[Sheep]

Some people claim that it is and some says it's not necessary. The thief on the cross did not get baptized and Jesus said to him ""I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Some people are saying this because Jesus said "The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit". I guess some are saying that born again of "water" means being baptized. I think it's being born of one mother's womb.

[SERay]

Water baptism is a symbolic burial: By which the new Christian publicly declares they have died, and are now beginning a new life, in Christ. Baptize is the English form of a Greek word which means to immerse: to place something into something else. In Christian water baptism, the believer is put completely under water, then immediately raised out of the water. Some faiths practice sprinking which is controversial in some minds, however, God is observing the heart, not the method. It's about obedience. Although complete immersion reflects the complete burial, and surfacing from the water is arising to a new life. In sprinkling, the primary message of death and a new life is not portrayed, therefore is not a common practice except for the sick or those unable to immerse.

Water baptism is a statement of faith: My old life is behind me -- I am a new person, with a new life. Water baptism is a sign of repentance -- repentance means change -- a change so drastic that the old person is "buried." It does not make you acceptable to God. As a work of righteousness, trying to obtain a good standing with God, is of none effect. Water baptism is a way of giving testimony to what has happened inwardly, and a public commitment to turn from the old life.

Water baptism outwardly demonstrates what has happened inwardly: Water baptism helps you to grasp the reality of the spiritual truth that the old "you" has died. Water baptism is only as important as the participant believes it to be. Water baptism is their confession, and a public commitment. Unless the person really believes they died, there is no need for a burial. It is not something we must do to impress God, but something to impress on our mind what happened to us inwardly. Water baptism is for our benefit, not God's.

Water baptism is about your death: Water baptism is your public declaration of your death. It is a public confession of faith: I have died to my old life and my old ways. By being baptized in water you are saying that you have died to sin, selfishness, and the world's ways. Water baptism is a public burial of the old life. By asking for burial, you declare that you believe something has died. There is no need for a burial without a death. Burial is not absolutely required, but is recommended as the best course of action. So, generally, those who receive Jesus Christ should normally be baptized in water. In the book of Acts, water baptism always seemed to be done without delay. Although burial can take place at any time, the best time is immediately after death has been confirmed.

As we are baptized in water, we are in effect saying goodbye to our old life (self), and saying hello to a new creation who is IN Christ Jesus. Because of death you are free from your old master the flesh and Satan; now you have a new Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. A major benefit to the believer is the clean break that water baptism makes with their past. When the devil brings temptations and accusations concerning their old life -- the believer can reply, "That person is dead and buried. I am a new person in Christ." Water baptism is a point of separation, dividing the old from the new. It says the past is dead and gone -- drawing a clear line between the old life and the new, graphically imprinted on the mind of the believer.

Why was Jesus baptized in water? He was, and is, our pattern. And, in a sense, He was, at that point, dying to His past life. From that point, His first allegiance would no longer be to earthly relatives. ("Who is My mother, or My brothers?" Mark 3:31-35.) Jesus would no longer be a carpenter. He was beginning His public ministry. Jesus was declaring that He was dead to any selfishness and existed solely to do the will of the Father God.

Because it illustrates the central message of the Gospel, water baptism should be a tool for teaching and evangelism. Water baptism should help people understand the spiritual truths being proclaimed. Water baptism pictures the most fundamental truths of the Gospel: the burial and resurrection of Christ, and of the believer in union with Him. By means of water baptism, we demonstrate to the world our identification with the crucified and risen Christ. By water baptism we testify that our old life is gone, and we are now joined with Jesus. We are pledging ourselves to a new life, with Jesus Christ Who died for us and rose again. Water baptism also acknowledges that the person being immersed is indeed a Christian believer. So, all who baptize should question converts, just as Philip did in Acts 8:37, to be sure of their commitment to Christ, before immersing them in water. Only those who accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ should be baptized in water.

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"

Some people place great importance on certain words being spoken when a person is baptized in water. This is all religious tradition with no valued meaning whatsoever. "In the name of Jesus" can mean by the authority and command of Jesus. Colossians 3:17 tells us our every word and deed should be in the name of the Lord Jesus. Certainly, Colossians 3:17 does not mean we have to continually say, "I do this, or say this, in the name of Jesus." Claiming that certain words must be said at the time of water baptism, or that only certain special people can truly baptize you in water, makes water baptism into a magical rite -- a work of man trying to be right with God. The words spoken by the person baptizing you in water will not save you, or condemn you. Water baptism is not some magic ritual which makes you right with God. Water baptism is a testimony and picture-sermon of what God did in you. Even if no words are spoken over you during your water baptism, it is still a picture of burial and resurrection. Specific words are not what is important, but the attitudes and faith of the people involved are what matters. When baptizing new believers, saying something like, "In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I baptize you into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," is considered the best. Then the devil cannot tempt them to think they were not baptized in the right name.

People often ask, “must you be baptized to be saved?" In Luke 23:39-43, we have the record of one of the criminals crucified with Jesus acknowledging Him as Lord. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Jesus told the criminal he would be with Him in Paradise, even though he was not baptized in water. Also, in Acts 10:44-48, Cornelius' household became believers, received the Holy Spirit, and began speaking in tongues, before being baptized in water. According to Jesus (John 7:38-39, Mark 16:17), receiving the Holy Spirit happens only to those who are believers, and therefore saved. So, we must conclude that these believers were born again, and ready for Heaven, before they were baptized in water.

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” We are not saved by works of righteousness that we do. Many think, wrongly, of water baptism as a work that must be done to be right with God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." If water baptism was necessary for salvation, then salvation would partly be by works, and not by grace.

1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.” The apostle Paul, who received the Gospel direct from the risen Lord Jesus, said he was not sent to baptize. If water baptism was necessary for salvation, that would not make any sense.

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Obviously, if water baptism was required for salvation, that requirement would be made clear throughout the New Testament -- and it is not. Mark 16:16 could mean, "believes to the point of publicly confessing, by the act of water immersion." Or, it could mean, "believes and is placed in Christ." We should also note that the passage in question does not say, "He who believes and was baptized will be saved." Only a present tense baptism guarantees a person's salvation. That is to say: those who are IN CHRIST now, are saved. Salvation cannot be dependent on physical surroundings -- such as water being present for baptism -- there are too many situations where water baptism would be impossible. Those who make this error do so because the word baptize was not translated and understood. Therefore, they think every mention in Scripture of the word baptize refers to water -- which is not true. Baptism in water is not necessary for salvation, but is beneficial for the believer. Water baptism provides a good foundation, if understood correctly.


The main points to remember about water baptism are:

• It does not make you a Christian, or right with God. It is only a symbolic act with no power to save you.
• It is a testimony of what has already happened inwardly in the believer -- the death of their old life.
• A prepared or ritualistic formulas of words are not vital.
• It is chiefly a complete immersion into water, although sprinkling can be considered.
• It is best done publicly, much as wedding vows require a witness.
• It should be done only by someone old enough to understand what they are doing.
• It should be done only by those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to Him.

Should you be baptized in water? Yes, if you understand clearly what you are doing, and sincerely mean what baptism signifies. Otherwise, you should not be baptized in water, because it will not benefit you.

[Duncanbelem]

What is baptism? Baptism is exactly what SERay said, and more. It is a promise a covenant toward God. You promise to be born again through Christ and take upon his name.

If you never take upon the name of Christ you will never be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.

There exist various philosophies of what happens after we Die. Most of Christianity believes you will be judged the moment you die. But there are various differing beliefs.

I do not believe this Paradise, or Persian word for garden is the same thing as Heaven.

For God Resides in Heaven and when Christ appeared to Mary He said.
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17

So Where was He, it Peter it says one place He was
Peter 3:18-22
" 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."

So When Christ was dead in the Flesh he preached to the spirits who died in the flood of Noah. Could He not also Preach to this man in Paradise? And then Christ after He Resurrected on the third day, NOT same day as on cross, he saw Mary and ascended into heaven.

21 is also interesting because is says Baptism saves us, the act of being baptized does not mean you will be saved, in order to be saved you have to turn your life over to Christ and be changed, which is in affect what baptism symbolizes.

Final Judgement in my belief hasn't happened yet. The Spirits of the Dead are awaiting there judgement in prision, or paradise, ....

Matt 6:27
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

Matt 19:28
"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Matt. 25: 32
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats"

Rev 20: 12
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."

and then again in peter is says the gospel is preached unto people who are dead, So everyone will have a chance to come to know the Christ.

1 Peter 4:5-6
"Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."

So Christ Preached unto the dead so they too might be saved if they believe.
This is my belief. I know there are many other interpretations of these scriptures, but this is how I understand it, for our God is a merciful and just God. He will give everyone a chance.

Now again For Baptism. This is what the Word says.

Matt 3:13-16
"13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest
thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"

Why Was Christ Baptized? Because He, even though he was perfect, needed to be baptized to fulfil all righteousness. If he needed to be, don't we also need to be?

Christ answers these questions
Mark 10:35-39
"35 ¶ And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized"

And again in

John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

I believe a man must enter the water to be baptized as a symbol to take upon his name in order to enter His Kingdom, But I also believe all man will have that opportunity. because God is Just. I respect your beliefs, but this is what I believe with my heart.