Bible Question: I am of the Catholic faith and having a Catholic family you are baptized as a infant usually. I was baptized at 3 months old. Before I ever had a choice. Well, my question is that most of my life I have sinned plenty more or less walked away from God but am now back closer than I ever been and plan on staying that way. Well, so do I need to be baptized again? I mean the first time it wasn't even my choice. Does it still count as the same? In the bible they get baptized as adults and then turn their life around (born again) so should I go get baptized again? |
Bible Answer: Hello eascusa, You are correct that the biblical example is to be baptized as an adult. The general pattern (following the book of Acts) is: 1) Hearing from the word of God that we are sinners and that Christ died for that sin (i.e., the gospel--see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 3) Repenting (the first step of "turn their life around" as you said) and believing (with the evidence of obedience). These kind of go together, along with "born again" or "born from above." 4) Being baptized. To answer your question, I would ask, "Do you believe?" If the answer is yes, there is a second question, "In what are you believing in the first question?" That may sound strange, but I know so many people who say they believe that Christ died for their sin, then do their uttermost to both work their way into heaven and keep their future place in heaven by doing things. If you believe the work for your sin is done in full, then get baptized. If not, there would be no point because you have not believed the gospel. Hope this helps. Steve |