People often disagree (and sometimes argue) about the affect of water baptism in a person's life. One side believes baptism happens only after "regeneration" takes place. Others, obviously, would disagree. In my tradition, baptism is seen as part of the salvation process - so much so that often times Restoration churches are accused of water regeneration.
The label water regenerationist makes me squirm. In other words, I don't believe there's anything in the water that is magical that will save an individual. However, making Jesus Lord/master of one's life includes adhering to his examples and commands. It's for this reason, I believe water baptism to be important. One other thing about water baptism: Is it strictly for an individual or is there some impact on the community?
If a person is convicted of his/her need for Christ as savior, doesn't it make sense that the person be obedient to what Scripture teaches?
Thoughts about these questions? Or any questions yourself?
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6 comments:
i think that baptism is a mystery.
i was baptized in college when the group that i was attending was doing it.
i did not study it, i just did it because i was led there.
the meaning of it could sometimes come to a person years after the actual act. i mean one may do it for a certain reason that is in their mind at the time, and then over time be aware of other meanings in their ongoing relationship in the Lord.
we have many reasons for doing it, yet, after it is done it could have different meanings to a person.
perhaps one could even go through the process more than once as the reasons change...i don't know.
Hi Mike! You mention the community aspect of baptism. Two things come to mind here. First, baptism builds the body of Christ. It is an encouragement to see a new believer baptized, and to hear his testimony. Second, baptism provides a unique opportunity to evangelize. There are people who won't normally go to church, but will go to see the baptism of a friend or family member.
Baptism is a beautiful thing, and it's a shame that it sometimes becomes something that believers get divided over. I can heartily agree that one should be obedient here as scripture teaches.
Hey Nancy!
I agree in part that baptism is a mystery. The amazing thing is grace abounds even when we first meet Jesus. All too often, I think, religious people in the Church expect a new convert to know much, prior to being baptized.
I appreciate what you say about baptism becoming more clear as we mature.
Thanks!
Kevin,
Thanks for stopping by. I couldn't agree more. One other thing though in regards to the community aspect. Isn't the community prompted to remember their obligation of discipleship when observing a baptism? First of all for them. And then of course for the new convert. I think so.
Blessings!
Seems I have had this discussion in the past. I totally agree that baptism is an outward expression of ones faith. I think that the Holy Spirit leads each of us to knowledge and that we consider baptism by emersion.
I believe it is important because it allows others to see our faith, a public proclamation of that faith. In doing so we encourage mature Christians and new and those lacking in faith. The Holy Spirit is an encourager and works mightly prior to and right after a person makes the choice to proclaim their Christianity. It is the reason we often see others take the plunge, so to speak, shortly after one person makes the choice.
Baptism is a natural progression in our walk.
So Says Mike
I love the language in Romans 6. 4"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Newness of life. Wow!
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