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What does baptism do?

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:02 am
by Sacntus_Incendia
Hey guys! I know I've already posted a generous amount of other topics, so I promise this will be my last for now. I wanted to know, what exactly does baptism do for you. Are you not saved until baptized? Is baptism where you receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Is it just a confirmation of your faith or statement thereof? I've heard all of these and wanted to know your guys' thoughts/beliefs/understanding of the matter. Thanks! :D

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 3:36 am
by Sstavix
Here's the LDS take on baptism. Even before I became a member, though, I had considered that baptism must be by full immersion, and only means something if done by someone who is conscious of the significance of the act, and is willing to undergo it. In other words, sprinkling babies doesn't count as baptism. :wink:

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:01 pm
by ccgr
baptism is not required for salvation but it is an act of obedience and a public proclamation of one's faith.

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 2:23 pm
by RoosterOnAStick
It has been a while since I've been on here, seems that I've come back just at the right time :-).

We do full immersion and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe personally it is more than just a proclamation of faith or a mere symbol though, but that it regenerates body, mind, and soul, and God's grace works through it. Is that to say that a baby who isn't baptized and dies a tragic death can't be saved? No, of course not. God can work other ways too if need be I am sure.

However, this is the means by which He has given to all of us. It is the regenerative power of baptism that is the reason we baptize everyone as early as possible. God's grace is given to all, regardless of age and capacity to reason. Otherwise, those with mental handicaps or severe physical disabilities would not be able to be baptized either if we limited it to only those who could decide to do so by their own reasoning.

The public and/or private proclamation of faith comes later, when the person grows to the age of reason (if possible). They can then decide what to do with the gift of God's grace for themselves. Baptism does not force one to hold on to God's grace if they do not want to, just as God will not force Himself on anyone if they do not want Him.

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 1:34 am
by storm
Ephesians 2:8-9New American Standard Bible (NASB)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
John 5:24
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
John 11:26
and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 12:46
I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
1 Timothy 1:16
Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Ok if you don't know by now I believe Baptism is a very important expression of our faith when we come to know Him but it is just that a sign or symbol of our faith Is it important? yes it is very important Is it needed to be saved ? no Jesus made it clear that belief in Him was what was needed
And if baptism is needed for salvation what group are you in or believe ? Are you in the once for all or the repeated when ever you fall from grace ? do you lose your salvation every time you fall from grace and need to be re-baptized ? if that is so you would be being baptized all the time for we sin all the time and in God's eyes sin is sin
When you except Jesus as savior and ask Him to forgive you it is done. Will you still sin yes does Christ say you must be constantly asking or salvation ? no Everywhere Jesus speaks of salvation or belief in Him it is a one time thing He doesn't say believe in Me every time you sin or that he who believes in me is saved but he must never mess up or it is go back do not pass go
sorry if I upset anyone but I am not sorry for my belief nor am I ashamed to say that Christ is the only way the truth and the life not this and baptism

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 3:17 pm
by ScotchRobbins
ccgr wrote:salvation is not required for salvation
Uh... CCGR? I think you goofed.

Re: What does baptism do?

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 4:36 pm
by ccgr
Do'h! edited