Bible Question: Hello! I've been a Christian since 07/24/04, and I have never been water baptized. Am I required to be water baptized? |
Bible Answer: Hi again, Water baptism is a subject that is highly debated among believers, but here is my understanding of it: Salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of the Messiah only. Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 - not of works, lest anyone should boast. Soooo - you are saved with or without water baptism, because baptism is a "work." But - John says in 1 John 3:9-10a 9 - Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10a - In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God... How do we practice righteousness? James says in James 2:17 and 18 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 - but someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Soooo - water baptism is a form of works that shows your faith by obedience, for it was commanded by our Lord to be baptised. I'm sure others will offer more (and different) scriptures, read them all and pray over them. The Holy Spirit will guide you in this. Cheri |