Godfocus Internet Church ©
"Believers Baptism Naturally Follows Being Saved And Born Again"

Baptisms

Many people have questions about water Baptism. We have found that some of the questions are from people who:

• Were baptized or Christened as an infant and now are joining a church that wants them to participate in Believers Baptism.

• Are wondering which Baptism is valid, Infant Baptism or Adult Baptism.

• Are trying to determine if water Baptism is necessary for salvation?

• Are wondering what form of Baptism is the best:  sprinkling, dipping, full submersion.

• Have joined a church but do not see any necessity for becoming Baptized, yet want to belong to that church.

• Are in a religious school or class and are researching the topic of Baptism.

Some Explanation

In the original Greek text, those portions of the bible that use baptize use the word "baptizo." 

Strongs Greek Dictionary states that "baptizo" means, "to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.

What Jesus Said
 

In the Holy Bible Jesus Said "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16).

The most important thing: is believing and following the teachings of Jesus Christ, affirming that he is our true Lord and Savior, is the son of God, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, died on the cross for us, rose on the third day, and returned to show his disciples and us that he had been resurrected.

The second most important thing are the Baptisms 

Baptism by Water - My Rationale

• Setting the example for us, Jesus asked to be baptized in water and was, by John the Baptist (Matt 3:13-17). 

• Matthew 3:16 states, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him."

• Baptism by water shows an increased commitment to God.

• It is an act of belief in Jesus Christ. So our belief is enhanced and strengthened.

• It shows our willingness to become more like Jesus because He was baptized.

• Being baptized in our church shows a strong commitment to belong to the body of Christ, (first and foremost our congregation but other Christians as well) and sets a Biblical example for others.

• Finally we believe that Baptism by total submersion is preferable if possible because Biblical examples allude to this type of Baptism with examples of people being baptized in lakes and rivers.

Baptism By The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:38-39 states:  "...Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Are There Baptism Exceptions?

I do not believe infants or mentally challenged individuals are denied salvation because they have not been saved and born again. I also do not believe that people who have not heard the good news of Jesus Christ will be penalized. A person needs to be aware of and understand the rules before he/she can be held responsible for them. However, it is incumbent on all Christians to spread the Good News so no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to come to Jesus. These are my opinions based on research and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
 

Copyright © 2002-2006, Godfocus Ministries, All Rights Reserved:  All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright, notices, or other content. However, you may download unmodified written material from this Godfocus Ministries Website (one print copy per page) for your personal, noncommercial use only.