Do I need to be baptised again?

The question of baptism is one that many Christians grapple with, and it's understandable that you're seeking clarity. The rite of baptism involves both an outward expression and an inward transformation, please be mindful of both.

The outward expression is the physical act, typically full immersion in water, though some traditions use sprinkling or pouring. The inward transformation concerns a person's decision to turn to God, marked by repentance and a desire to follow Jesus. This is the key element, here you can decide for yourself.

The Bible presents various perspectives on baptism, which can help us understand its significance:

• Jesus's Baptism (Matthew 3:13-15): Even though Jesus was sinless, he chose to be baptized by John the Baptist. This act affirmed the importance of baptism and demonstrated Jesus's identification with humanity.

• The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-42): This is a unique example of God's saving grace in extraordinary circumstances. The thief's repentance and plea for mercy were met with Jesus's promise of paradise. This highlights that God's salvation can reach those who turn to him in faith, even without water baptism, especially in situations where it is impossible. This is not a standard for how salvation is normally achieved. (It was the same in the Communist prisons or concentration camps where people could not physically be immersed.)

• John expecting to be baptised by Jesus (Matthew 3:13-15): Can you reflect on John the Baptist own experience? Did anyone baptise him?

• The Household of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48): The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household before they were water baptized by water. This demonstrates that God looks at the heart and validates those who believe. Water baptism then followed, to publicly show the inward change.

• Re-baptism in Acts 19:1-7: Some individuals who had received John the Baptist's baptism were re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ after they learned about the Holy Spirit. This highlights the importance of understanding the meaning and significance of baptism. It is a Bible text ussualy brought forward for cases like yours, where someone becomes aware of much deeper realities, profound understandings and wants to take a personal stand. However, that does not mean one needs to be baptised repeatedly. It is more about quality than quantity, more about enjoying the full experience rather than follow the formality of it.

You mentioned your infant baptism in the Catholic Church. This practice is rooted in the belief that baptism is a sign of God's covenant with his people, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament. However, other Christian traditions practice believer's baptism, where individuals are baptized after a conscious profession of faith.

I can empathize with your question, as I also faced a similar dilemma. Having been baptized as an infant in the Greek Orthodox Church, I later chose to be re-baptized as an adult, when I was 20 years olf. This decision was not to invalidate my infant baptism, but to affirm my personal commitment to following Jesus.

When I was an infant, the decision was made for me by my parents and godparents, with good intentions. Similarly, children born into other faiths may undergo rituals according to their traditions (for example being circumcised in Jewish or Muslim families). While infant baptism signifies a desire to raise a child in the Christian faith, the Bible does not explicitly command or describe infant baptism.

Ultimately, the outward act of baptism is meant to reflect an inward reality. God looks at the heart, and a genuine decision to follow him should accompany the baptismal rite. In fact, it should precede it, as otherwise, baptism becomes a mere formality.

Therefore, whether you choose to be re-baptized is a deeply personal decision between you and God. Don't rush into it, don't dismiss it either. Consider the scriptural examples we discussed, reflect on your own convictions, and seek guidance through prayer and counsel from trusted religious leaders (I am happy to serve you as one).

I encourage you to study the Scriptures, pray for discernment, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Finding a church community that aligns with your beliefs will be very beneficial in your journey.

As a final advice, here are Jesus' words in the Gospel of Mark

Do you have any questions?
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