You are here:
Baptists/Baptism
Advertisement
Question
Sir:
I have been a saved and born again Christian for many years now. I have also not been Baptized. I want to be Baptized but am concerned about a few things.
Firstly, I am concerned about a sin area in my life that I have not been able to overcome: online/internet pornography. I have prayed and asked God's help in this, and have had periods of being "good" but continually relapse. Reading 1 John recently really scared me. Anyone who habitually sins does not have God in him. Yet, I am told that if I am convicted of my habitual sin, which I am because I'm troubled by it, that is from the Spirit and is a sign of my salvation.
I believe I am saved and going to Heaven due to my firm trust in the Bible. If I believe Jesus is God and Lord (and I do), then I also believe he cannot lie. And if he said that no one can get to the Father but through Him, then He is whom I shall trust. And if I believe that the Bible is the true word of God (and I do), then I believe that anyone who puts their trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior will have eternal life.
This being said, is it a good idea to be Baptized if I have this issue of sin in my life? To use a trite phrase, I realize that salvation is not for perfect people, but is Baptism for more-perfect or better people?
Secondly, I'm afraid to get up in front of people at the church I attend and get Baptized. I'm not open to things like public speaking or being the center of attention (I avoided college graduation ceremony because of this). Do you think the church would care about my nervousness issues?
Thank you!
Baptism is about obedience and identification. It is not for perfect people. To not be baptized is a sin of disobedience. Baptism is our first act of obedience. You may not get help with the porn issue until you take care of the first step. You can't go to second grade, so to speak until you pass first grade. Be sure you are saved and then confess the sin to Christ and then get baptized.
You are to make a public profession of your faith. Does that mean you have to give a 35 minute doctrinal speech in the baptismal pool? Hardly? Depending on how your preacher does it you may have to say yes a few time and the congregation will be thrilled to hear of your salvation and to see your obedience. They will not care if you stutter or sputter.
May God grant you courage to be baptized and then victory over the porn.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.