Jerry, About 3 months after I got saved, my Pastor asked if I ever got baptized, and I said yes, as an infant. He told me that did'nt count because I was not aware of an outward confession of my faith in Christ. He told me that I should according to scripture be baptized. To tell you the truth I had a fear of speaking in front of people to give a testimony. He than told me that It would be a step of obedience. Something clicked in my spirit and I said yes. I'm so glad I did, because the Lord really blessed me with courage and I was able to glorify God with a wonderful testimony! |
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---John on 5/4/08 |
No, being baptized is a public confession of your belief in Jesus Christ. That is the perfect testimony! Our testimony is not supposed to be all of the things that we have been through, but to speak of our salvation and the good things the Lord has done in our life. Never give the enemy any credit even for the bad, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will have lots to testify about!
Jeannie |
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---Jeannie on 8/25/07 |
Many things that American evangelicals take for granted simply are not so, such as baptism being a "witness" to others of your "decision for Christ."
The Jewish rite of Mikeveh required the one immersed be naked. Ancient Christianity followed this precedent. Hence, baptisms were NOT done in full view of everyone in the congregation, but only the batpizand, the minister, and the sponsor. Ancient descriptions of Baptism in early Christian writings will demonstrate this. |
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---Jack on 5/28/05 |
If the pastor ask for a testimony before you are baptized, he probably wants to be sure you are saved. He wants to you understand that baptism is not what saves you. It is only the Grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus. Roman's 2:8,9. |
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---Ulrika on 5/4/05 |
Jerry, Don't only deny God the Glory for testifying for Him, but also don't deny yourself the JOY of glorifying Him! I know what I am saying here. |
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---Paul on 4/28/05 |
When "faith" comes with requirements, it is no longer faith. We are to live by faith and not of ourselves. Salvation is the only requirement to eternal life, the rest is by faith. To testify is done by one's personal chose as to their relationship with God as a testamony of His glory. Because one does a thing does not mean all should do it. That becomes law as certian people of the bible(You know who!!). Don't judge, lol. Enjoy your salvation with Christ, so other may see your good works. |
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---Blue on 4/28/05 |
Jerry, Give God the glory and just do it! |
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---John on 4/27/05 |
Required? Absolutely not! But I've often been blessed by hearing how the LORD brought someone to salvation, and your testimony could certainly be used by the Spirit to touch the heart of someone in the audience who hasn't yet been saved. I was baptized in a public pool on a military base and could only briefly tell a couple kids who asked what we were doing. If you have the opportunity to tell many more, then why not? I've also attended 'beach baptisms' where we witness to those watching us though. |
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---Daniel on 4/26/05 |
There are scriptures suggesting verbal confession as well as the act of baptism. Deut.30:9-14, Ro.10:9-15, Lu.12:8. are a few. This would be a testimony of your faith as in professing to one another. Baptism is the act of death, burial, and ressurection as a new person in Christ. |
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---mike_fl on 4/25/05 |
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