I certainly don’t see “magic” in the act of baptism – salvation happens when you ask Christ into your heart and confess him as Lord. I understand baptism to be an outward demonstration of that choice and a “sign of unity” with the church.

Based on what I’ve read and learned, I don’t think that this church is withholding acknowledgment of salvation until you’re baptized by immersion, but I certainly will seek clarification.

The pastor brought both my wife and I together into the baptismal, and asked us both questions to profess our faith and asked me extra questions as the husband and head of the house. I was baptized first and then my wife.

We often have people join who “profess that they have accepted Christ as their savior, and were baptized by another method previously in their life. They choose to join with our congregation and as a sign of unity wish to follow Christ in believer’s baptism.”

This is simply the Baptist way. If you don’t agree with it, don’t do it. But if you can use it to draw nearer to God and to identify with the body of believers you are joining – and be identified WITH them – understanding that it doesn’t make you more or less saved … I say welcome aboard.

I think it’s wrong to make a big issue about it – it’s divisive, and that’s not from God.

Regarding sprinkling – I’m not a Bible scholar, but I understood that the only real translation for the original word for baptism was immersion. But really, it doesn’t matter. If you don’t have Christ in your heart, it doesn’t matter which method you choose, because you’re just all wet.

Esteban – I didn’t expect to find a place that fit so well, so fast. We were really struggling to know which way to look. My dad had gone to a bible study there once when he was visiting, so we decided to check it out. From the worship style to the depth and maturity of teaching to the care shown for our kids, it really feels like a church that could be “home”.

I will admit that my first response to the Baptist view/requirement of immersion baptism was a kneejerk negative, especially since I’d already had a “believer’s baptism” as an adult. But in understanding that being a Christian is not just about my relationship to Christ, but also being a visible part of and accountable to a larger community, I’ve come to agreement and peace on this as a matter of conscience. I’m continuing to read and learn about the baptist view, but not with the heart of a devil’s advocate, but in full earnest.

Your approach to the question of baptism seems quite sound and sensible to me (at least looking at it in terms of a broadly Evangelical perspective, which as you know, does not represent my own views). I don’t mean to slight the very real and important differences between the pædobaptist and baptist views (some of which are being very ably discussed in some circles these days), but generally speaking, submitting to the discipline of one’s congregation in matters that don’t burden the conscience seems to me far more valuable than raising a stink over every imaginable fine point.

Esteban

Juan