Over the past few months we have been reviewing the doctrine of baptism. Recently, we put together a document in a Question and Answer format to present a condensed version of the more detailed teaching on the topic. Below is the second section of that document.
Is Baptism Necessary for Christians?
Baptism is necessary for Christians. Christians participate in baptism in imitation of their savior, Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:16) and in obedience to the commission given to his followers (Matthew 28:19). The Bible teaches that genuine followers of Jesus will obey his commands. One of these commands is to participate in baptism.
Furthermore, Christians should joyfully participate in baptism because it is the way that Jesus gave his followers to declare their loyalty to him. Although baptism does not contribute toward one's salvation, it does proclaim that salvation and provide verification of one's profession of Jesus Christ.
Does Baptism Contribute toward Salvation?
No, baptism does not contribute toward salvation. The Bible teaches that baptism is an outward sign of new life in Christ, but that salvation is a gift of grace that cannot be earned or contributed toward in any respect. Baptism, then, is an act of believers—those who have already received salvation.
Does Baptism Always Follow Conversion?
Baptism should always follow conversion because of the nature of baptism as an act of a believer. Some Christians realize that they had not yet accepted Christ and the gospel when they participated in baptism. As such, that act was not a true baptism. In other words, pre-conversion baptisms are not genuine baptisms.
Individuals in this situation should pursue baptism, knowing that their previous experience does not adhere to the purpose or descriptions of Christian baptism in the New Testament.
How Often Do Christians Get Baptized?
Christians get baptized only once. Baptism is a one-time act, signifying the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Christ died once for all sin, so also Christian baptism is a once in a lifetime at picturing that death.
Therefore, baptism is not to be repeated upon local church membership transfers, renewed enjoyment of Christ, or any other experience.
Baptism Q&A: Part 2
Over the past few months we have been reviewing the doctrine of baptism. Recently, we put together a document in a Question and Answer format to present a condensed version of the more detailed teaching on the topic. Below is the second section of that document.
Is Baptism Necessary for Christians?
Baptism is necessary for Christians. Christians participate in baptism in imitation of their savior, Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:16) and in obedience to the commission given to his followers (Matthew 28:19). The Bible teaches that genuine followers of Jesus will obey his commands. One of these commands is to participate in baptism.
Furthermore, Christians should joyfully participate in baptism because it is the way that Jesus gave his followers to declare their loyalty to him. Although baptism does not contribute toward one's salvation, it does proclaim that salvation and provide verification of one's profession of Jesus Christ.
Does Baptism Contribute toward Salvation?
No, baptism does not contribute toward salvation. The Bible teaches that baptism is an outward sign of new life in Christ, but that salvation is a gift of grace that cannot be earned or contributed toward in any respect. Baptism, then, is an act of believers—those who have already received salvation.
Does Baptism Always Follow Conversion?
Baptism should always follow conversion because of the nature of baptism as an act of a believer. Some Christians realize that they had not yet accepted Christ and the gospel when they participated in baptism. As such, that act was not a true baptism. In other words, pre-conversion baptisms are not genuine baptisms.
Individuals in this situation should pursue baptism, knowing that their previous experience does not adhere to the purpose or descriptions of Christian baptism in the New Testament.
How Often Do Christians Get Baptized?
Christians get baptized only once. Baptism is a one-time act, signifying the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Christ died once for all sin, so also Christian baptism is a once in a lifetime at picturing that death.
Therefore, baptism is not to be repeated upon local church membership transfers, renewed enjoyment of Christ, or any other experience.