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Can A Christian refuse believers baptism And not be Sinning?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by JesusFan, Dec 26, 2011.

  1. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    IF they are convinced that either their infant baptism was valid, or that the mode of Baptism not essential, not mandated in bible...

    Would they be in a state of habitual sin if they choose not to do 'adult baptism?"
     
  2. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    If a person refuses baptism there is no reason to believe they are a Christian.
     
  3. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    So a person that decides not to be water baptism cannot be saved?
    its grace/faith and ordinance?
     
  4. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    True but it requires repentance to come to faith and the evidence of salvation is if the person is keeping the commandments (1 John 2:4) and Baptism is the first command after salvation. If that is refused then there is no reason to believe the person is saved.
     
  5. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    My OP was that the person is fully persuaded that either their baptism as a baby was still valid, or else that sprinking as a mode just as valid as believers baptism...

    In that case, if they refuse adult baptism...

    Are the living in continual sin before God?
     
  6. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    No they are not, but their place of service in the local church should be limited until they understad and agree with the truth and submit to proper baptism.
     
    #6 freeatlast, Dec 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2011
  7. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    I'd go to the Word on this, not basing a decision or a verdict upon subjective reasonings.

    "So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41
     
  8. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    agreed BUT

    What IF you are a Christian whose view is that others modes than Baptist are allowed in bible?
     
  9. preacher4truth

    preacher4truth Active Member

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    Context. Those baptized were obviously aware they were baptized at the time of salvation. This has nothing to do with paedobaptism.
     
  10. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    If I recalled correctly, infant baptism was a method of some early churches that misunderstood the position of a child before God to attempt some security in salvation. It became a tradition in some organizations, but rejected by the early and present Baptists. That is why the baptizers got their name because they placed baptism as a result of conversion, not for securing salvation but for a public example of salvation.

    Baptism is mandated in the Scriptures through example of even our Lord being baptized.

    Habitual sin isn't an issue. It is a sin for any believer not to be baptized. One doesn't practice not being baptized, they merely refuse baptism. It doesn't sound like much of a problem, but to refuse to identify publicly with Christ in baptism might call into question the conversion.

    I suppose the exceptions should be noted. The believing thief wasn't baptized, therefore, reasons such as health, available resources (primarily water), and other such would negate the necessity of baptism.

    Remember, baptism is a public display of affection, dedication, and hope no longer being in self and world, but in Christ and the heavenly. As it is but a public picture, it is no less important.
     
  11. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    MUST a person be baptised as an adult in order to be saved by the Grace of God?

    Agree that to be a Baptist need to do such, especially to obey the Lord and become a member of local church, but MUST one do such to even be saved?
     
  12. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    Absolutly not!!!!!

    Salvation is totally of God. There is no keeping power nor determination power found in baptism.
     
  13. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    My wife is Dutch Reformed. 1) She refuses believers baptism because she believes her own churches teachings on Paedobaptism (2) Baptism does not define a Christian & it does not save.
     
    #13 Earth Wind and Fire, Dec 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2011
  14. psalms109:31

    psalms109:31 Active Member

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    Can you be a Baptist and not be water baptized? I believe that we should be baptized in water in following Jesus if your able. What matters does your church have a clear conscience before God not having you water baptized and you have a clear conscience before God not being baptized. I wanted it to clear my conscience before God.
     
    #14 psalms109:31, Dec 26, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 26, 2011
  15. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    My mother used to say the same thing going to confession in a RCC church. Coming out she always had a clear conscience before God....till the next time she sinned & then went back for more "Clearing of Conscience"
     
  16. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    It would be impossible for a believer to have a clear conscience and not be baptized.
     
  17. psalms109:31

    psalms109:31 Active Member

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    I was saved at 11 years old and the church didn't baptized. I wanted to follow Jesus in believers baptism because Jesus did and they said Jesus did it to fulfill a prophecy and I didn't need it. I felt incomplete for so long I was not changed I thought I was missing water baptism. I got baptized at 26 and then and then I knew it wasn't that but something from above turning to God to change me. It took me having a clear conscience before God to know what I needed. They took 15 years of my lifetime feeling incomplete and all they had to do is do what God was calling me to do and not fight God in the path of a believer for their clear conscience in what they are teaching is right.
     
  18. psalms109:31

    psalms109:31 Active Member

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    Amen that is what I believe because of my own experience
     
  19. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    So? others live out their lives w/o getting dunked but still remain very Christian people. when you tell me its needed for salvation I will take notice.
     
  20. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    That is like saying others live out their lives and never stop their homosexuality but still remain very Christian people. :rolleyes:
     
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