Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamingZword
I totally disagree based on Biblical example.
Whenever there was a conversion in the Bible Baptism was usually done in the same day.
The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized by Phillip, right in the middle of the desert, after a talk with Philip.
The Philippian Jailer and his family was baptized in the middle of the night, Paul did not even wait till daytime to baptize them.
If we are going to be Apostolic, then we have to follow their example.
The idea of delaying baptism is a Catholic concept, for they delayed baptizing new converts until a certain day of the year and created very elaborate ceremonies for baptism.
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While I don't advocate classes for candidates prior to water baptism, nevertheless I think the example of Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch provides us with an excellent scriptural mandate/requirement of insuring that the candidate have an understanding of the "true" identity of Jesus Christ, that is, the Oneness of God, and this
PRIOR TO BEING BAPTIZED. Please note carefully the words of the discourse which transpired between Phillip and the eunuch:
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized"? And Phillip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Note what Phillip stated that the eunuch "believest with all (his) heart," i.e., his mind before he would baptize him. Was it not that the eunuch understand the "true" identity of Christ, that is, that He is the "Son of God"?
As for me, and I know there are others who will disagree, I believe that this is something every candidate for water baptism MUST understand PRIOR to being immersed in the waters of baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Indeed, I believe it to be an essential thing, else the candidate is left ignorant of the "true" meaning of our Lord's words written in
Matthew 28:19, to wit,
"in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"?
I wonder just how many have been baptized, and are continuing to be so, without first understanding this. I think many, and that is an absolute shame!