Baptism

EaglesWings · 04-20-2009, 09:26 AM

This is a situation that I feel a bit conflicted on, so I figured I'd gather a few other points of view.

A little background, I am part of the leadership team in a nondenominational church (Reformed Baptist in theology). Our church affirms believer's baptism (baptism comes after the profession of faith and is one of the ways that people become members of the church).

We have a young man whose brother has been a Christian for a number of years, but until a few months ago, he showed no interest in Christianity. He came forward back in December to receive Christ. Recently, he came forward seeking baptism.

Since he came forward, I have seen some positive changes in his life, he has been pretty faithful about coming to the Sunday worship service but hasn't been consistent with attending the midweek youth group. When he has attended, he tends to be disruptive and even starts physical fights with some of the other boys.

A few weeks ago, when he was at a youth group meeting, he made a statement that expressed serious doubt in the reality of Christ's resurrection (he talked about a "great conspiracy" to deceive the people of the day), which of course also denies the inerrancy of Scripture. Later, he told us that he just said that to make the youth leader mad.

So, here's the question...based on what I have said here, would you allow him to proceed with baptism at this time, and why?

Thanks in advance!

Ultimaomega · 04-20-2009, 04:17 PM

I think I know who you're talking about (I won't say names in a public board). I would have to say that he is not ready at this time. The main reason is this: He seems to express serious doubt in the resurrection of the Christ. This is a core belief of the faith. Now, we, as Christians, do have doubts from time to time, but when it gets to the point of such blatant disbelief, and the attempt to cause others to falter, then true belief comes into question. I do not think he is ready.

Ruzan · 04-22-2009, 12:35 PM

Sounds like he has some maturity issues to take care of before he is ready to make a commitment to Christ.

Londie · 04-23-2009, 01:20 PM

I would definitely agree that he doesn't seem ready. Will keep him in my prayers.

Eric · 04-24-2009, 07:57 AM

Before I was baptized, my church *required* me to affirm that I believed in Jesus, I had asked him to be my savior, and that I believed he died on the cross for our sins and was later resurrected.

I don't think anyone who disputes any of those things is actually a Christian, are they?

04-20-2009, 09:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
EaglesWings Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 13 My Photos: (0)	Baptism This is a situation that I feel a bit conflicted on, so I figured I'd gather a few other points of view. A little background, I am part of the leadership team in a nondenominational church (Reformed Baptist in theology). Our church affirms believer's baptism (baptism comes after the profession of faith and is one of the ways that people become members of the church). We have a young man whose brother has been a Christian for a number of years, but until a few months ago, he showed no interest in Christianity. He came forward back in December to receive Christ. Recently, he came forward seeking baptism. Since he came forward, I have seen some positive changes in his life, he has been pretty faithful about coming to the Sunday worship service but hasn't been consistent with attending the midweek youth group. When he has attended, he tends to be disruptive and even starts physical fights with some of the other boys. A few weeks ago, when he was at a youth group meeting, he made a statement that expressed serious doubt in the reality of Christ's resurrection (he talked about a "great conspiracy" to deceive the people of the day), which of course also denies the inerrancy of Scripture. Later, he told us that he just said that to make the youth leader mad. So, here's the question...based on what I have said here, would you allow him to proceed with baptism at this time, and why? Thanks in advance!

04-20-2009, 04:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ultimaomega Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 44 My Photos: (0)	Re: Baptism I think I know who you're talking about (I won't say names in a public board). I would have to say that he is not ready at this time. The main reason is this: He seems to express serious doubt in the resurrection of the Christ. This is a core belief of the faith. Now, we, as Christians, do have doubts from time to time, but when it gets to the point of such blatant disbelief, and the attempt to cause others to falter, then true belief comes into question. I do not think he is ready.

04-22-2009, 12:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ruzan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 106 My Photos: (1)	Re: Baptism Sounds like he has some maturity issues to take care of before he is ready to make a commitment to Christ. __________________ "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

04-23-2009, 01:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
Londie Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 77 My Photos: (0)	Re: Baptism I would definitely agree that he doesn't seem ready. Will keep him in my prayers. __________________ "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

04-24-2009, 07:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Eric Community Manager Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 193 My Photos: (5)	Re: Baptism Before I was baptized, my church required me to affirm that I believed in Jesus, I had asked him to be my savior, and that I believed he died on the cross for our sins and was later resurrected. I don't think anyone who disputes any of those things is actually a Christian, are they? __________________