Daily Verse October 18, 2010

Have you been baptized?

This question stirs up many disputes. Some same that sprinkling a child qualifies, others just dab a wet hand on your head, other dunk you in a baptismal or a river. Which of these methods is biblically correct?

According to the bible a baby is not ready in a spiritual sense for baptism, because as Peter said "Repent and be baptized." This means that you must come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, ask him into your heart and life, and repent which means to turn from your old ways and start anew, in the military this would be an "about face" or a 180 turn. Children (as will as any other person) should not be baptized until they understand the gravity of what Jesus has done for them.

I believe that the only true baptism is that of being dunked under from head to toe. This was the method John used and that same way the disciples and Jesus used. This method represents the person dying to their selves and to their sin; and rising up from the water born a new person in Christ Jesus.

Also, being baptized is an event done in public. This is your public declaration to follow Jesus and to show all who witness that you place your faith in Jesus. Those that witness you have a responsibility to you to hold you accountable for your actions.

38 Peter replied, “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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:38-41, NIV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 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. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17, NIV)