Q/A: I am a Christian, but I have not been baptized with water.  I don’t believe you have to be to see the Kingdom of Heaven, but in my heart I feel it is the right thing to do.  Here’s the thing, though.  I am not a member of any certain denomination.  It seems that I keep running into the problem where I feel like once the preacher or priest finds that I am not wanting to join their faith/church, they don’t seem as interested in baptizing me.  What do you suggest?  One option I have thought about is someone I think the world of as a Christian.  Is it kosher for just a fellow Christian to baptize me? - Jon

Q/A: My niece believes that if you are not baptized in “Jesus’ name” you will not go to heaven.  My pastor baptized us in “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” and I believe I will go to heaven.  My niece was recently re-baptized so she could be baptized in “Jesus’ name”.  Is she right? - Darlena

Q/A: Concerning baptism, I truly appreciate and agree with the concept that it is God’s power that saves, and that our actions alone are unable to save us. God saved Noah and his family.  He used an ark to do it!  Naturally, God saves sinners.  He uses baptism to do it.  Baptism is a requirement. - Michael

Q/A: I was wondering why you do not consider the Bible the ultimate authority on all things concerning religion.  It is obvious to me from reading over some of the Q&A that you do not read the same Bible that I do.  I’m not going into great detail here, but I just wanted to let you know that people are out here reading what you put on your website and think you know what you are talking about.  Don’t take this the wrong way, but if you are going to give biblical examples, you should be consistent.  Just an example: you stated in one of your Q&A to someone that baptism doesn’t save you.  If not, then how do you explain Mark 16:15-16 and 1 Peter 3:21?  To me the scripture is very clear, but yet there’s no mention of this.  I know…you will try to explain it away, but that still doesn’t take away from what the Bible explicitly says.  Also, a question was asked about when a person “receives” the Holy Spirit.  How about Acts 2:38 for starters?  It specifically states the Spirit will be received after one has been baptized.  These are just a few examples that hit me within the first few minutes I was reading your site.  You feel that all “beliefs” should just be able to get along…but Christ said he was going to build HIS church (singular)…no plurality there.  We cannot compromise the truth to suit our needs and lead others astray.  As a concern for your soul I felt I needed to tell you this. - Dave

Q/A: Did water baptism come from a pagan culture?  If it did, why did Jesus choose to get baptized? - David

Q/A: I have been researching infant baptism vs. believers’ baptism and I have reached a point of confusion.  I was always taught that through baptism the Holy Spirit creates faith in Jesus in the infant’s heart.  Is that true or are all infants born with faith in the Lord already and some just end up rejecting him as adults? - Heather

Q/A: I am very interested in the history of baptism.  Can you tell me how “in what mode and formula” were the first Christians baptized?  When did that mode change and who changed it? - Linda

Q/A: Matthew 3:16 states that the Spirit of God descended like a dove on Jesus after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.  Why did the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) descend on Jesus when he was the Son of God and was already filled with the Holy Spirit? - Rich

Q/A: If being baptized is nothing but an outward sign of commitment, then is it necessary to be baptized in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven ?  What if a person dies and is not baptized? - Linda

Q/A: I want to know if I must be baptized to go to heaven.  Is just accepting Christ in my life enough? - Lori

Q/A: I have recently come to believe in the Lord Jesus stronger than ever.  I have read most of the Bible and some good quality Christian books and magazines over the past two years and have no doubts. I am very concerned that I could die before I get a chance to be baptized.  I’ve read many places in scripture that basically say “if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died to pay for your sins, then you too are saved.”  Nowhere have I seen that you must believe and be baptized.  While I think I do want to be baptized, if I were to die before I get to be, does that mean my belief came too late? - Mike

Q/A: I was baptized as an infant by my grandfather.  I confirmed my faith in the Presbyterian Church when I was 15 years of age.  My wife was baptized in the Baptist Church by immersion.  She does not believe in infant baptism and does not think that our son should be baptized at birth.  This is embarrassing, but I am having problems explaining infant baptism to my wife.  I thought that it came from God sprinkling his blessings on homes.  Is this true? Second problem: my wife and I joined a non-denominational church.  When we joined they asked if I had accepted Jesus Christ and if I had been baptized.  I said yes to both questions and we were members.  They later realized that my baptism was at birth.  They pulled my membership and would like for me to be immersed in order to become a member again.  I am really struggling with this.  I know that any relationship with God could be improved, but I do not feel compelled to do this.  Luckily, my wife supports me no matter what.  I find it hypocritical that a church is “non-denominational” but will not allow a fellow Christian to join “their” church without “their” accepted baptism ritual. - David

Q/A: What’s the difference between christening and baptism? A friend asked me the other day and I didn’t really know how to answer. - Shot

Q/A: I have recently found your site and LOVE it! I like the way that you are able to answer questions by keeping the “main things the plain things.” You also allow for alternative views as long as they don’t contradict scripture. I have found your answers to be insightful. My situation: when I was 10 years old a man came to my door and witnessed to me. As a result, I accepted Christ (or rather, he accepted me). It wasn’t a highly emotional situation. The guy explained the gospel and I understood that I needed a Savior. I was baptized and started going to church. I didn’t know anything about discipleship and Bible study, etc. Throughout my teenage years I rebelled against God on and off, and in my 20’s became an alcoholic, bouncing in and out of church.... My question: How do I determine when I was saved? Was it originally? Some would say no, because I fell into a lifestyle marked by alcoholism. Some would say yes, but that I “fell away for a time” and God brought me back. I believe that now I am a follower in Christ, which is the most important thing. I am wondering how I should handle baptism. Should I do it again “just in case” I wasn’t truly saved the first time? I seem to be beating this issue to death, but I want it resolved. Every indication that I get from God seems to be “relax, you had it covered the first time.” I just want to make sure that this is of God. - Jeff

Q/A: I have read what you say about being saved by grace.  Thank you.  I am concerned about what John 3 says about baptism: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” How does this work with being saved by grace?  It looks like Jesus Christ is very clear about qualifying for the kingdom of God.  Please explain. - Stan  

Q/A: Is baptism important? You said that it was not. You said that the thief on the cross would be in heaven that same day when Jesus Christ died on the cross. That is right, but was Jesus Christ dead yet? Did he give up the ghost yet? Was there still life in Jesus Christ? Was the blood and water shed yet? The answer to these four questions is NO! According to the word of God, there is only one way to be baptized..... To be a Christian is to be Christ-like! To be born again is to be dead to sin, to live as an example of Jesus Christ, a person to reflect Jesus Christ. Jesus does not live in an unclean temple, so if you are smoking, if you are a woman and wear pants and if you are a man and wear shorts that show your (male or female) nakedness, but you say you are a Christian, woe unto you..... After all this – my question is: Does it make a difference if I smoke or wear a bikini at the beach? Is my name in the book of life? - Eugen

Q/A: My stepdaughter who is 6 years old went to church today and told me she wanted to get saved.  I took her outside to make sure that she understood.  She explained everything to me.  So she went to the altar and got saved today.  Now everyone in my husband’s family, including my husband, doubts that she knew what she was doing. So my question is this: does she really know what happened today? - Julie

Q/A: In Acts 8:14-17, “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.  When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” How come the people of Samaria can be baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus but not receive the Holy Spirit?  What about today?  How do we know we have received the Holy Spirit? - Kahing

Q/A: My question is about how and when a Christian receives the Holy Spirit.  Some teach it comes with water baptism, either as an infant or later in life.  The Bible tells of it coming with water baptism and sometimes at other times.  It also comes by the laying on of hands by apostles or elders.  Some people today say they feel the Spirit entering them and know the exact time it happened.  I feel I do have the Holy Spirit because I know that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die for us so that we could have everlasting life with him.  But I do not know how or when I received the Holy Spirit. - John

Q/A: ... I’m planning on being baptized in May and my dad has informed me that he won’t be able to support my baptism unless I’m willing to research adult baptism vs. infant baptism and discuss it with him during a number of meetings.  I’m willing to respect him by doing that, but I’m having a lot of frustrations with the whole ordeal.  I feel like he and I are discussing two different subjects.  For me the issue isn’t adult baptism vs. infant baptism.  My brother and sister were both baptized as infants and they’re fine with it, and that’s great!  I’m happy for them, and I feel there’s nothing wrong with that.  It’s not enough for me, though.  I need that experience, and that memory, to help spur me in my walk with Christ.... How do I turn this discussion with my dad around from being one about adult baptism vs. infant baptism to one about him supporting me in following through on something that Christ is leading me to do?.... -  Karyne

Q/A: I believe you are performing a great service and helping many who might be leery of asking these questions face to face, or just need another opinion. I am struggling with infant baptism and I have come to the belief that while not necessary, it is a commanded outward expression of our faith.  Can you point me to any scripture that speaks of the fate of a child that dies prior to knowing and accepting Christ? - Steve

Q/A: What is being baptized in the “Holy Spirit”? - Ronald

Q/A: I noticed your Q/A for baptism and was wondering if I might indulge the topic a little more.  Why is baptism considered a work?  It’s a passive thing.  You do nothing but surrender yourself.  It’s not a work of merit.  It seems to be a work of God. Is saying the sinner’s prayer a work?  If saying the sinner’s prayer is not work, then why did the Jewish people believe it was a work to pray?  Many people may feel justified as the Pharisee vs. the tax collector, for things they do.  Just like one who prays to God may feel like he is justified for praying to God and should be rewarded. - John

Q/A: I hold a view similar to yours on baptism.  I have always felt that it is something you do after you are saved—being an outward sign of that salvation.  However, I recently ran across an interactive bible study that led me to the following scriptures.  Now I am not sure what I believe.  I want to believe the Word of God, but I realize that I could be missing a piece of the puzzle, which is often the case.  Please examine the following scriptures closely and let me know what you think: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16; Acts 2:33; Mark 16:16; Matthew 3:7; and Colossians 2:12. - Ray

Q/A: Can you please explain Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:4?  Can one be buried without going down into something and can they be raised if they are already standing? - Ruty

Q/A: I appreciate your ministry. Presently I am discussing various beliefs with a “Jehovah’s Witness”.  Denying Christ’s divinity (as it seems these folks do) in my view comes close to “taking the name of the Lord thy God in vain”—not recommended!!  ... One of their main sticking points is the Trinity doctrine, and I have supplied him with various articles in an attempt to explain this to him.  He writes:  “I am interested in your comments on Bible verses relating to the time after Jesus’ resurrection, such as 1 Corinthians 15:24,28.” He later writes: “…does the Father have more knowledge than the son, or does this apply only when Jesus was on earth?  (Matthew 24:36)” Could you please help me to provide authoritative answers for him? - Ian

Q/A: I was wondering how some people can think that being baptized in the Holy Spirit happens when they are first saved when Acts chapter 8 states that the Samaritan believers did not receive the Holy Sprit until Peter and John came down and prayed for them. - Steven

Q/A:  I understand that it is a command that we must be baptized.  In my research of the Bible, I have not found any Scriptures requiring baptism by immersion.  I am comfortable with my sprinkling baptism.  However, I am often under fire from those who consider immersion the ONLY baptism.  I repeatedly ask them to show me in scripture their belief, and so far no one has.  Can you help?  I certainly do not want to lead anyone astray. - Sharon

Q/A: I want you to tell me what the difference is between Catholic baptism and Christian baptism. Also – give me some scriptures. 1) Using Catholic baptism, can a person be saved from sins and go to heaven? 2) There are a lot of methods of baptism in different churches. Which are appropriate for people to use? - Luis

Q/A: When I became a Christian, I repented of my sins, surrendered my will to God and was baptized. I believed at the time that I was not saved and cleansed from my sin until after baptism, which is what the Church of Christ teaches. Since then, I have attended another church and have come to believe that a person is saved before baptism by the grace of God and the death of his son on the cross, and then comes baptism as an outward sign of my belief. My question is, should I be baptized again, now that I know that I was saved before baptism? - Jo

Q/A: My question deals with two doctrines really – that of baptism, primarily infant baptism, and election. The Bible makes clear that God chooses us to be saved, and that we cannot "make a decision" for him by our own will or power. But how does this doctrine reconcile with infant baptism, where the vast majority of babies in Christian families are baptized? The baptism is a decision made by the parents and the family. But if God chooses when he will, what good is our decision to baptize infants, or even ourselves as adults? Does baptism make one "eligible" for the Lord’s election? - Mark

Q/A: If I may ask a follow-up question on baptism being required for salvation. You said it’s not required for one’s salvation, yet it is commanded after we are saved as an outward statement of our commitment. My question is: What if one does not do it (be baptized) are they still "ok" with God? My mother doesn’t remember if she was baptized or not and she’s been asking me if its necessary. I told her I don’t think it is, but I’m not sure. She’s not able to get out and she doesn’t want people coming to the house to baptize her. That’s the reason for my question. - Joe

Q/A: 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

Q/A: We have been doing a Bible study where the subject of baptism was discussed. It was pointed out that before Jesus’ death and resurrection, baptism was performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter taught in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and you would receive the Holy Spirit... Our Bible study friends believe that Christians should be baptized in the name of Jesus so that they will be recognized as the bride of Christ when the rapture comes. What does Plain Truth Ministries have to say about this?

Q/A: I've noticed that a number of churches don't baptize infants. Why is that? - Adam

Q/A: How many times should a person be baptized? In my case I was baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church. But I'm grown up now and I'm not Catholic. I was baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist Church a few years back but now I don't agree with their beliefs so I have left. I'm now attending a Baptist Church. I don't believe I should be baptized again for changing churches. When I got baptized as an adult I did it knowing why and what this means to me as a Christian and I think that's all that matters. - Marie

Q/A: I was baptized when I was a child. I have backslid since then, I want to live a Christian life. To be born again, must one go through a baptism ceremony again? - Antonio