Question: Hello Greg,

Fist of all, I am solid in my faith. I realize that grace is a gift of God. I have asked the question, though, "should I be baptized with water?" I was as an infant. I have asked the Lord into my life and put my trust in him and him alone and also repented. Now I have not been baptized as a believer, and I have no problem with it. However, I do use a wheelchair. I know how we are saved by grace through faith – not by works of ourselves, though I feel baptism is important – especially since it is mentioned so often in Acts. How do you feel?

Jason

Answer: Dear Jason,

Baptism is a commandment, but Christians can often become confused about what it is, what it does, etc. Baptism is an outward sign of commitment – in the case of believer’s baptism (adult) it is a decision made by the individual, following a commitment that they make to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. With infant baptism, this commitment is made on behalf of the infant, by parents and family, in advance of the age of decision-making capabilities.

The method or mode of baptism is not at issue – and it is not what saves. Arguments rage about believer’s and infant baptism – as well as the arguments about the method of baptism (full immersion, sprinkling, pouring, or partial immersion) – as well as the baptismal formula, what words should be spoken. Entire denominations have formed, breaking off from other church bodies, over these issues.

Then there is the question of re-baptism – with some churches insisting that the only baptism that is "valid" is the one at which their ministry/priesthood officiate. Some teach that Christians need to be re-baptized every time they fall back into a sinful pre-baptism habit. But the book of Hebrews tells us that Christ died for us once and for all, and there is no reason why we need to offer sacrifices daily or annually, as did the nation of Israel under the old covenant.

Baptism is a physical and outward ceremony, simply a response to what God has done (or in the case of infant baptism, will do) in a believer’s life. Baptism does not confer special status or blessings – the new birth is given by God as a result of a personal relationship between God and a sinner. Baptism is an outward act which publicly testifies to the believer’s faith and commitment.

If you wish to be baptized as an adult, there is no reason why you should not do so, as long as you realize that you are not commanded to do so, because you have already been baptized. However, if you are convicted that infant baptism is not what the Bible teaches, then you should be baptized as an adult. But you should also not labor under the illusion that baptism will do something for you that god has not already done.

Hope this helps, Jason – let me know if we can be of additional help. May God bless you.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht