Quote:
Originally Posted by Seeker4
At 9 years of age, I was baptized in Jesus' name. When I was in my late teens and early 20's, I left the "church" and instead attended a mainstream, trinitarian church. I fell into some sin, but my heart was always soft towards the Lord. My main issues at the time were dealing with bitterness towards hurts I had experienced growing up in the UPC. After a few years, God shook me up and I realized that I could never reconcile the idea of a Trinitarian God in my head. I knew that it was not truth. And the Acts 2:38 message was one that I could never get away from. After repenting, I turned back to the truth and began attending a church that preached the oneness, Acts 2:38 message.
Several years passed and I began to question my baptism. Only because I was so young at the time, and I feel the need to perhaps be baptized again.
This idea has continued to hang around and I have prayed and sought God's wisdom on this. I've lived for God for a long time now and have raised my children in the church. I do not want to cause confusion, but I was wondering and hoping that maybe someone on this forum has felt the same thing or has a different perspective on this.
I question why we encourage young children to be baptized at such a young age, and whether or not they can truly "repent"? |
Dear Seeker,
Like you, I was baptized at a young age and never really understood what sin was, nor grace. I was a Pastor's wife for 15 years, and spent several years after my divorce going to a Trinitarian AOG church. I too am one God and Jesus name baptism all the way - a three-stepper if you would.
A couple years ago I chose to be rebaptized, as an adult, knowing I have sinned, and understanding the reason for baptism from an adult perspective. It was a good experience for me.
Do I think it necessary to be rebaptized? NO. Do I think that children should be made to wait to be baptized? Absolutely not. I think every child reaches the age of accountability at different ages/stages, but children are tender-hearted and so trusting, as God tell us to be when coming to him no matter what age. Some children die untimely deaths and if they have repented and want to be baptized - I believe they should be.
As for you, if you truly feel you want a fresh start, and want to be baptized as an adult then I think you should be. You will FEEL better, as I did.
Blessings, Rhoni