What's your Viewpoints on #Baptism?

I agree that it is not necessary for salvation. The word say we confess with our mouth. As far as the baptism itself. Maybe both are efficient. It is the belief behind the action, not the action itself. If not you could just take a shower or go for a swim to get the job done. I also think that the person should be old enough to decide. I know I was "dedicated" as a baby but as I grew, I definitely chose some not so narrow paths.

matt4179 wrote:It is the belief behind the action, not the action itself. If not you could just take a shower or go for a swim to get the job done.

   Love the way you put that. I agree too that a person should be old enough to understand what they are doing, otherwise it only serves those doing the baptizing.

According to the teachings I've received, I believe in baptism and that a person must be baptized to live with God in eternity.

Romans 6:3-4 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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."

1 Peter 3:21 "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also -- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"

My bible also has this to say,"Does baptism save us? Some say baptism is a necessary element of salvation. Others disagree, pointing out to those who received the Holy Spirit before baptism (Acts 10:47). This verse emphasizes that baptism is a pledge (the original word was a technical term used to endorse a business contract.) It is the sign or outward symbol of our commitment to Jesus Christ."

By baptism we are added to the church by the Lord. It's like a contract with God. We pledged to be faithful and He promises a life in eternity with Him.

That's how it's been explained to me, and how I understand it.

Have a blessed day.

I was never really sure about this either until someone pointed out to me that Jesus saved one of the men being crucified with him, and of course, he was never able to get baptized. In Luke 23: 39-43 it says:

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" 43 And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

So, I have to think that baptism is just a symbolic gesture for us to preform when possible as a way to proclaim Jesus as our savior to others. Otherwise, the many, many people who have accepted the Lord without getting baptized in water over the ages would be in hell. I don't think a loving God would turn them way if they sincerely meant it.

I was dedicated as a baby, baptized when I ask Jesus into my heart at 7...sprinkled with water using a rose brought to a country church by my grandmother from her garden and then imerzed as an adult with hubby and daughter because I liked the thought of being babtized like Jesus was.

I believe if there really was a specific way to go about it, Miss Thena, you would have it well covered.    

LOL I don't think I missed one...

Thena, I think you are 100% covered when it comes  to being baptized.