Do I Need to Be Rebaptized?
Paul came to Ephesus and found some believers, Acts 19:1-5. You would think their baptism was just fine since they had been baptized in John’s baptism, Mark 1:4. But after questioning them, Paul found they had not been baptized into Christ Jesus, so Paul rebaptized them. There must have been something amiss.
Typically, it’s a one-time act. Once a person has been baptized for the right reasons, Galatians 3:26-27, they have all the benefits of salvation. He has entered the family of God, 1 Timothy 3:15, and the church, Acts 2:47, and he has access to the Father through prayer, including the forgiveness of future sins since we fail to live perfectly before God, 1 John 1:8-9.
But there are circumstances when rebaptism should occur.
- If one was baptized as a baby, they should be rebaptized. Why? Baptism is for believers, Mark 16:16.
- Children too young to correctly understand the gospel demands should be rebaptized for the same reasons. As an adult, one needs to know their salvation is qualified through answering the gospel’s call.
- If one was baptized without the understanding that baptism is for the removal of sin, they should be baptized again, Acts 2:38.
- Those baptized without true repentance should be baptized again, Matthew 3:7.
- One baptized without faith is to be rebaptized. Jesus requires faith, John 8:24, yet some religious groups baptize people without faith. Strange.
- Baptism for the wrong purpose is a cause for rebaptism. Baptism does not represent salvation for those who have already been saved. The purpose of baptism is to wash away sins, Acts 22:16.
Don’t hope that your baptism is OK. Make sure. Your soul is way too important. You want heaven.
garland@churchofchrist.gmail.com
https://www.biblepoints.org/bible-points