Seth Freeman

I find that many Christians who ask this question are typically being pushed by the Holy Spirit to be baptized again. 

It's important to understand and acknowledge that there is NO power in baptism itself. Baptism does not save, for baptism is a work. We are however, commanded to be baptized, and it is a good thing to do. Baptism is an outward profession of an inward faith. It is something that all Christians should do once they accept Christ.

You certainly don't remember your infant baptism, nor had you made a commitment to Christ prior to your infant baptism. I would pray about it. I suspect your posting here may be an indication that the Spirit is indeed calling you to make that outward profession of your inward faith.

October 29 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

Baptism makes you a Christian, therefore baptism needs to happen only once. You do not need a second baptism because there is no need to make you a Christian again. 

Just to clarify: A Catholic is a Christian and a Catholic baptism is a valid baptism. You may not remember it because you were a baby that time it happened, but nonetheless, it is meaningful, effective and valid.

October 29 2013 • 12 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Mark Vestal Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

Water baptism was a requirement for the believing (Messianic) Hebrews, along with repentance (changing their mind) that Jesus Christ was their promised Messiah. We today are saved by God's grace through our faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and nothing of ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9).

During God's dispensation of grace today (Ephesians 3:1-2), we are baptized into the body of Christ immediately upon having faith in Jesus Christ alone being our savior (Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 4:30). Baptism occurs by the Spirit, not by man.

Eph 4:5
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"

Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). All our sins, past, present, and future, were nailed to the cross so that we are no longer burdened with the anguish of being unable to live up to God's requirements for salvation. Jesus Christ was perfect on our behalf, and received the punishment that we deserved (Romans 5:8). God was in Christ on the cross reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). Our job is to reconcile ourselves to God through faith in Jesus Christ and what His finished cross work means for us, believing the gospel that saves today:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV:
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

When we believe this, we are sealed with the holy Spirit until the day of redemption, and thankfully not just until we sin again (Ephesians 4:30)…which we will most likely do as humans (Romans 7:22-25) KJV. Our faith in Jesus Christ makes us the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)! The Spirit can now work effectually through us as we have finally removed the focus of ourselves and our iniquities and placed our focus on Jesus Christ and the cross (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Water baptism will not get our sins forgiven. Turning from sin will not get our sins forgiven. Confessing our sins will not get our sins forgiven. Humbly asking for forgiveness will not get our sins forgiven. Crying a scalding hot bucket of tears and begging God to forgive us will not get our sins forgiven. Our sins were forgiven nearly 2,000 years ago (Colossians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:19), and our salvation occurs at the moment of belief in this, the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13). Nothing that we ourselves do in the flesh can assist in what Christ has already completed for us (Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:10). It's literally how we accept Jesus Christ as our savior from this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).

Break the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1) and live in peace by accepting God’s free gift (Romans 5:18) through faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross for you (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). You've been blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), as believers instantly become members of the church, which is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24).

November 16 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Zachary Campbell

The interpretation of Nehemiah 2:17 and the Jews' motivation for rebuilding Jerusalem can be complex and multifaceted. Here are different perspectives to consider:

**Danger:**

* The verse mentions the "broken walls" and "gates burned with fire," suggesting the city was vulnerable to attack and damage. Rebuilding the walls could provide physical protection against potential enemies.
* Nehemiah expresses concern about the "reproach" his people endure, which some interpret as fear of external threats or potential ridicule for their weakened state.

**Disgrace:**

* The broken walls could symbolize a loss of identity, security, and divine favor. Rebuilding them could be seen as reclaiming their dignity and restoring their covenant with God.
* The verse mentions the "disgrace" associated with the city's state. This could refer to feelings of shame or humiliation due to the destruction and their diminished status.

**Beyond Danger and Disgrace:**

* Some interpretations move beyond immediate threats and shame, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem as a fulfillment of God's promise and a restoration of their religious center.
* The project aimed to create a safe and prosperous community, signifying not just defense but also renewal and hope for the future.

Ultimately, the motivation for rebuilding Jerusalem likely involved a combination of factors, encompassing both practical concerns about danger and deeper feelings of disgrace or yearning for restoration. Understanding the historical context and considering different perspectives can help you form your own interpretation of this passage.

It's important to note that the interpretation of religious texts can be subjective and depend on individual beliefs and approaches. 

If you'd like to explore this topic further, I can provide you with additional resources from different scholarly perspectives or religious traditions.

February 01 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report