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Baptism
Hello everyone :D
Alrighty so I'm 17 years old, turning 18 in September. I've been raised with a mother who is cooky in the head, but has a strong religious side, although her other side might be extremely contradicting. But, on the other hand, I have been raised along a father as well, who is open minded, easy going, and just a tad bit religious, nothing big though. My dad's side is Catholic, my mom's side is Evangelist(i think). I, on the other hand, went to a Christian church, not sure what kind though, since there are many under Christianity. To be honest, yes, I believe in God, but I'm not devoted to church, nor am I very religious, I'm more like my father. Umm, recently, my boyfriend who is 18 years old has had his first communion, and confirmation. He talked to me, and it seriously got me thinking when he asked me the question, "Are you baptised, and if you aren't, would you like to be?". I found out I am NOT baptized, but I'm not sure about the second question. Can someone please shed some light?
-What is the purpose of being baptized?
-What if you aren't baptized and never get baptized?
-What religions require baptism and which don't?
- Pros and cons?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
:}
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
Here is what I know about being baptized:
1- If you are going to do at the age of 17 (since many people do it has infants) you should want to do it. You are old enough to make that decision for yourself and God wants you to want to do it.
2- Baptism is the symbolism of you washing your sins away and becoming a new creation in Christ, joining the family of God, if you will. I do not believe that you are condemned if you aren't baptized however I think that if you are willing to be a Christian it is an important step to take.
3- I think that if you want to be a Christian and are willing to devote your life to God, baptism is a good step. But again, you really must want to do it.
Could you talk to your boyfriend about hsi spiritual life? Or someone else in your life about the aspects of the Christian faith to learn more about it?
I hope that helps
Alina
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The purpose of being baptised is to symbolize washing away your sins. Jesus died for you, right? The least you can do is be baptized. But I am not here to judge. I personally don't believe that God is going to damn you for not being baptized. I believe that he would want you to. But I also believe that he would want you to wait until you mean it. Don't follow through if you do not believe in Jesus and do not accept him as your savior. That would be wrong. I don't know which religions require baptism. I am a christian and I have had one. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. It made me feel cleansed and happiness. I have never felt so alive. I actually would enjoy doing it regularly. But being baptized wouldn't help you any if you do not believe and accept Jesus.
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Catholics believe baptism should occur in infancy.
Evangelicals, and most other protestant churches, believe you should be baptized when you're an adult and have made the decision to commit your life to Christ. They don't believe infants are capable of sin, therefore, do not need to be baptized and cannot make a conscience decision to follow Christ and be washed of their sins.
Baptism is symbolic of the commitment to Christ and the washing away of sins. It also symbolizes dying in Christ (dying to your sins and the old way of life) as Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. So, we are submersed (die) and come up again (rise again). As Christians, we are required by the Lord to do this.
If you don't get baptized, you haven't "come out of the closet", so to speak. It's an outward show of faith and commitment to God.
All that said, none of this is relevant if you are not committed to follow Christ. That comes first, baptism comes second. Following Christ is not the same as being religious. Religion is what man says about God. Revelation is what God says about himself, which can be found in the bible, which is the living Word of God.
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baptism is when church officials pour water on babies so they dont have to float around in limbo after they die.
if your not devoted to the church then dont bother.
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