Hey Baptists: Is this how y’all see Baptism, as “just a symbol”?
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I would say yes. Yes they do. They don’t teach it is necessary unto salvation, so why not baptize an infant.
If it makes no difference if an adult is baptized, then it makes no difference if a baby is baptized.
You don’t know Baptist doctrine on baptism and the history of the Baptist denomination. It is obviously NOT necessary for salvation. It’s just water. It has no magical powers. However, public profession and identification with Christ IS necessary for church membership. Since the local church is body Christ ordained for His ministry in this dispensation, God blesses those bodies through is immutable Word. In other words, there’s Holy Spirit privilege in being a member of local church. You can only be a member by salvation first, baptism second.
Where in scripture does is specifically say you must be baptized to be saved?
Baptism is a man-made work. You must be born again of Spirit to be Saved. The “water” John talks about in John 3:5 is the cleansing of the Holy Spirit. Just like in Isaiah 44:3 and Ezekiel 36:25-27.
Read Titus 3:5 (Same context as above)....do you think baptism is necessary for salvation based on that?
We are told to be Baptized, because it’s the right thing to do, but it’s not necessary to be Saved in Christ. He did all the work for us, we obey Him by being baptized.
If it makes no difference if an adult is baptized, then it makes no difference if a baby is baptized.
Because baptism represents a personal choice one has made...A baptized baby will never have to make that choice...