Is my baptism invalid because I panicked while under the water?
Question:
I have a question. I have been a Christian or saved person for the past 4 or 5 years, I had never been baptized before. Yesterday, I was baptized and I panic while underwater. Then it was over and they lifted me up out of the water. I was disappointed in myself for panicking. Now I feel that I disappointed myself and God. I now question whether my baptism was valid in the eyes of the Lord.
Can you please help me understand what I should do? Please help me.
Answer:
Jesus once asked, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). While you were interested in following Christ for several years, it would not be proper to say you were a Christian until you actually obeyed the Lord and entered into the covenant with him. Sins are removed in baptism. You are not saved while you had remained in your sins. "And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;
having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:11-12).
Salvation is not indicated by a feeling. Feelings can be wrong. Salvation comes because you met God's terms for being saved. "Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you -- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - -through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21).
I can understand that you are disappointed that you panicked while under the water. That happens to some people. But your disappointment is your own feeling. Don't make the mistake of thinking that what you feel must be what God feels. You did what God commanded despite your fears. That is the mark of courage and obedience.
Response:
Good morning,
I just want to take this time to give you thanks. Thank you, man of God, for responding so quickly to my email, and for helping me see the light. I know now that the devil was just playing with my mind. I should have known because I know the signs. I have learned a lot from many people, but I also know that I still need to learn much more spiritually. That's why I thank God for people like yourself, who is always there to guide and to direct people such as myself and to inspire!
You must have a beautiful and blessed day.
