A Sprinkle and a Dunk

We had an interesting discussion at SaLT Group last week. When I saw my brothers and sisters and church today, people expressed that this was something on their minds throughout the past week. The subject was something we all had on our minds and I was hoping to delve more into it tonight, but it wasn't to be.



Here's the thing. Larry was baptized as an infant by sprinkling. As was I, however, when I declared Jesus Christ as my savior, I got dunked! I made a decision to be baptized by immersion to show my obedience to my God and to make my declaration to the world that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.



Larry came to know the Lord as an adult as well, but he considers his infant baptism his baptism, his one and only baptism. Larry does not feel he needs to be rebaptised. The SaLT group had discussion and most agreed that Larry should consider a new baptism. Larry asked for our input in light of the fact that we know his belief, or feeling, that he has already been baptized.



One man in the group, wise in the word, shared some wisdom he has once heard from another person that asked "What side of the cross are you baptized on?" I didn't get it, but he went on to explain. Does a person get baptized "after the cross" or "before the cross"? Does a person get baptized after they come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior, or before they know Christ?



Once I received the gift of salvation, it was a few months later that I made the decision to be baptized. I can't imagine not making that declaration that day...In fact, in the weeks prior to the baptism celebration, I approached pastor during an invitation at the end of a service and looked him in the eye and said "BAPTIZE ME!". I wanted to be baptized, even though I had already been once as an infant. It only seemed right.



The bible teaches that we should proclaim the Good News and baptize in the name of Christ. It also shares the story of a certain thief hanging on the cross that was going to see Christ in paradise, even though he would never be baptized.



Baptism has nothing to do with Larry's salvation. If he gets baptized again it will not affect his salvation. If he chooses not to get baptized again, it will not affect his salvation. Does it effect his obedience to Christ?



It has us all pondering for sure. What are your thoughts?



Another ponderable, why is there an "s" in baptism, but a "z" in baptized?