Bible Question: My son was told by a Pastor last night that you have to be baptised to go to heaven. I don't believe you have to be baptised to get into heaven. I believe babtism is a outwoard show of the inward work. And yes you would want to be. But, I don't believe you have to be. Is there any scriptures I could give my son. He was given John 3. |
Bible Answer: lushgush: What your son talked about is called baptismal regeneration. This belief is held by some and they do have scripture that taken by it's self out of context, in my opinion, proves their point. I personally believe that a person who is genuinely born again, and has repented, and truly has made Jesus Christ would want to be baptized ASAP. The problem I see is, anyone claiming to have become a follower of Christ is EXPECTED by Christ to FOLLOW our Lord Jesus Christ in His example. I say, anyone who has had ample time to be baptized and has not, there is every reason to doubt their salvation. Is there any reason not to be baptized? Perhaps for the severely physically challenged person, or a hospitalized death bed acceptance of Christ, could I see a reasonable exception. Even with these people I have as a symbol of baptism sprinkled a woman who was dying of cancer in a hospital. If she could have she would have gladly been put in a baptistry and baptized. I use to say after baptizing some one "here is water what hinders you from being baptized?" I would say show me a person who says they are a Christian and they have REFUSED to be baptized, and I would doubt that they were a Christian. Hope this helps. justme |