Getting baptised

[Adamant]

I know there aren't going to be many replies but i am interested so will ask...
Anyone here who was baptised as teenager?
Why?
Is it/was it important to you?

I am being encouraged to be baptised at my church but not sure about it. Tbh i have been putting of making a decision for a while.

[Shaythen]

I was baptized when I was 10, my sister was when she was 12, it’s mostly just a symbol, I guess at the time it was important to me, as I’ve grown I don’t see it as much.

[ska8er]

Since u have been asked u probably
have heard the word of God. In being
baptized u make the decision that u r
a believer in Christ and u r going public
with ur faith. I would get baptized if u
do have faith.

[Adamant]

Since u have been asked u probably
have heard the word of God. In being
baptized u make the decision that u r
a believer in Christ and u r going public
with ur faith. I would get baptized if u
do have faith.

I get that. Its just a bit more complicated as my dad thinks its just a phase i am going through.......a helpful phase but no more than that. I kind of know it has got to be a big commitment if i do and that feels a bit scary.

[AshleighB]

I got baptised as a baby, I’ve heard that when your older and want it doing it’s done in a pool, not the local swimming pool though but I could be wrong, I think if your unsure I would wait and see how you really feel

[Spooky_Eli]

Since u have been asked u probably
have heard the word of God. In being
baptized u make the decision that u r
a believer in Christ and u r going public
with ur faith. I would get baptized if u
do have faith.

Half right. baptisim is only puplic profession of faith, nothing to do with deciding to believe. Its also a personal disision in ones "walk with God"

[ska8er]

I get that. Its just a bit more complicated as my dad thinks its just a phase i am going through.......a helpful phase but no more than that. I kind of know it has got to be a big commitment if i do and that feels a bit scary.

What and Who brought baptism up to u? Was it ur idea?
U must have some sense of belief of the Word of God. Im
sure u just didn't get the idea. Whatever the way it should
not b scary unless u think u will drown. :)

[Pultost]

I'm not baptized, and I probably never will be. I don't see the point of some dude in a dress splash water on my head just because I believe in Jesus.

[Adamant]

I'm not baptized, and I probably never will be. I don't see the point of some dude in a dress splash water on my head just because I believe in Jesus.
I get that......but it kind of depends on what you believe about Jesus. If Jesus is just a good teacher then sure.....but if he is someone who "died for your sins".You kind of owe him.
What and Who brought baptism up to u? Was it ur idea?
U must have some sense of belief of the Word of God. Im
sure u just didn't get the idea. Whatever the way it should
not b scary unless u think u will drown. :)
I have been going to church for about a year and there is a youth meeting after the church where we sort of hang out and chat but also talk about Bible stuff. Baptism is sort of the next step to show you are taking it seriously to show what you believe and as a promise to base your life on following Jesus. Its scary because i havent got much experience of getting things right. I kind of mess things up. I dont want to make a promise i either can't or end up not wanting to keep. Thats the scary bit.
I got baptised as a baby, I’ve heard that when your older and want it doing it’s done in a pool, not the local swimming pool though but I could be wrong, I think if your unsure I would wait and see how you really feel
Yeah it would be in a large bath/small pool thing.
Yes i have got to be sure but maybe i have to just make a decision some time.
Thanks for the comments.
I appreciate it.:)

[Uniquemind]

A friend of mine got baptized, got an ear infection from the dirty water used in the baptism, and 3 years later she got pregnant before marriage...I’ve only believed in spiritual baptism since if you going to have one within the faith.

Her parents paid me pretty well to babysit their “grandchild/kid” though on occasion and she was grateful for a friend that didn’t abandon her.

[Shiny Moon]

I wasn't baptized and never will, thank God.

[Pultost]

I get that......but it kind of depends on what you believe about Jesus. If Jesus is just a good teacher then sure.....but if he is someone who "died for your sins".You kind of owe him.

I never got into it that deep to be honest.

I wasn't baptized and never will, thank God.

I see what you did there. :lol:

[Just JT]

I'm not baptized, and I probably never will be. I don't see the point of some dude in a dress splash water on my head just because I believe in Jesus.

It’s a little more than just that, and the reasons can cha be a little from faith to faith. Basically you are committing your life to the Christian religion, whether you choose to do it or not, or someone else does it for you at an infant
It also ride the person of original sin, sin we are all born with.
Is what the belief is anyways

I get that......but it kind of depends on what you believe about Jesus. If Jesus is just a good teacher then sure.....but if he is someone who "died for your sins".You kind of owe him.

I have been going to church for about a year and there is a youth meeting after the church where we sort of hang out and chat but also talk about Bible stuff. Baptism is sort of the next step to show you are taking it seriously to show what you believe and as a promise to base your life on following Jesus. Its scary because i havent got much experience of getting things right. I kind of mess things up. I dont want to make a promise i either can't or end up not wanting to keep. Thats the scary bit.

Yeah it would be in a large bath/small pool thing.
Yes i have got to be sure but maybe i have to just make a decision some time.
Thanks for the comments.
I appreciate it.:)

In my church it’s not in a bath or pool, it’s just a little holy water used and spread on the forehead of the baby during Sunday worship service, no big deal

I never got into it that deep to be honest.
I see what you did there. :lol:

You should look into it deeper, you might find it’s something you want done

To the OP I was never baptized as a baby as most are. My parents weren’t real religious.

But just a couple years ago, I got on involved in a church I feel very welcomed at. There’s many really cool families, many just like my family now, so many kids also, with a family history much like mine, and a very active youth population.

I was strongly encouraged to get baptized for many good reasons, again very unusual event at my age in my chosen religion. But I made the choice, for me, wasn’t really a hard choice, more a natural choice for me. I wanted to be a pet of something I e recently felt became a huge part of my life. Without being baptized, I’m not really a part of the Christian faith, it could still practice it

I have no regrets, had a great day, had a nice celebration after church with my forever family friends as well as many people/friends from church. Was a good choice for me

Since then I made my confirmation, becoming a member of the church in particular. And continue to be an active member not only continue going to Sunday school, (yeah we have Sunday school through 12th grade). But also attend youth group every week and have a blast doing it, it’s fun, good clean fun
Not something I was totally exposed to at a younger age

The decision to do it or not is completely personal, only you can make that decision for you, I have had a great experience with it

I hope you do as well, let us know how you make out

[ska8er]

I get that......but it kind of depends on what you believe about Jesus. If Jesus is just a good teacher then sure.....but if he is someone who "died for your sins".You kind of owe him.

I have been going to church for about a year and there is a youth meeting after the church where we sort of hang out and chat but also talk about Bible stuff. Baptism is sort of the next step to show you are taking it seriously to show what you believe and as a promise to base your life on following Jesus. Its scary because i havent got much experience of getting things right. I kind of mess things up. I dont want to make a promise i either can't or end up not wanting to keep. Thats the scary bit.

Yeah it would be in a large bath/small pool thing.
Yes i have got to be sure but maybe i have to just make a decision some time.
Thanks for the comments.
I appreciate it.:)

If u believe and have faith that is all that counts. Its
a commitment that u will follow the word of God. Yes
its a serious step but ur overthinking it. Ur not going
mess things up. Just try to do whats right. :)

[Adamant]

Thanks for the replies.
Like JT said the idea of belonging to a community or big family is very important to me.
There are lots of nice people there who make ne feel welcome.
I do believe most of the time anyway but sometimes dont always feel certain.
I know its got to be about commitment too as the main thing.
I am not going to make a decision immediately as exams the main thing on my mind atm but your comments are helpful. Thanks.

[Oscar-V3.0]

Thanks for the replies.
Like JT said the idea of belonging to a community or big family is very important to me.
There are lots of nice people there who make ne feel welcome.
I do believe most of the time anyway but sometimes dont always feel certain.
I know its got to be about commitment too as the main thing.
I am not going to make a decision immediately as exams the main thing on my mind atm but your comments are helpful. Thanks.

You should look into what it will mean for you

And If i may use a caricature, what you do every day and the (good) actions you do, mean more than getting a bath by a priest (no offense, I told you it was a caricature :D )

Also, people in your community should accept you in it regardless of whether you are baptized or not, it's not what matters

You should get baptized only if you feel that's the right thing for you to do, not because other people pressure u to do it
Hugs

[Stronk Serb]

Well, for non-spirituals- you get dipped into water and hear some chanting.
For spirituals- you sort of make a connection with God. A member of the flock. Pledge yourself to atone for your sins.

Just remember, at the end of the day, it's your choice, no one should belittle you for it

[LiberalTurboprop]

I kind of know it has got to be a big commitment if i do and that feels a bit scary.

I mean it's not like it means you have to do something. If you lose your faith, then it just becomes a regular old splash of water on the head.

To answer your original question, I haven't been baptised because I don't believe in God.

[Adamant]

I saw my first baptism yesterday. It was a teenager in a small pool. They had to say they were committed to following the faith and committed to live a life that pleased Jesus.
In some ways it seems quite easy but if you mean the last bit it could be tough.
A friend of mine got baptized, got an ear infection from the dirty water used in the baptism, and 3 years later she got pregnant before marriage...
This is one reason why i am a bit reluctant I don't want to get it wrong as i know i will probbaly mess up up and I don't want to be a hypoctite or let people down.
There was one encouraging bit though where the minister read out a bit about when you mess up you must be ready to say sorry and look to start again. Thats a bit more achievable.:)

[ska8er]

I saw my first baptism yesterday. It was a teenager in a small pool. They had to say they were committed to following the faith and committed to live a life that pleased Jesus.
In some ways it seems quite easy but if you mean the last bit it could be tough.

This is one reason why i am a bit reluctant I don't want to get it wrong as i know i will probbaly mess up up and I don't want to be a hypoctite or let people down.
There was one encouraging bit though where the minister read out a bit about when you mess up you must be ready to say sorry and look to start again. Thats a bit more achievable.:)

Adam ur overthinking it. Don't think everyone that gets baptized
is leading a pure life. As I said before if u just believe and do ur best
to follow the word the best u can u don't have to worry. There r many
hypocrites and it is on their conscience but u do what u think right and
make amends. The minister was right as in the Catholic faith that if u "mess
up" and say ur sorry ur mess ups will b forgiving. As with the ear infection after baptizing and then getting pregnant is a crazy analogy.:what:

[Uniquemind]

Adam ur overthinking it. Don't think everyone that gets baptized
is leading a pure life. As I said before if u just believe and do ur best
to follow the word the best u can u don't have to worry. There r many
hypocrites and it is on their conscience but u do what u think right and
make amends. The minister was right as in the Catholic faith that if u "mess
up" and say ur sorry ur mess ups will b forgiving. As with the ear infection after baptizing and then getting pregnant is a crazy analogy.:what:

I think when you mess up, it’s important for those experiences to consistently humble yourself internally, and as long as you aren’t being preach and judgmental towards others, then you aren’t so much vulnerable of being called a hypocrite. The thing with the Pharisees was that they were boastful about their understanding of the law, and not as loving and introspective as they should have been; they were dogmatically religious. The Sadducees also had their own problems too.

Also there’s a reason they do it in the pool now (water is chlorinated), my friend did hers in a open nature area years ago.

[Oscar-V3.0]

This is one reason why i am a bit reluctant I don't want to get it wrong as i know i will probbaly mess up up and I don't want to be a hypoctite or let people down.
There was one encouraging bit though where the minister read out a bit about when you mess up you must be ready to say sorry and look to start again. Thats a bit more achievable.:)

Nobody is perfect (not even me, I promise you :D )

Every body makes mistakes. You should just do your best to be righteous, and if you did something wrong, try to correct it ;)

[Stronk Serb]

People are sinners by design. If you sin, just be ready to repent.

View your baptism as a contract with God where he will grant you forgiveness for all former and future sins if you atone and really feel sorry for commiting them. Although I think most if not all of your past sins are washed away when you get baptized.

[Adamant]

Quick update.
I spoke to the youth leader at a church club yesterday and said I wanted to talk about getting baptised.
So.….watch this space. Not rushing into it though so won't be for a while.

[Adamant]

So I am going to get baptised in the next couple of months. Probably around Easter.
I know not everyone "gets it" and that's fine but it is important for me...the old Adam washed clean and a new start.:)
I know I have been lucky enough to have a new start in a new human family and getting better at school and not been in big trouble for ages but this sort of makes it a bit more formal .....and makes it feel right with God too.

People at church are nice and kind and its not like a cult you have to join which is good. In fact they have been working hard to make sure that am certain about it rather than forcing me or anything so it honestly is all legit.