Joanne,
this has been a confusing question to many people for years, and the responses you've had indicate that many are fammiliar with some mistakes in this area. Many well meaning brethren have drawn conclusions about rebaptism that would define baptism much too narrowly, requiring it in a denominational way, and yet it is a vital topic for serious consideration, and not to be lightly dismissed. There is a case for being baptized more than once if a person has been previously baptized into anything other than into Christ (as we were reminded about Acts 19:1-7) or by some authority (name) other than that of Jesus. Baptism into Christ, accompanied by faith in Christ (Gal. 3:26-29), is effective because of God's promises and a person's faith, not because of who did the baptism or where it was done. This is the basic concern, that a person has in fact been baptized into Christ, and not into anything or anyone else. There are various denominations that require baptism as a rite of entry into their group, no matter what previous background a person comes from. The Bible though does not teach baptism as a rite of entry into any particular congregation or group, but rather baptism into Christ, because of faith in him. The Lord then adds the saved together (Acts 2:41, 47). The Holy Spirit working through our faith is vital here. If, after study and consideration of their own past circumstances, a believer is satisfied that they have indeed been immersed into Christ, no matter who did the baptizing, then I think we should accept their testimony of faith. However, it is important (salvation is at stake), and Barry said it well, to carefully ask and consider whether Biblical baptism has occurred. I've known of people from several backgrounds who concluded after study that their past baptsim was by faith and acceptable to God, and I've known others who concluded that they needed to yield to the Lord in appropriate baptism. Sometimes, even folks who came from a church of Christ background who, like the man you mention, couldn't clearly remember their youthful baptism, or who doubted their readiness for the life commitment at the time of their original dunking have needed to be immersed again. It is important to examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) to see whether we are in the faith, and important to have a good conscience before God (1 Pet. 3:21).
Charles
|
