Expert: Clive Heath - 11/16/2010

Question
I understand and accept full emmersion baptism.  I just get confused with its purpose.  Acts 2:38 seems to say it is FOR the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit rather than a symbol.

Also, why wouldn't you immediately baptize a believer when they accept Jesus instead of waiting for a particular day set aside by man as the day to baptize believers?

I am trying to understand the Baptist Faith as I am attending a Baptist church now and would appreciate your help.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Lori,

There are many teachings and traditions regarding this subject, it is the acceptance of God,the Holy spirit and the christian faith, as it says in Acts.
Some say it is the washing away of sins and some say it is a form of exorcism from evil spirits.

Galatians 3; 26-27, says it makes us the children of God, and John the Baptist said that he only baptised with water whereas the coming Messiah would baptise with the Holy spirit.

So it is more than a symbol, it shows your commitment to God, many who are commited do not feel the need to be baptised as the Holy spirit has already entered them, it is personal choice.

The Baptist belief is that a child should be baptised only when at an age that they can decide for themselves, unlike an Anglican christening where this is decided by the parents.

A person can be baptised at any time, but we quite often use Easter as it is the start of new life.

I hope this helps

Regards and God Bless

Clive