The Greatest Connection Series

Which prompts the question---why do some churches practice infant baptism?? Short answer---infant baptism came about in the 6th century after a Christian named Augustine of Hippo concluded that un-baptized infants might not go to heaven because of original sin.

We believe that the Bible teaches we are born with a sin---it’s the self centered nature we have—but not the guilt of Adam’s sin on us. We do not believe that a baby is guilty of sinning or in jepordy. Jesus himself said that unless we become like a little child, we would not enter the kingdom of God.

We do not practice infant baptism because in every situation in scripture it was a person being able to recognize their sin problem, repent of that and make the personal choice to be baptized. We do have a baby dedication day twice a year where parents can dedicate themselves to raising their children to follow Jesus.

We do require anyone who wants to be a member of FCC to be immersed. If you did that at some point at another church—we certainly don’t require you do that again here. We believe that you are baptized into Christ—not a church.

Question #4—Should a person ever be re-baptized?

I don’t think there is a believer here that at one time or another has thought about being baptized again. A couple common reasons given to me are: I’ve had a bad spell in my life and want to get reconnected to God.

Or, I know a lot more now then I did then.

I think it’s important we work through the purpose and plan of God in this area. We all have bad spells and we all know more now then we did then---

1 John 1:9—John writing to the church reminded them, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

The beauty of our baptism is that it connects to that promise for all time. We don’t have to be rebaptized every time we have an off day or we would all be lining up a lot more. Jesus died, once and for all for man’s sins and when we are buried with him---that blood covers our sins for once and for all time.

But----there are times when someone says they did not know what they were doing---they just did it because a friend did or a parent wanted them to, or grandma offered them $10 to get baptized on Easter. Some people are continually plagued with doubt and want to do it for the right reason---their commitment. And we do. My advice in this area??? Follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting and your heart and settle the issue.

Question #5—Is it necessary for me to be baptized??

Jesus did to do the right thing. Jesus told us to go make disciples baptizing them. Jesus said he who believes and is baptized will be saved. Peter told the people at Pentecost—Repent and be baptized. Even when we don’t see a teaching on baptism we see the connection. In Acts 8—a treasurer from Africa is reading a passage of the Old Testament. Isaiah. The Spirit tells Philip to go to the chaiort. Philip hears him reading and ask if he understands what he is reading. He says no—Philip gets in the chariot—begins to explain the passage and tells him about Jesus. Vs 36—as they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “look, here is water, Why shouldn’t I be baptized?? And he was. Obviously part of the teaching of Jesus dying as the lamb involved baptism.