Romans 6:3-4
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
After sharing with and baptizing dozens of others over more than a decade of ministry, what an honor it was to review the Scriptures with Nathan yesterday and then baptize him at SpringHill Camps (the same place where, by the way, I also baptized Josh, and where Amanda and I were baptized a dozen years ago).
What questions do you have about baptism? Ask them here or on facebook, instagram, or twitter, and I’ll answer them on my blog this week.
Baptism is just a public profession of faith, right? Nothing super insane happens when you get forced under water and you just come back up more drenched than when you went in. Is there really a point to it? I mean, God tells us to do it, so that’s why we do it but what happens if you don’t?
I got saved as a kid and had to get permission from my parents in order to get dunked. Non-believing parents don’t always take their child’s faith so well. They were angry, I was punished and in the process almost drowned because they were going to ‘baptize’ me. Needless to say, I never got their permission and as much as I trust God and put my life in His hands, I don’t trust people.
I have been to church camps and church. I have thought for moments of getting baptized. It is not always the memory that stops me but the fact that I just don’t understand what we get out of it and what He gets out of it. I do everything that God tells me to do without question. I have never needed a book to tell me what He says. I never had one until just a couple of years ago. When He speaks, I listen. But the whole baptism thing…in our walk, I have never heard or felt Him want it…it’s been the people in the church that push it. Why? Something that is not a conviction for some, does it condemn them in the church if they don’t? Do I go to Hell because I haven’t felt the need to take a moment’s swim? What happens if someone never does but still has that undying faith? Are faith and convictions individual or are they a ‘one size fits all’ when some have not grown up in the presence of believers?
Wow, Kali… what a story, and a whole bunch of great questions! I’m sorry to hear you have not had the support of your family, but excited to see you are continuing to wrestle with what it means to follow Christ with your life! Continue reading this week and I’ll do my best to answer some of your questions. In the meantime, read Romans 6, 7 and 8.
Don’t get me wrong, I am ecstatic for people who do get baptized. I’m not against it, after all the Bible says do it and why would I be upset if someone does. I enjoy watching the joy and being a part of celebrating another person joining this gigantic family. I was told that is what people do when they get saved. So, I wanted to. But it was people who pushed it. Each time I wrestle with it, I don’t know if I hear God or the people who love him. Their intentions are good, I know it. If I ever do it, I want to do it because God told ME and with a heart that is fully into it.
My story is just part of what God helped me through. I don’t look for pity, it happened and maybe it stops me. I’ve done other things that are way out of my comfort zone because my Greatest Hope told me to do it. I know His voice, but in a sea of murmurs, sometimes it isn’t so easy.
I think it’s great that people take that step into the water and follow what God tells them to. But my questions still exist. I enjoy reading your blog. I learn a little bit every day. Baptism is just one of the many things that I ask about and no one seems to have an answer. Or I get weird looks. Do people who grow up in church really never question why some things are pushed? It’s like we are all supposed to be the same and have the same convictions when we all have been written a different story and have our own, very different, battles.
I love God. There is no doubt of that in my heart. I have been angry with Him and asked Him “Why” but my faith never stopped. There are somethings I question, whether or not that alone is wrong.
I will read Romans 6-8. Thank you for providing that, I don’t always know where to look, in the Bible. I will also continue reading. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I look forward to any answers. Even if only one question is answered. I know my questions aren’t always easy. Maybe the answers will come to us both.
Kali, I was raised in the Friends Church (Quaker), and as a rule we do not baptize. I don’t think that condemns all of the Friends by not being baptized. It originally came about because there were those who thought that the act of baptism was what saved them, not their relationship with God. I consider doing it now and then, but haven’t yet done it. someday, when God guides me and someone to help me with the experience. . . but having God in your heart and life is the main thing. I am thrilled to see that my grandson was baptized, and his brother was last year. It is an encouragement to my heart to see God as a reality in their lives each day. I will pray for you..
Sandi
Thank you, Sandi!
It is interesting that different parts of Christianity believe different things. We all worship the same God. Why do you consider getting baptized, may I ask? I love watching other people because, like you said, I see that God is real to them. When I received Him, there was only one other person around. I’m not new to God, just everything else.
Thank you for your prayers, I really am trying to understand and not ask so many questions.
Kali