Again with the Baptism...

Well...I'm back to my age old chat about Baptism again, and I've discovered someone who, I think, I agree with. Yep...it's Paul. :)

Romans 2:28-9 says "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision of the heart, by the spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but God."
He talks of being a literal Jew and whether this is important when it comes to Salvation. Being brought into the family of God by this 'circumcision of the heart' is very important. He's trying to stress the idea that anyone is acceptable,no matter what their physical bits and pieces, to God. :)
So what about Baptism? Paul only actually uses the word 3 times in his writings. (Romans 6:3-4) He states that there is a justification for Baptism. It is a means for God to bring people into the experience of Jesus' death and resurrection. It siginifies, for Paul, being taken under and then rising up with Jesus.

But are we Baptising infants or believers? Was Paul Baptising infants or believers?
Because he is addressing the 1st Century Church it is likely that he Baptised converts. Baptism marked the point of conversion, and his metaphors regarding Baptism referred to converts in the first century. It seems that Baptism was seen by him as evangelistic rather than pastoral as it is often seen now. It marked the point of conversion for believers at that time.

I don't think Paul used Baptism as a replacement for Circumcision..He wanted people to come to Christ whatever their background or previous religious experience. Jews, Gentiles, Pagans...all were and are welcome.


So what does this mean for me? Hmmmm well it just feels like the ideas I've been having about Baptism etc have kinda fallen into place. I fully believe that Baptism can be so important, whether physically or spiritually. But i strongly believe that we need to Baptise BELIEVERS, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Dedicating a childs life to God is not Baptism, it is a promise that the parent will aim to lead their child to a life with God. I think choice in the matter of faith is so important. We need to choose to be followers, each in God's time, in his way.