Last week we looked at the questions related to being ready for baptism. Today I want to look at another important baptism question.
Are They A Believer?
*Can someone be considered a “believer” or “disciple” if they don’t desire (or are not willing to take) this the step of obedience?
To find answers to this baptism question, we need to look at what scripture teaches. Many cultural and social issues exist that make this a difficult step to take. Persecution can increase after and around the question of taking baptism. In South Asian settings, many view baptism as the point at which you are “changing your religion.”
People often delay baptism thinking the new believer is not ready to take this step. They need to grow more in their faith first, they say. Maybe we are waiting for new believers to stop certain bad habits like smoking or drinking. Sometimes we wait to baptize because we want a large group to be baptized together. Others delay for a long time because they are hoping a spouse will also believe and they can be baptized together. Some delay because the person isn’t yet a legal adult. Perhaps we don’t want to have to fill the baptism tank too often, or take time out of our church service to include this ceremony more than once or twice a year.