Should I Be Rebaptized?

                  Baptism is a fundamental subject of the Christian faith. Some dispute it, others deny its importance, but the Bible does indicate its salvational purpose (1 Peter 3:21). It allows one to go from lost to saved. It separates the church from the world and unites God  and sinner. Some have wrong ideas of baptism while some have worries about it.

                  Some members of the church of Christ often have questioned their baptism. This author questioned his baptism for years only eventually being baptized “again.” Questions like the following are supposed:

·      “Did I know enough at baptism?”

·      “Did I do it for the wrong reasons (pleasing family, gift, communion, etc.)?”

·      “What if I think I’m saved but find out that I’m lost at judgement?”

Such questions are important to ask, but they can be debilitating for some. Someone observed that they often come after a period of significant growth. Constant ruminating thoughts can paralyze one who may be struggling. Paul met those who thought they were baptized correctly in Acts 19:1-7 only to find that they were baptized in John’s baptism. This question is an important one to ask for it could mean the difference between heaven and hell; however, one does not have to go through life worrying. Should you be rebaptized?   

 It is impossible to be rebaptized or baptized again. One can only be baptized once; there is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). One can only be born again one time (John 3:3-5). These persons Paul met had never been baptized. They were “baptized” into John’s baptism but since this was no longer valid, they just got wet. Those who are questioning their baptism either were initially baptized correctly or need to be baptized correctly. Technically, one cannot be rebaptized as it only happens once.

 Instead, we should restate the question as “Should I be baptized?” The answer is an absolute yes! If one has not submitted to the one baptism than he should not hesitate to do so. These men needed to be baptized correctly! They were not saved. Some question their baptism and its legitimacy because:

·      They were baptized to please people.

·      They were baptized to show that they were saved.

·      They were baptized without adequate knowledge.

·      They were baptized to enter a church.

·      They were baptized as infants.

·      They were not immersed.

·      They did not know who Jesus was.

·      They were baptized because their friends were.

·      They were baptized in a denomination.

The reasons may include others, but those who question their baptism need to ask the following questions:

·      Did I believe that Jesus was the Son of God (John 8:24)?

·      Did I know I was a sinner (Acts 2:37)?

·      Did I know about the church of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)?

·      Did I change my mind about sin (Acts 2:38)?

·      Did I confess that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 8:37)?

If one cannot say yes to any of these, then one should be baptized correctly, for the first time. One’s soul depends on it (Acts 22:16). 

Some still have doubts concerning their baptism despite being able to check off the above boxes. It may be due to an overactive conscience or irrational fear of judgement. Some ideas that still persist in the minds of Christians are:

·      “I went back into sin again right after baptism.” But, so did Simon. Prayer, confession, and repentance is the mode of forgiveness for the Christian; not baptism (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).  

·      “I have grown so much, maybe I didn’t know enough at baptism.” But, the jailor was baptized soon after he heard (Acts 16:33). God requires students not scholars.

·      “I wasn’t old enough...I mean I was only 12.” While there is no example of a teenage baptism, as long as one knew what he or she was doing, age is no problem.

Instead of aimless questioning and ruminating, we should trust the grace and love of God if we have done what He commanded. He wants to save us and He said He would (Mark 16:16). We should not doubt Him nor add extra requirements for entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

                  If one is questioning his or her baptism, he should think diligently and honestly. You must conclude that you are a sinner and in need of God’s forgiveness before being baptized. Remember, God wants you to go to heaven, but don’t make the straight narrow thin and impossible.[1]

                   Thankfully, God assures us of simple salvation when we follow His simple Word (1 John 5:13).

[1]Eric Owens lesson title at PTP, 2023.