Is the Conventional Baptismal Ritual Absolutely Necessary?

[johnrex62]

Perhaps I am a poor example of a Southern Baptist, but I believe that baptism is a symbol of resurrection and not actually a requirement of salvation. It is an outward sign of acceptance and a signal to the community that you have begun your walk in Christ.

It is important as part of your Christian life and part of Jesus' command that you be a beacon to others, but not a component of salvation.

I voted no because it is not absolutely necessary. Deathbed salvation does not allow for baptism rituals, the thief on the cross was not baptized. It is obviously not essential even if it is commanded.

To save my reputation among fellow baptists I will add this. I believe in total immersion because that is how Jesus was baptized when he gave his testimony to his followers regarding baptism. He commanded us to follow his example and his method was to be baptised in a body of water, not to be splashed by it's water from the bank. I had preacher once who asked if we wanted to be buried 6 feet under or to be left in our bed and have a handful of dirt thrown in our face. A graphic illustration to be sure, but it does make you think about the symbolism involved.

[Miss Blue]

Originally Posted by Dave_n_Tenn

In Mark 16, this reference is about being baptized in and of the Holy Spirit... which in fact is the essence of all Baptism. 16:16 (a)The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, (b) but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

Condemnation comes only by non-belief. **I added the a & b division of text.

I mainly pointed out this verse because the church I came out of quoted this verse along with Acts 2:38 so much along with the other scripture in my post. They all are in agreement that Mark 16 -20 were not in the original manuscripts. They believe that the gifts spoken here ceased with the deaths of the apostles. I questioned them if the original texts could have been lost. They said "no"..So I asked them why they based so much of their doctrine on a verse (16) that they say was not "inspired"..They didn't give me an answer except that I was supposed to ask my husband questions about scripture. As I said, I used to be a member there..I am currently not attending anywhere. I do pray that if God wants me to be part of a weekly worship service with other believers that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct me to where he wants me to be.

[Dave_n_Tenn]

I do pray that if God wants me to be part of a weekly worship service with other believers that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct me to where he wants me to be.

I can assure He does... and will. I pray you will find a church family/home.
Joh 4:23 But a time is coming – and now is here – when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such people to be his worshipers.

Cute story...During the tenure of the great orator Henry Ward Beecher, a visiting minister (Beecher’s brother) once substituted for the popular pastor. A large audience had already assembled to hear Beecher, and when the substitute pastor stepped into the pulpit, several disappointed listeners began to move toward the exits. That’s when the minister stood and said loudly, “All who have come here today to worship Henry Ward Beecher may now withdraw from the church. All who have come to worship God keep your seats!”