Bible Discussion Thread

Can refusing to be baptized by submersion be an unpardonable sin? Ref. Matthews baptism of jesus.

Water baptism or not has nothing to do with sin or salvation. Baptism was a ritual first performed in the Old Testament to cleanse the temple priests before entering the temple. There were baths outside the temple for people to cleanse themselves before entering. John the Baptist performed baptisms for people to express their repentance for their sins before Jesus came. Jesus got baptized simply because of the Jewish rite, since He was Jewish.

We are now in Christ who baptizes us in His Spirit, and water baptism does nothing but get you wet, and show attendees you have repented of your sins, and Jesus is now your savior.

The unpardonable sin was when the temple leaders accused Jesus of doing miracles through the power of the devil, and not through His Father. As long as you don't accuse Jesus of performing His miracles through the devil, you are safe!

If you examine the context of "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" the term is used after Jesus, doing only the perfect willvof the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is accused of casting out demons through the power of Satan. Example Mat. 12:24-32, Mark 3:22-29, Luke 11:15-12:10. In all cases, in the very presence of Christ Himself, doing PERFECTLY, the will of the Father, through the perfect power of the Holy Spirit, they call the entire Godhead Satan. If you are physically in the presence of Christ doing the perfect willvof the Father through the power of the Spirit, and attribute Gods works to Satan, there is no hope for you. That's the only context for this sin. Every other sin is forgettable till the day we die. But Christ is not here on earth right now... Which is why you never see blasphemy of the Holy Spirit mentioned after He ascended.

Dear Linda, I don't really get what the problem is. Is it that you are questioning baptism in water or totally submersion in water in baptism? If you are questioning the former, the answer is that if one isn't baptised in water, while he can do it, then he cannot be saved. If you are questioning total submersion in water, then yes this is the proper method of baptism. Why wouldn't you want to do this? Are you afraid, is there a health problem or something else that makes you not to want to do that? If there is a specific problem you can discuss about it with your pastor and come out with a solution. If you just don't want to do it without having an important reason, then it is considered disobedience to God's commandment and this is something very important, you should think carefully about it.

GBU

The lack of Baptism submersion, doesn't appear to be an unpardonable sin.

Let's address why wouldn't someone want to be Baptized? Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:2-7, Romans 6:3-13,

Is it fear that keeps one from baptism? 1John 4:18, trust? Psalms 56:11, that person may possibly be about to ask another gentle close friend in the Body of Christ to be the person submersing with people of close relation in there nearby or helping, while the Church leader prays or recites scripture. I've seen many believers like youth outreach baptize with Pastor helping. Depending on the fellowship. Matthew 28:18-20,

If the reason is medical, or because of very difficult situation. Luke 23:38-46,

Matthew 10:33, 2Timothy 2:12, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 3:13-17,

Hopefully these are all helpful