Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 7/25/2011

Question
I was baptised when I was a baby by sprinkling; and now I have read and heard about baptism by immersion and realize that this is the correct way of baptism.
My question is "Do I need to be baptised again by immersion or not?"

Thanks.

Answer
Gloria:

    You are correct in your conclusion that immersion is the Biblical method of baptism. The Scripture also teaches that baptism always follows salvation.  Whenever you read in the Bible about someone being baptized it is always after they have put their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. That is acknowledging the fact that they are a sinner (Romans 3:23), admitting the fact that sin had a penalty (Romans 6:23), and accepting the fact that Jesus Christ died in their place to pay the penalty for their sin (Romans 5:8). When one has called upon the Lord to save them (from the penalty of sin, death, Romans 10:13), he has received salvation in Christ. After a person has been assured of their salvation, the next step is baptism. Baptism is not at all a part of salvation, it is simply an outward expression of the change that Jesus Christ has made in a person. Much like my wedding band does not make me married, it is a symbol of the fact that I am married. I'm still married if I'm not wearing my ring just like a person that has trusted Christ is saved whether or not they've been baptized.

    So, Gloria, to answer your question directly, if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour since you were baptized (which I don't believe a baby can be saved), then according to the Bible you need to be baptized as an act of obedience to Christ. If you haven't trusted Christ then that's your next step. Otherwise you'll just be getting wet.