Wow,
As a new member of the BB, I am astounded in some of the advice that is given and some statements that are coming from are supposed Baptist Churches. Living In the UK and to a large extent away from the politics of the Baptist circles in the USA, all I can say is PTL.
So far in this line of thought we have had what boarders if not crossing the line on baptismal regeneration, baptism as a sacrament, and some strange things in between.
Dr Bob was right Most of the examples in the Bible, however, are of folks who were well-steeped in the OT and were not saved in a vacuum. They understood baptism. Today that is often not the case.
When there is an understanding of what baptism is there is little or no problem baptizing as soon as humanly possible. But often we presume too much on the new believer, some that may request baptism may not even be saved.
As much as I see baptism as important in obedience it is not in salvation, let us not tie them together PLEASE. One is by GRACE through FAITH, the other is in OBEDIENCE. The time between the two must depend on the understanding of the individual.
I have recently re-baptized two young people, as in their first baptism they were genuinely saved. In all good conscience I could not accept their first baptism. All this meant was that they had an early bath that Sunday.
GODzThunder However; it only takes five to ten good minutes to give a basic expliantion as to what Baptism is so....
Bro we may explain it is 5-10 mins, but what if the person does not understand this?
Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Note that it was the eunuch’s desire to baptized he was not told that was what he had to do. He has some understanding already. He was aware that there may have been something there to hinder him being baptized, “what doth hinder me to be baptized?”
When he answered Philip in regard to his hearts condition, then he was baptized. Some questions are needed.
Let us take the time with each individual.
Exasperated Roy.
[ September 25, 2003, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Roy1 ]