I was baptized as an infant. Do I need to be baptized again?
Question:
I was baptized as an infant; however, I have recently found Christ and repented from my sinful ways. I know the importance of baptism and want to ensure that I am in accordance with the Scriptures. There are many different views on this subject; however, I cannot seem to find anyone to answer me with scriptural evidence. I am wondering if I should be baptized again since I have the capacity now to know what I am being baptized for?
Please advise.
Answer:
Regarding infant baptism, please take a look at the article "Infant Baptism" on why it is unnecessary.
You are correct that you should be baptized. When Paul found men in Ephesus who had been baptized, but for the wrong reasons, he had them baptized again. "And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:3-5).
Baptism is based on faith (Mark 16:16) and repentance (Acts 2:38). Being baptized without faith is no different than diving into a pool. You get wet, but nothing spiritual happens. Being baptized without repentance doesn't help either. Washing away your sins (Acts 22:16) when a person remains in his sins because he had not repented doesn't cleanse the person (I Peter 3:21).
As a baby, you could not believe because you had not even learned a language. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). As a child, you had not yet committed sins that needed washing away. You got wet when you were a baby, but in the scriptural sense of the word, you have not yet been baptized with the baptism of Christ.
If you would like to learn more about these matters and be baptized properly, please let me know. I would be happy to assist you.
