Baptism from God's Perspective

[Aquila]

So what are your thoughts SeekingOne?

[SeekingOne]

Originally Posted by Aquila

So what are your thoughts SeekingOne?

At first I wondered if this was another of those "tricks" you guys love to do where we all read our own name. But then I realized that you actually did just respond to something I posted.

It does seem unlikely that they would have traipsed out to a river in the middle of the night and equally doubtful that they would have enough water drawn along with a deep basin to baptize the whole family in. But, maybe they had a pool for washing in?

Again, I think these discussions are interesting, but I gave up all those heaven and hell issues that can be debated a few months ago. God is NOT the God of confusion. I believe He speaks clearly about issues that we MUST pay close attention to. He also provided His Holy Spirit to dwell in us to lead and guide us individually.

Bottom line opinion: I don't think either way can be proven or there would not be a debate. Since God did not make sure that people thousands of years later would know for sure how they should be baptized, I don't think it is a heaven or hell issue how a person is baptized. I do think that everyone must obey what they feel God leading them to do.

I have already been baptized twice, I don't intend to go for a third round. I was baptized when I first accepted Jesus, but the Jesus Name people said I would go to hell with that one so they dunked me again saying the correct words over me.

I guess faith in Jesus doesn't always count. The first time I was baptized, they asked me to testify about my faith in Jesus. They mentioned that because of my faith in Jesus and because I wished to be obedient in baptism as Jesus comanded that they were baptizing me. Besides, these are the words of Jesus (not men): (He could have said to baptize them in His name, but he didn't. I still believe in one God by the way.)

Matt: 28:16 - 20

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded ato Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.

17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Sorry you asked???

[Aquila]

No. Actually I thought you offered a fair response. There are many things that can't be concluded. Sometimes we have to do our best to fill in the blanks by looking at cultural customs, common implements, etc. I agree with you... I wouldn't condemn someone to Hell just because they weren't baptized the way I believe the Apostles did it.

But about this statement you made...

It does seem unlikely that they would have traipsed out to a river in the middle of the night and equally doubtful that they would have enough water drawn along with a deep basin to baptize the whole family in. But, maybe they had a pool for washing in?

Pools and that sort of thing were very luxurious items typically enjoyed by the Roman aristocracy. I don't see one being at a jail. Tradition modes of bathing were essentially a large basin of water. The one bathing would squat down next to it and scrub themselves and anoint with oils. Then they'd rinse with a cloth or laver like implement. It being a prison... back in those days prisons had NO amenities. I don't see it. Personally, I think the jailer had a wash basin and a pitcher of water. That would be what they'd typically use to wash wounds. Pools, lakes, rivers, tubs, etc. are not mentioned in the text. The washing of wounds is mentioned in the text. So I have to lean on what I believe was present... a basin and a pitcher of water.

[SeekingOne]

Well Aquilla, it looks like you are probably correct. Since God didn't see fit to tell us a particular method is necessary or important, I will add this information to my "Isn't this interesting" file in my head since I have been baptized twice already. ;-)

I love reading all these discussions! I have changed my views from what has been forced into my head by others on many subjects. It is great to be able to read the Bible again and be open to what God wants me to see instead of being expected to agree with someone or go hell.

[GrowingPains]

I don't think it's critical if you're dunked or splashed. That's not the point of baptism. I think our tradition of immersion if a pretty biblical one. Speculating on what the jailer did, does not take away from other NT evidence of immersion.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by GrowingPains

I don't think it's critical if you're dunked or splashed. That's not the point of baptism. I think our tradition of immersion if a pretty biblical one. Speculating on what the jailer did, does not take away from other NT evidence of immersion.

Personally, I think a detailed study will demonstrate otherwise. Can you show me what you believe to be evidence of immersion?