Are Backsliders Required to be Re-baptized?

[chosenbyone]

Hello, AFF -

I've been out of pocket during the last few weeks and I've had this question daily on my mind. Now, I learned all the scriptures that support our doctrine; however, I've had trouble discounting the need of being baptized again for the remission of sins after walking away from God and being involved with horrible sin.

I backslid and came back to our merciful Savior, but I've been troubled in my spirit about the need to wash all those sins under the blood through the act of baptism. Has anyone heard of this being practice in our churches?

Any scripturally based answers that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

chosenbyone

[berkeley]

I do not have any scripture to offer for this answer.

If baptism is for the remission of sins, then NO. Baptism is not necessary the second time around. Sins can be remitted only once. Or that is what they will tell you. *shrugs*

If baptism is because of the remission of sins, yes, you CAN be baptized again. It is a public confession that you have placed your faith in Christ.

Some believe you can be baptized again to clear your conscience.
Reference:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

[berkeley]

I have no real answer.

[chosenbyone]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I do not have any scripture to offer for this answer.

If baptism is for the remission of sins, then NO. Baptism is not necessary the second time around. Sins can be remitted only once. Or that is what they will tell you. *shrugs*

If baptism is because of the remission of sins, yes, you CAN be baptized again. It is a public confession that you have placed your faith in Christ.

Some believe you can be baptized again to clear your conscience.
Reference:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Thanks for the quick response, Berk. I've understood that there are at least two different camps which you've listed above. I have been told by more than one pastor that baptism was for the remission of our sins.

If it was just for public confession of a person's faith then in my opinion would be there wouldn't be a need to be baptized again. The reason for this belief was I should already be a walking public confession everyday with my words, deeds and most importantly His grace.

Still on the fence with this dilemma...I've spent time today wrapping up some personal legal matters, estate, so that no one would have to deal with such matters after I pass away (if that is God's will).

This is an urgent personel matter for me...anymore insight friends?

[berkeley]

Several years ago I wanted to be re-baptized. I was not. For me it was an issue of the conscience. I would have "felt" better about starting over.
If it is for conscience sake, I would tell you to go ahead with it. If it will give you more peace, it is a good thing.

I have been wondering where you have been.

[chosenbyone]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

Several years ago I wanted to be re-baptized. I was not. For me it was an issue of the conscience. I would have "felt" better about starting over.
If it is for conscience sake, I would tell you to go ahead with it. If it will give you more peace, it is a good thing.

I have been wondering where you have been.

Issue of conscience? If it would have made you feel better...why didn't you pursue what your gut was telling you? Oh, well, who am I to say?

It has never been something that has robbed me of any peace; however, it has been a subject that I just can't seem to get out of my head.

If baptism was an act of obedience to God's word and I felt that God wanted me to be baptized again, who would baptize me? As far a I can gather, my church doesn't do any re-baptizing for backsliders. I just would like to have this matter resolved once and for all...

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by chosenbyone

Issue of conscience? If it would have made you feel better...why didn't you pursue what your gut was telling you? Oh, well, who am I to say?

It has never been something that has robbed me of any peace; however, it has been a subject that I just can't seem to get out of my head.

If baptism was an act of obedience to God's word and I felt that God wanted me to be baptized again, who would baptize me? As far a I can gather, my church doesn't do any re-baptizing for backsliders. I just would like to have this matter resolved once and for all...

I don't understand why God would want you to be re-baptized. I do understand why a person would want to be re-baptized. If you feel that He wants you to be re-baptized, do it. If I was nearby I'd re-baptize you in the bathtub.

[chosenbyone]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I don't understand why God would want you to be re-baptized. I do understand why a person would want to be re-baptized. If you feel that He wants you to be re-baptized, do it. If I was nearby I'd re-baptize you in the bathtub.

Perhaps, at this stage of my life, I just wanted to put these questions to rest. Thanks for the offer, Berk....you're a good guy.

[Rico]

Chosen, if you want to get rebaptized then take it to your pastor and discuss it with him. Tell him how you feel and hopefully he will understand and rebaptize you. I've heard of people doing this.

[berkeley]

Far from good... striving unto perfection...