A believer poses a personal question about their own baptism experience, today. Surely, the only answer to the question “Have you been baptized?” must be a firm “yes” or “no” that will also state ones acceptance of Jesus Christ as their own redeemer and savior. “I don’t know,” “maybe”, and “perhaps” are totally unacceptable. The single word used to reply will reveal the measure they contain of such elements as faith, holiness, love, maturity, respect, sacred knowledge, trust, and other spirit content from divinity. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Mark” (Level 1 with 46 points, a member since January 16, 2015) posted the following:
Is it a sin to get Baptized twice?
I got Baptized about 10 years ago at around the age of 13. My Baptism took place in a Church swimming pool and there was a few of us getting Baptized that night.
Shortly afterwards my Mum told me she thought she saw my nose was above the water during the Baptism.
what does it mean if during my Baptism that my nose was above the water and not beneath it ?
Also if I got re-Baptized is that a sin to god or blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
please answer both my question's. God Bless
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: To Walk As He Walked? (11/16/2014); To Continue In His Footsteps (11/17/2014); A Fallen Nature? (09/01/2014); In the Likeness of His Resurrection (09/02/2014); Inseparables? (07/15/2014); On Christians Being Inclusive? (07/16/2014); A Formula for Baptism? (06/30/2014)
“Mark”, I bypassed your question before. However, I now think you truly are concerned and need a sound answer, so I hope you will consider the following points:
(1.) Water baptism as a ceremony or ritual within a community of faith is an outward display that signals the unseen operations of divinity. Rightly understood, baptism is a sacred process carried out by the same Spirit that established the firmament of heaven and earth, and was breathed into Adam. In this sense, baptism does not depend upon human awareness or self-will, the amount of water applied (whether immersed, splashed, or sprinkled), and whether the water was running (as in a river) or standing (as in a pool). Some argue the differences are important, however, the thought at the core of their thinking is, only running water carries away sin(?)—where a higher idea is needed: only faith, conviction, and new divine substance establish death and its removal of sin, rebirth, and new life.
(2.) As one born again, the ideas and understandings of our natural mothers, other family, co-workers and friends must have less influence, because they may still be based upon carnal, material and social truth, rather than upon our own measure of faith. A new relationship with GOD through Christ must come into effect. The authority once placed in parents and pastors should now indwell you. All believers must learn to practice discernment (ability to use their own spirit content to recognize and respond to the divine spirit contained in events, objects and other persons). Increasingly, ones experiences must be gauged against the standards provided through sacred knowledge, fellowship with other mature believers, and unselfish service.
(3.) Believers should not accept baptism without first preparing themselves through prayer and study of the holy writings that will clarify its meaning, purpose, and value. Many believers understand baptism as an act to cleanse that may be repeated periodically, like foot-washing. Others believe new baptism is appropriate when one arrives at a new level of spiritual comprehension, and makes a new life commitment. Still others feel that baptism is like bathing, you get a bath whenever you feel the need. Such baptisms are a matter of conscience; however, we are warned our conscience can become seared (closed, sealed) allowing nothing to be leaked or lost, yet, allowing nothing to enter.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Before Jesus was arrested, he washed the feet of eleven apostles after one had gone out. Peter was outraged that the Lord would debase himself and behave like a servant, and make himself unclean. Jesus told him, where I do not wash your feet, you have no part with me. Peter then insisted, Be sure to get my hands and head! Jesus said, no more is needed than that I wash your feet. Focus your understanding upon the operations of Christ as our savior. Willingly receive instruction, however, do not entertain any accusation that comes against your faith.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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