count as baptism? (according to the Bible?) I am ever so thankful that by confessing with our mouth and hearts that Jesus is our Lord and believing that he did it all for us, suffered, died, was buried and rose again is enough to save a soul, because my parents have done that as well - both baptized ONLY as babies and Catholic to this day. It would crush me to think that they are going to Hell because they never got baptized via full immersion. They have lived good lives and been excellent examples of doers of good things for our Lord. This teacher of mine online told me that they are not saved either. I am telling you, it was really frightening.

I do not believer the Bible teaches infant baptism. What we are to do is be baptized as believers. So, yes a believer's baptism, as a sign of your new walk with Christ would be appropriate, in very Biblical.

But not out of fear! Baptism does not save - only Jesus saves!

It sounds like you stumbled into a cult, with that Bible study, and I am glad you were able to walk away.

One thing troubles me about this post is the statement that Catholic you know "have lived good lives and been excellent examples of doers of good things for our Lord."

I have no idea if these people are saved or not. But I do know that living good lives is not the Biblical standard for salvation, but only believing that Jesus died for your sins. Which does not mean that a Christian should not be following and exemplifying and following Christ, of course!

But we are simply not saved by living good lives, in any church.

 

[Kefa54]

Following Christ and baptism is a choice. You have to know what you are doing. All you did was get wet in a dead man made ritual when you were a baby.

Baptism is real when you choose to do it and there are witnesses.

Years ago I prayed with someone and was so called saved. I only did it to shut them up. Was I still saved?

Kefa

 

[Cindy12]

Following Christ and baptism is a choice. You have to know what you are doing. All you did was get wet in a dead man made ritual when you were a baby.

Baptism is real when you choose to do it and there are witnesses.

Years ago I prayed with someone and was so called saved. I only did it to shut them up. Was I still saved?

Kefa

Kefa, I would say that if you believed in your heart and mind that Jesus died for your sins and is your savior, yes you were saved. Whether you did it for shutting someone up or not, wouldn't you still be saved if that was your belief in Jesus? I think we all have to know that if we confess with our mouths, heart and mind that Jesus is our savior and we BELIEVE that, we are all saved. But, thats my Christian belief. I know other people believe other things ... as with life in our world ... different things for different people. I just have to believe that my faith in Jesus is what saved me. No matter where I did it or when. Following that dedication to Christ as my savior, baptism should sometime follow as a sign of rebirth.

 

[Cindy12]

Praise Jesus! I am getting baptized tomorrow night at my church! Excitement and happiness fills my heart!

 

[blondieindahouse]

Yikes! Leave that online Bible study. Anyone who teaches that salvation is an act of our will, instead of what Jesus did, is going to mess you up in a hurry... and already has. Get out of there immediately.

That said, you're right it is a symbol of what Jesus already did. He gives us new birth through his Spirit. We declare it by being water baptized. It's like circumcision -- a cutting off of the old man. But in reality it doesn't change us, we're committing. That's all.

I was baptized when I was a baby as a Catholic too. I've been baptized again as an adult into the church. (Not RCC version of "the Church.") I'm now in another denomination that believes that infant baptism was enough. I agree, but I'm glad I was baptized as an adult, because that was me making an outward confession in front of my friends and future-hubby. (We were engage already.) It has absolutely nothing to do with saving me. Christ did that for me almost 2000 years ago. And then he did it to me when I was 16.

Anyone telling you otherwise isn't worth listening to. Matter of fact, is someone to be avoided.

"I'm now in another denomination that believes that infant baptism was enough. I agree, "

God is silent on baby baptism. Period!

You need to rethink that. You said you were baptized after salvation which is the correct way to go about baptism but then by your own words I see that your thinking is still that of the RC church or possibly lutheran? ! How can baptism of a baby mean anything when the baby cannot choose Christ with no understanding of the gospel. It cant! But yet you agree with the false teaching. Im not at all surprised coming from someone who appears as a preterist as well.You should study more and spend less time on this site.................