Online Bible Study - Foundations of Faith

Baptism

How many times must one be baptized?
It is important to remember that baptism does not need to be repeated. One baptism, in faith, with water and the Word, is all that God requires. Baptism is not like that mother who was washing the dirt from clothes in the river, or washing the hands of her little child each time they get dirty. No, God introduced baptism only once, and it is enough to wash away our original sin once and for all times.

To administer baptism within the Church established on earth, God has ordained clergy (pastors, priests, etc.) and given to them the keys to the Kingdom. Therefore, we conclude that this sacrament, or holy act, of baptism should properly be administered by them. However, in the case of an emergency, any Christian may baptize, simply by applying water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In such cases, that baptism is as valid as if it had been administered by Christ Himself. Many times, after the crisis has past, a church will hold a more formal baptism ceremony, without re-baptising the person, as a way for the congregation to acknowledge the "lay baptism."

There are some people in various parts of the world, who are known as "non-baptized believers." These people come from many different religions, such as Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., who have come to know about Christianity. They have learned that Jesus Christ came into the world, lived, suffered, died, was buried, and on the third day rose again from the dead, all for the forgiveness of their sins. Hearing these truths of the Bible, they have come to believe them. They have taken everything about their former religion and changed or removed it from their lives, minds, and hearts. They trust only in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, they find it hard or even impossible to be baptized, because that act could separate them from their family, society, and community relationships. In some places, it may even cost them their lives. Are they saved?

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