I'm getting baptised, and I'm afraid

Samual · Jun 23, 2015

I've never been baptised. I always thought I had been baptised as a baby but I wasn't. Mom wanted to let me grow up and make my OWN decision to follow God. And I did. When I was about 13 or 14 I asked Mom about being baptised, and she said I hadn't been and asked if I wanted to. I hesitated. I think it was more the fact I thought I was going to be baptised in front of a crowd and I don't like crowds AT ALL. But anyways I told her I'd think about it. And while I thought about it, I remembered something I'd done a few times a couple years earlier when I cursed God. Not angry, just said it and didn't think anything of it until I decided I wanted to truly complete my walk with the Lord. But I kept telling myself I would never be forgiven and God hated me, so I decided to let the matter sit and wait until I was 18. And then the fear went away, and I was able to go about life normally without a second thought. Then about 5 or 6 months ago I decided I was going to be baptised, afraid of crowds or not (It was a few days later I learned my Mom wanted to do a family baptism and we would be being baptised by a family member of ours that is a pastor and I didn't have to do it in front of a crowd) and this time I wasn't taking no for an answer. The fear steadily increased the longer I kept my decision. I'm getting baptised on Thursday June 25, 2015 and at the time I'm writing this, it's less than 48 hours from that time. This fear is peaked, and I told my Mom about it and she said she felt the same thing before she got baptised, and that it would get worse after my baptism for a little bit. I pray every single night and morning (All thought my prayers seem to be getting a bit repetitive and I need to figure out something new to talk to God about) but I still get this little voice in my head. And it's crazy because at night when everything starts winding down, I stop thinking about it and all the sudden I FEEL saved and I'm 100% positive about my salvation. Then during the day it starts all over again. If you guys can direct me to some sort of scripture or bible verse that can help me get through this it'd be much appreciated, thanks.

crossnote · Jun 23, 2015

I don't see why the fear unless you are not yet saved (born again). Baptism should be a joy. Is it fear of people or an inner fear of conscience?
You do realize when Jesus died on the cross it was to take your place as a sinner, and that those who ask Him to forgive them for their sins He will save?

Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
(Joh 3:3-18)

Once you have made peace with God your heart will desire to be baptized.

(ps. no one is a christian since birth)

Ugly · Jun 24, 2015

Know that infant baptism is not biblical at all. Baptism is a a choice you have to make that is a public expression of your faith, announcing that you have made a decision to follow Christ. Therefore this is not a choice babies can make, and so being baptised before you can make, and understand, that choice is irrelevant.

Also be aware that there is only one sin that is not forgivable in the bible. That is rejecting Christ.

Another thing is salvation has Nothing to do with how we feel. It's not a feeling, it's a fact that exists no matter how we feel. That's part of what faith is. Believing in something even though we don't have any proof. If you are saved, you are saved, all the time, not just when you 'feel' saved.

So just try not to be afraid, for God has not given us a spirit of fear (as the bible states). Most baptisms are quick and all the people there are excited for you and are there to support you in your decision.

A last little piece of advice, you may want to look into having yourself checked out for OCD. OCD is not always about hand washing and turning lights on/off. Man times there is a mental component that has a lot of fear in it and one of the fears some Christians with OCD battle is that they lose their salvation. And that they can't let that thought go at times. Your tendency to dwell on and not let go of fears, and in particular your salvation, may be an indicator of this. Of course that may not be the case at all and you may simply need some help in learning to control your thoughts.

KJB · Jun 24, 2015

Acts 2:38 : “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Being saved and feeling saved is that you have accepted Jesus Christ and through your baptism this week, you will do so in covenant. You have been saved through the death of Jesus Christ, and now you are confirming this. You will leave behind all sin, and all wrongdoings, you will go on and spread the message to others that Jesus Christ is the path to Heaven to be with our Father.

You feeling this at night is good, I am so happy for you. You are doing what is right, and imagine, you will be getting baptized something that Jesus Christ did too with John the Baptist. Brilliant!

-Kim

Elizabeth619 · Jun 24, 2015

I remember being terrified of being baptized in front of people. I was very shy. Then one night I was afterchurch. I had no intention of being baptized that night but something happened. I started crying and couldn't stop. An elder of the congregation saw me and came to me. He took my hand and said "you're ready to obey the gospel". I nodded. There was still a large crowd at church and he got their attention. I public ally confessed that Jesus is the son of God and was baptized. After I came up from the water it literally felt like a heavy weight was lifted off me. I felt like I was walking on clouds.

What im saying is there is no need to be scared. Baptism is a wonderful thing.

Samual · Jun 24, 2015

Ugly said:

Know that infant baptism is not biblical at all. Baptism is a a choice you have to make that is a public expression of your faith, announcing that you have made a decision to follow Christ. Therefore this is not a choice babies can make, and so being baptised before you can make, and understand, that choice is irrelevant.

Also be aware that there is only one sin that is not forgivable in the bible. That is rejecting Christ.

Another thing is salvation has Nothing to do with how we feel. It's not a feeling, it's a fact that exists no matter how we feel. That's part of what faith is. Believing in something even though we don't have any proof. If you are saved, you are saved, all the time, not just when you 'feel' saved.

So just try not to be afraid, for God has not given us a spirit of fear (as the bible states). Most baptisms are quick and all the people there are excited for you and are there to support you in your decision.

A last little piece of advice, you may want to look into having yourself checked out for OCD. OCD is not always about hand washing and turning lights on/off. Man times there is a mental component that has a lot of fear in it and one of the fears some Christians with OCD battle is that they lose their salvation. And that they can't let that thought go at times. Your tendency to dwell on and not let go of fears, and in particular your salvation, may be an indicator of this. Of course that may not be the case at all and you may simply need some help in learning to control your thoughts.

I actually have been tested, I suffer from ADHD mixed with a little bit of OCD. It's a really vicious outcome

Samual · Jun 24, 2015

Elizabeth619 said:

I don't think I was scared of the baptism, I was just nervous because I thought when you got baptised you did it in front of the church and in front of a crowd. And I love Jesus, but I hate crowds. I don't like being the center of attention, I don't like being stared at. It makes me really uncomfortable

Samual · Jun 24, 2015

KJB said:

I never doubted that I was making the right choice. But I did doubt my salvation and, at several times, even my own religion. I know I'm doing the right thing, but that still doesn't change the fact that this is NOT what Satan wants and he will do everything in his power to make it not happen.

Angela53510 · Jun 24, 2015

Samual, those people watching are not there to condemn or judge you. They are there to support you and encourage you. There may also be people watching who are not saved. It will be moving to them to see your commitment to Christ as you give a testimony (usually this is done) and get baptized.

I will pray God will comfort you and give you peace about this.

crossnote · Jun 24, 2015

Samual said:

Samual, I am a little confused maybe you can explain.
In your profile you say you were saved since birth. Were you not following God, and your mom gave you a warning?
Can you tell us how you were saved since birth?

Elizabeth619 · Jun 24, 2015

Samual said:

I don't think I was scared of the baptism, I was just nervous because I thought when you got baptised you did it in front of the church and in front of a crowd. And I love Jesus, but I hate crowds. I don't like being the center of attention, I don't like being stared at. It makes me really uncomfortable

That's exactly how I used to feel.

Samual · Jun 24, 2015

crossnote said:

no no no, on my profile I stated I have been a christian since birth but I've never been baptised. Which was true, for about 13 years I thought I had been baptised as a baby and I've always said I was a christian. I have never at any point in my life been anything but a christian. What I meant by make my OWN decision was she didn't want to force what she believed on me. She wanted me to make the choice on my own

crossnote · Jun 24, 2015

Samual said:

You do realize we are not born Christian don't you?
How did you come to faith in Christ since birth or whenever you did?

Willie-T · Jun 24, 2015

I expect that I will be blasted, right and left, for this, but I say DO NOT GET BAPTIZED right now.

Do you see ANYWHERE in the Bible where the participants were not both willing and eager to be baptized?

Personally, it does not sound like you are doing this for any of the reasons Jesus intends.

p_rehbein · Jun 24, 2015

Willie-T said:

Agreed, and I also might be criticized, but after reviewing this persons Profile Page, I don't think they are ready to be water baptized..................

[h=5]About Samual[/h]Gender:male
Marital Status:not married
Spiritual Status:Christian
When saved:I have been a christian since birth, although I was never baptized. I will be getting baptised on 6-22-15

I am concerned by the emboldened part, especially that in red

secularhermit · Jun 24, 2015

Please, don´t be afraid, unless you don´t like to be bathed in cold or icy water.

Just think it that Jesus did it, with John the Baptist:

Grandpa · Jun 24, 2015

Baptism is great. If you are feeling the urge you should go get baptised.

If you think, later on, that your view of baptism has changed, get baptised again.

I was baptised when I was 4 or 5 yrs old. All it was at that time for me was a cold dip in the water.

Then I was baptised again at the age of 38 or 39. I had a better idea of what baptism was. It meant much more to me.

You seem like you are somewhere in between. Just keep coming to Christ. If baptism is what is calling you, then baptise. Then read in the bible what it means. Study what this call on your life is all about.

Miri · Jun 24, 2015

Hi Sam, baptism is an outward testimony to the fact that you
have surrendered your life to Christ and want to follow him.

You don't have to be perfect to be baptised, but you do need to
be certain of why you are doing it, is it to please others or is it
because you feel you need to show that Jesus is your saviour and you
are following him. Or is it out of some superstition?

I was terrified when I got baptised in my 20s. I couldn't swim and I was
terrified of being dunked under the water! But I just felt I had to do it and
nail my colours to the mast.

For a few weeks leading up to the baptism I practiced dunking my head under the
water in the bath and holding my breath, but it didn't really help much!
I think I went into shock for an hour or so afterwards but then later I was filled
with a wonderful peace and joy.

I was also scared of standing up in front of everyone and giving a brief
testimony, but I just felt an inner urge that I must be baptised, I knew it
was the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

By the way another person was baptised at the same time as me, I was
not certain at the time she was doing it for the right reasons. I honestly
still don't know, she soon fell away from God shortly afterwards. Hopefully
she will be brought back at some time in her life.

If you are absolutely certain you are doing this for Jesus and not to please
others and you have accepted Christ as your saviour, then go for it.

There is no reason why a teen cannot be baptised as long as they are
certain of the reasons. In fact I have known adults who were baptised for all the
wrong reasons so age does not come into it. It is between you and God.

phil112 · Jun 24, 2015

I have to echo what most have said - it is a joyous occasion and those onlookers are there to share in that joy and celebrate your becoming a believer.
The fear is irrational and you need to tell the devil to "Get thee behind me satan"!

Ugly · Jun 24, 2015

Samual said:

It is difficult. Someone I'm very close to has both of those conditions as well. I might suggest that much of what you're feeling centers around the OCD, if that's any sort of consolation.

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