Is there a minimum level of faith needed to become a Christian?
Question:
I have been a Christian for many years. When I was baptized I came up out of the water and began to doubt if I really believed in Christ. I was under much emotional stress at that time. I did not let this doubt stop me from worshiping, but I always seemed to feel others were sure of their salvation and showed it. As the years have gone by, I have been told I am a true example of Christian living and have been told to just let this doubt go.
My faith in Christ has grown over the years. I know He is my Savior and truly want to be with Him in heaven. I want to please God in every way and let my works be a true expression of that love. But these doubts still flare up sometimes and leave a measure of uneasiness.
My best friend, a Bible scholar in the church and who originally baptized me, knows I worry a lot. He tells me he has seen my Christian growth over the years and wants me to just let it go. He sees no need for another baptism. Do I follow His advice?
Answer:
Many people do not allow for growth as a Christian. "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (I Peter 2:2). Notice that the growth is in respect to salvation. You had some faith, otherwise, you would not have agreed to be baptized. You had some knowledge of Christ. You had some faith because you admit your faith has grown. True, it is not nearly as strong or as deep as it is today, but it was still there in a small measure back then. There is not a minimally accepted level of faith in Christ that God said is required. The amount of faith you need is the amount that drives you to obey God and get baptized.
There is no need for you to get baptized again.
