Submersion Baptism after Sprinkling/Pouring

Question and Answer - The need for submersion baptism for someone who has been previously sprinkled/poured at an earlier date than present.

So let’s define baptism first.

In the easiest that I can make out description “baptism is an outward sign of a inward experience of conversion of and by Jesus Christ.” So, Christ gave you a gift you accepted and now you want to tell others. Submersion baptism is used at our church as it is what was done in the bible. Additionally, it is an illustration of what happens to a believer as they are ‘buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life’. There isn’t anything magical about the water or the words used. Remember, this is an outward sign of an inward experience of conversion by and for Jesus Christ. Ok, all that said, you say ‘need’ for submersion baptism. If you are saved you are saved. Jesus calls us to show others in many verses. Some of those deal with baptism – reference x:x and others deal with things like telling others – reference Acts 1:8. What is most important here is if:

1. You understand that you are a sinner and Forgiveness is Available but you can’t get it on your own – it is Impossible for you to get or do something to get on your own.
2. You are ready to Turn from your sin and own way and follow Christ. By accepting His gift (nothing you earned or deserve) you can go to Heaven.
3. If all of these are present I haven’t met someone that doesn’t want to tell others. One way in which we do this is through baptism.
   

Second, let’s define accountability and baptism. What I mean by that is that you can’t be baptized if YOU aren’t the one that decided to get baptized. In our church we call that dedication – someone else is dedicating their time, effort, will, and intention to bringing you closer to the Lord. So my own testimony (or at least part of it) comes in as an example here: I was ‘baptized’ as a baby with sprinkling. Later in life I decided that I believed fully the 3 bullets above. I had decided to follow Jesus (love that song by the way). One follow on action to my OWN DECISION was to follow the bibilical example and get baptized. If you were sprinkled as a baby or very young child and had no decision in this and now have accepted Christ want to get baptized that is great! If you want to rededicate your life to Christ and be baptized that is great! Note that baptism is, again, an outward sign of YOUR decision.

Baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “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” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). The action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection. As a result, baptism by immersion is the only method of baptism which illustrates being buried with Christ, and being raised with Him. Baptism by sprinkling and/or pouring came into practice as a result of the unbiblical practice of infant baptism. Baptism by immersion, while it is the most biblical mode of identifying with Christ, is not (as some believe) a prerequisite for salvation. It is rather an act of obedience to the command to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Those who believe in baptismal regeneration fail to understand that it is the “repent” part that is necessary for salvation, not the act by which we declare that repentance to the world.Recommended Resource: Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ by Schriener and Wright.

This decision is something that I suggest you pray about and potentially ask one of the pastors about (btw, I am happy to talk to you but they rock!). This is a personal decision but not requisite for your salvation. Don’t forget: It may be a sign to another non-believer that they really haven’t been ‘buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life’ or a great encouragement to other believers as they can see you accepting Christ as the Lord of your life! Note that Jesus Himself was baptized!

NOTE: I am not a bible scholar nor do I understand all of the context around each item so I am going with what I know and can discern from what is written. Please comment on the item and, if I miss the real point please let me know. I have written the questions down exactly as they were written on the paper with no structure or wording changes. As promised, I will also work diligently with those that know the bible better than I to answer some of these questions. I expect that some of these questions and answers may be controversial. I am attempting only to impart truth and point to it. Please be patient with me and the answers. If I have said something that offends you or is inaccurate respond please. I will consult with a pastor and get back to you. Thanks to all for sharing!