So, is submersion really more than symbolic? Or is it that the baptism can't be properly symbolic unless it's a submersion?
What happens if something, say a hand or part of the forehead, isn't quite submerged, accidentally? Is the whole thing invalid, or will that part of the person not make it to Heaven?
Some will say that you must rebaptize, put them under again and be sure that they are completely covered. Others will say that if they are basically underwater except for maybe part of their face, or their stomach, or perhaps part of their hand or foot, it's OK because the burial is symbolic. With the first answer it is insisting on the "letter of the law" and with the second it is going by "the spirit of the law." With the second you are on a slippery slope toward incomplete covering and then maybe pouring will be next, and then maybe sprinkling will be the final outcome. Relax, people, it's a symbolic ritual. In my opinion, the condition of the heart of the individual being baptized is more important than the amount of the water being used or the words being spoken (but then, some think I'm a liberal).
My personal opinion on baptism?
It should be:
in literal water,
for a repentant believer only,
by immersion,
in the name (authority) of Jesus
__________________
Sam also known as Jim Ellis
Apostolic in doctrine
Pentecostal in experience
Charismatic in practice
Non-denominational in affiliation
Inter-denominational in fellowship
This is an Orthodox baptism in the Ural River in Kazakhstan.
Note how the person self-immerses three times.
This would be more like the Jewish mikveh from which our baptism comes.
It is believed by some that the baptism of John, then by Jesus and His followers was a three-fold self-immersion
BTW, did you see the question for you on the "Let's bash the preacher" thread?
Yep. In the spirit of your previous question, why should I answer?
A little more seriously, and perhaps you'll appreciate this, having children. Some answers are less appreciated than when allowed the time to either (1) figure it out for one's self or (2) position one's self to receive it with far more appreciation.
I've sure had things go over my head in times past, that later were kinda like, "Whoa! That's what they meant."
This is an Orthodox baptism in the Ural River in Kazakhstan.
Note how the person self-immerses three times.
This would be more like the Jewish mikveh from which our baptism comes.
It is believed by some that the baptism of John, then by Jesus and His followers was a three-fold self-immersion
Sam, we Christians make a big deal about "mikveh" and declare it the root of our baptismal practices... but I have a few questions...
Where is mikveh mentioned in the Law?
What is the origin of the Jewish mikveh as we know it?
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