A question about baptisms vs dedications?
537963
Child baptism is a church tradition that was started somewhere in Middle Ages because of high infant mortality. Parents wanted to make sure their children were burried in a christian way and the church would not do that except they were baptised. Godparents were the ones who accepted the responsibility to raise the child in christian ways in case something happened to the parents.\n\nA brethren church believes in biblical baptism - the way John the Baptist did baptise. He baptised the adults, the babies were dedicated at the temple and the parents themselves had in charge to raise the children under jewish tradition.\n\nIt is based on the fact that the baby cannot decide himself if he/she wants to follow the christian faith, so the parents are charged during the dedication to raise the child in a christian way until the age when the child can decide for himself whether wants to live in a christian way: baptism is the outward sign of his decision (something similar with what the lutheran church has for teenagers, called confirmation, did you have it?).\n\nDedication has the same spiritual value as baptism and the parents are in the role of godparents.\n\nI also was baptised as a baby in a traditional church, then I had the confirmation and at 25 I joined a protestant church which had adult baptism and baby dedication - so I got baptised again. It was great.
639655
All of God's services are free. You can be baptized in your bathtub at home, if you wish. It does not have to be performed by a priest. It should be done at the will of each individual, not to children who have no idea what it means. Baptism is like a symbol to those around you that you have accepted Salvation. It should come after Salvation. \n\nBaptism is done in personal obedience to God. It has no saving power (just so you understand).
426505
Baptism is the acceptance of Christ.\n\n1) Baptism by the Holy Spirit occurs when you have received Christ into your heart.\n\n2) Baptism by water is an outward expression that you trust Jesus Christ to redeem your soul after you die.
807925
Acceptance as works?  No, the communication usually comes through prayer.  Baptism may be considered "works" by some.  Trouble is, most don't have a really good definition of works.  Is works steps such as baptism & confirmation?  Is works your good deeds?  You can see a lot of people discussing works, but have you ever wondered if they are really making different points or not?  I have.  Many times I have heard people of different faiths "bible bash"  on the same side of the issue because they cannot reduce some words to the lowest defintion and because they don't know enough about each other's faith to know they are discussing the same points.\n\nworks: Moral or righteous acts or deeds . . . so you have the dilemia on how we are judged http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061125202338AAtA2S6&r=w\n\nAre we judged similar to how the Egyptians believed?  A the good deeds one side of the scales of justice with the bad on the other (they believe a feather was on the good side.)  Does the good outweigh the bad?  (If so why do we need to repent when all we need to do is more good deeds?)  Are we judged on whether we said those final words of last minute repentence before we drew our last breath?  Are we judged on whether we declared ourself to be Christian and completed steps of faith (Catholics call them Sacraments) of baptism, marriage, etc.?\n\nFrankly, I believe Christ knows the intent and desires of our heart.  He knows how we have chosen to act.  I believe we will be judged according to our desires and actions . . . or saying it differently, the final product of who we have became.  Christ then steps up & provides mercy through Grace.  He claims us as His own since there is nothing any of us can possibly do to save ourselves.
79283
This is the Christian's great commission, to tell whoever we meet the good news of the gospel. We are called to baptize those that accept the gospel in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Once the new believer is baptized (a public confession of his decision), then we are to teach these new believer the Word of God until he is old enough to walk and study on his own. But we do not have to do this on our own, the Lord will be there to help us--forever.
395754
Just don't go to a Catholic Church.\n\nOnce Baptized, there is no need for another, but if you don't believe that it was a valid experience for you, then feel free to have another church perform it - many are happy to "save" another fallen Catholic.\n\n*****\n\nWhen the Catholic Church takes a census of how many member they have, they take the number of people registered at a Parish, not how many people have been Confirmed/Baptized.  Those documents do not take into consideration deaths and marriages.\n\nIf you are not a member of a Parish then you have nothing to worry about.  Trust me, I work for the Archdiocese.
984066
No it doesn't.  Jesus said that baptism is essential for salvation.  You can't enter the Kingdom without it.  But that isn't the same as saying you get free admission to the kingdom by being baptized.  Baptism gives us the initial grace, makes us members of the Body of Christ on earth, the Church.  But not all members of the Church are going to heaven.  That depends on what each person does with his/her time on earth.
669236
Shawls aren't necessary.\n\nIt is traditional for the baptised to wear white, but not required.\n\nCheck with the priest or CRE/DRE in your parish. In our parish, we present a white garment to the child or adult. It is a white cloth that slips over the head. Your parish may do that.\n\n\nOh, and regarding the other answer saying baptism isn't valid if it isn't voluntary....the Bible tells us "entire households were baptised." No where does it exclude children, and last time I checked, children counted as part of households. If people were baptising their slaves, don't you think they would baptise CHILDREN????\n\nJesus said, let the children come to Him- do not hinder them. At an infant baptism, the parents and godparents speak on behalf of their children.
629953
Baptism is a real sacrament. It is how someone becomes a Christian. You are washed and cleaned of original sin that came from Adam. You receive the holy spirit. It is not symbolic it is necessary for salvation. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit.( Matthew 28:19)\nother bible verses:\n    Acts 2:38\n    Acts 22:16\n   1 Peter 3:20-21
117666
The pouring of water or the going under the water has no real value unless your heart accepts Christ.\n\nIn the Catholic Church, Lutheran Church, Orthodox Churches and Anglican churches, baptism is always done to the children since they are born with orginal sin, and why risk the soul of the young people, Plus of course entire families were baptised in the New Testment so babies would have been included.\n\nThe majoriy of all Christian religions baptise infants.\nNext it was the accepted method for the first 1600 years of the christian Church.  One has to wonder to those who claim it is of Satan, that it was the proper procedue the entire history of christianity untill just recently last few hundred years.\n\nThe traditoin of baptism comes from the Jewish rite of purification, that is why no one had a problem with Johns baptism,  people were cleanses all the time for all types of reasons,  This is combined with the early blessing of the infants in the temple, dedicating them to God.\n\nSo as you grown, and come of age, you are then asked to make a public expression of your faith, choice to follow God,  in most churches that is called confirmation.\n\nSo you can get baptismed again, it does not do anything extra for you, but can be a sign of you committment, but that is done normally in a confirmation service.\n\nThe Mormoms and a few other churches require a new baptism but it is not bibical to require it.
952367
I am concerned that you mention he "said if he is to marry me..."  b/c it sounds like an ultimatum.   Being baptized, if you are of the Christian faith, is a SYMBOL only of Christ's ultimate sacrifice for us (all humans).  We are sinners, from birth, and the only way for us (all humans) to gain access to heaven b/c of our sin was for Christ to give His life up for us, as the ultimate payment for those sins.  We will never be "good enough."  So, in accepting that Christ did this for us (again, ALL humans), and realizing that we will always fall short of perfection b/c we're sinners, we thank Him for His sacrifice and live for Him daily.  Always striving to learn more about how to serve Him, and then doing it.  This is why we're here on earth.... to serve God.  Baptism is then a way of showing publicly that we choose to serve the only living God, the Saviour of our souls, by dying to ourselves, being buried (sybollically) by being "dunked" or immersed in water, and rising again (sybollically) by coming up out of water.  Christ did this as an example of what showing a public declaration of knowing and loving and following Him could look like.  Being baptized is not a "ticket to heaven" - so be careful of feeling pressured to get baptized in order to be good enough for something else (i.e. marriage).  I'll pray for you...
284282
Yes and No, Yes in away to be Obdient to God, and No,. because faith in Jesus Christ alone, having a personal relationship with, and loving thigh neighboor as thyself is key, but it is recommnded to show your obedience to God, and to show the others that you are born again..\n\nWhy it is not neccesary to be Physically baptized, it is a symbolic reflection, of being born again, washing away your old life and becoming a new person..\n\nTo be baptized is to publicly acknowledge one's faith in Christ as Savior and Lord by being immersed in water (or in some instances, by having water placed on the head). Since acceptance with God is based solely on trust in the person of Christ who died for our sins and rose from the dead, water baptism is only a sign or outward indication of one's faith. It is not necessary for salvation (I Corinthians 1:10-18; 15:1-4). ...\n\n\nmore\n\nMany churches teach that baptism is an absolute prerequisite for salvation. This position is theologically called "baptismal regeneration" because it holds that one is only "regenerated" when a person is baptized. Salvation is described as having two stages. One where a person believes and puts his faith in Jesus Christ for his salvation and the second stage of being baptized. \n\n      There are several passages baptismal regenerationists use in an "attempt" to substantiate their teaching. Acts 2:38, is used as the classic proof text used present this view. In our English Bibles the passage says to the Jews at Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. . . ." Another "proof text" used is John 3:5 where Jesus said, "no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" and they conclude the water refers to baptism. In Acts 22:16, Ananias told Saul, after his conversion, to "get up, be baptized and wash your sins away. . . ." Many interpret Peter's statement in 1 Peter 3:20-21, that the manner in which Noah's ark saved his family "through water" is a symbol of the "baptism that now saves you." They state that Paul teaches baptism as necessary for salvation when he states in Romans, "all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death..." (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal 3:27; Titus 3:5). Groups that teach this include the Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, many Pentecostal groups including the United Pentecostal Church, and most of the cults including the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses (Russelites), Christ of Christ (Cambellites ). \n\n      Baptism clearly is commanded by God for those who have believed and been saved. There is no question that baptism is an important act of obedience of the one who has believed in Jesus Christ and received forgiveness of sin and eternal life. However, baptism as presented in the New Testament always follows belief and never is the basis for receiving salvation. Baptism in the Scriptures was part of one's outward public profession of belief in Jesus Christ as one's Savior and it initiated one into the local body of believers. Although these verses seem to teach that baptism is necessary for salvation an exegetical study will show that these interpretations are in error and that the Bible does not teach that salvation is contingent on baptism.
303079
Colossians 2:11-12. This verse tells us that baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian family of God, just like circumcision was the rite of initiation into Gods family for the Hebrew male (Genesis 17:11). The circumcision of the flesh left a visible sign of the covenant for all to see, baptism is a circumcision of the heart which only God can see. Since the Hebrew male was circumcised on the 8th day of its life (Genesis 17:12), can we do less for our children?\n\nBorn with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth. \n\nChristian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them.\n\nThe practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole "households" received baptism, infants may also have been baptized.\n\nThe Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop.\n\nThrough Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father's beloved son in the Son and walk in newness of life.\n\n1 Timothy 3:15 tells us that it is the Church, not the Bible, which gives us all the truth and provides the basis for determining truth or falsity (none of the Church teachings are in conflict with the Holy Scripture.) Matthew 18:17-19 AGAIN tells us that the Church is the final authority. \n\nSt. Paul reminds us to live in accordance with all the teachings which have been given to us. We are not to be distracted by those who would try to limit the teachings if the Church. (2 Thess 2:15; 3:6)\n\nWhen asked "Where in the Bible does it say that you are to ...?" perhaps we ought to counter "Where in the Bible does it say that we are not to...?"
657543
Assuming that you're in reference to baptism and the Lord's supper its because they claim to see only these two in the Bible, and the Bible supposedly being their sole guide in faith and practice, those are the only ones they keep. But not all stop at two. Some keep foot washing as an ordinance, others like the Lutherans actually have confession available for those who desire to avail themselves of it, and some think of ordination as a sacrament. But then there's that other side of the coin too. Strictly speaking a "sacrament" gives grace. Most protestants don't believe that and refer to such practices as church ordinances. I know ... The water just keeps getting muddier. But that's the thing as I understand it. ;-)
565538
This is a tradition of man and not Biblical based as the only ones who are candidates for baptism are born again believers. The act of Baptism cant save any one or wash away original sin as some claim as only the blood of Christ can do both.The water birth mentioned in John Ch. 3 is in fact our physical birth and not baptism.
494049
Not exactly sure.  But maybe it has something to do with God (father) and being baptized (drowned by the sea and born anew) or something....I don't know. Good luck.  When you find out let me know.  rlassair@yahoo.com
365019
Thanks for suggesting the 4 key points baptism, salvation, requirements at Lord's Supper (communion)& hierarchy. Following, is what the “The Churches of God in the Fellowship of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ”, publish about those topics:-\n\nBAPTISM\nFollowing conversion and the accompanying baptism in the Holy Spirit into the one Body, the Lord’s command is that the disciple should then be baptised by immersion in water and received into a Church of God.\nAnyone seeking fellowship who is already baptised as a believer into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, would not be rebaptised. Infant sprinkling is unacceptable as unscriptural. (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42, 10:47,48; 1 Cor.12:13)\n\nSALVATION\nAt the new birth, through personal acceptance of Christ as Saviour and Lord, a person becomes a child of God, and a member of the Church which is His Body, into which he is baptised in the one Spirit. (John 1:12; 1 Cor. 12:13, 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal 3:26,28)\nNo person, born again, and therefore baptised into the Church which is the Body of Christ, can ever be lost again. Therefore the teaching of the falling away of believers, so far as eternal life is concerned, is false. (John 10:27-30; 1 Cor. 3:15)\n\nLORD'S SUPPER\nThe Breaking of the Bread is held on the first day of the week, the Lord’s day. At the beginning of the service, a brother goes to the table and, first for the bread and then for the wine, gives thanks, breaks or pours, then distributes for all to partake. Only those who have been baptised by immersion as disciples, and have been added to the church are eligible to partake of the bread and wine.\nBrethren then offer worship and thanksgiving by the Spirit of God, through the Great High Priest over God’s House, and in the heavenly sanctuary. This constitutes the holy priesthood service of the people of God. All are encouraged to say the Amen, but beyond this and the singing, sisters take no audible part in the meeting for the Breaking of the Bread, or on any other occasion when the assembly meets ‘in Church’. On all such occasions sisters have their heads covered. After the worship is over a brother may minister  the Word. (Acts 2:41,42, 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:2-18, 20-29, 14:34-38; Phil.3:3; Heb: 10:19-22)\n\nHIERARCHY\nAt least two overseers or elders are associated with every  church, and wherever possible, deacons also. Overseers meet regularly for prayer and discussion, and separately with the deacons. (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:5)\nThe Churches are grouped in recognised areas, corresponding in principle to the groupings of New Testament Churches in Roman provinces. The overseers in each area (usually termed Districts) meet regularly for consultation, on the principle that local overseers deal with matters in their own church, and overseers collectively at District level with matters affecting the Churches in the District. Any matter beyond the capacity of local overseers, or any  failure on their part in judgement, would go to overseers at District level for counsel and help. (2 Cor. 8:1,19; Gal. 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:1, 5:1-4)\nOverseers in a country may meet by arrangement. Overseers of all the Churches world-wide meet at regular intervals. By this means, unity of teaching and practice is maintained throughout all the Churches. (Acts 15; 1 Cor. 4:17, 11:16; 2 Cor. 8:19-23; 1 Pet. 5:1-4 )\nThere is no system of clergy and laity. All the brethren are encouraged in the exercise of their gift. The apostle Peter described himself simply as a ‘fellow elder’. The Church of God in Philippi comprised only of saints, overseers and deacons. (1 Cor. 14:26-33, 40; Eph. 4:10-13; Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1)\n\nFrom the scriptures referenced, and their similar approach to other topics, they appear to be closest in doctrine and teachings as the original churches Jesus and the Apostles built.\n\nA major indicator of closeness in discipleship to Jesus is the demonstration by this church of