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Should I Be Baptized Again?
Should I Be Baptized Again?
From time to time, a young Christian will begin to mature in the faith and begin to treasure his or her relationship with God in a deeper way. Some will begin to wonder if their baptism, when much younger, was sufficient. Some will ask, “Should I be baptized again?”
First of all, let me say that there’s only one person who can definitively answer that question—that’s you, as you search your own heart in the presence of God. If, at the end of that process you are still really struggling with nagging doubts, if you can’t say into what you were baptized (Acts 19:3), then perhaps it would be best to be baptized.
Baptism Really Is Important
As we know, baptism is a non-negotiable part of God’s plan of salvation. Becoming a Christian is bigger than baptism alone, but it’s not smaller. Every account of conversion in Acts culminates in baptism (Acts 8:36, etc). The “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:3-7) of Scripture includes immersion (Romans 6:3-8) in water (John 3:23) of a penitent believing person (Mark 16:15-16) in the name of Jesus for the purpose of forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
We are right to emphasize the importance of baptism. In fact, there is an example of some disciples of Jesus who were baptized again! In Acts 19:1-7, Paul met seven men who, due likely to the incomplete teaching of Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-28), had been baptized into John’s baptism. I’m convinced that John’s baptism was perfectly valid before the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. But once Jesus made available full atonement in His blood, and poured out the gift of the Spirit (Luke 3:15-17), John’s baptism was no longer valid.
But here’s the thing. If you were observing out of earshot, John’s baptism was indistinguishable from baptism into Jesus. Both featured immersion in water of believing adults. The only thing that was different was the intangible purpose. John baptized for repentance looking forward to the Messiah (Acts 19:4), Christians baptize for forgiveness of sins. What this tells me is that our denominational friends who were baptized in other ways (sprinkled, as a baby) or for other reasons (to join a congregation, because one was already saved, etc.) ought seriously consider being baptized again!
Twice I’ve said the phrase “baptized again” but strictly speaking, one is either baptized, or is not. The Ephesian disciples were not “re-baptized,” they were “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5) for the first time, the right way, and for the right reason.
What is Necessary for a Valid Baptism?
But, let’s go back to our initial consideration: a maturing Christian considering his or her baptism into Jesus as a youth. Let me offer comfort and caution. Baptism really is once for all, and need not be repeated every time one sins and wants to rededicate his life—for that
we simply pray (Acts 8:22-24, 1 John 1:9-2:2). Every single Christian matures in Christ. Our understanding of the Bible, our appreciation for our salvation, our desire to serve God and dwell with Him eternally, grows month to month and year to year. You will always say to yourself, “Did I really know everything I needed to know when I was twelve? Was I as committed then as I am now?” No doubt, our knowledge and commitment has grown, as it should (Ephesians 4:22-24, 1 Thessalonians 4:1)! So let us not judge the validity of our baptism that way. Instead, let us identify the basic information necessary.
- Did you grasp that you were a sinner, in danger of the wrath of God, and in need of a divine Savior (Romans 6:23)?
- Did you understand what the gospels say about Jesus, that He is the Christ the Son of God (John 20:30-31) who died for you (Romans 5:6-8)?
- Did you believe in Him and confess Him openly (1 Timothy 6:12)?
- Did you understand that baptism washes away sins (Acts 22:16)?
Interestingly enough, the information and encouragement necessary to make a valid decision must not require weeks of Bible study. The Philippian jailer and his household assembled to hear Paul preach and were baptized the same night (Acts 16:29-35). The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized during the course of a single chariot ride (Acts 8:26-39). Now, it can require weeks of study, for one with many thoughtful questions (Acts 17:32), one who needs to count the cost and repent (Luke 14:28), or one who has to be un-taught a lot of false ideas (Acts 9:6).
Chances are, unless you were wrongly motivated—you just wanted your parents to stop bothering you, or you just wanted to eat the bread like your friends—then you really did know enough to make a lifelong commitment to Jesus. Your parents and preachers probably were on the lookout for that very thing, and probably asked you a lot of probing questions before they let you be baptized. Be thankful for your place in the family of God and keep growing daily! But if you still worry that your sins have not been washed away, let’s talk!
--John Guzzetta
