Hello,
I haven't been on here for a while and see some new "faces." Your question about baptism just "made" me respond to your question. Baptism without immersion just isn't baptism. The symbolism of baptism is "death, burial, and resurrection." A renouncing of the old man and his deeds and rising to a new way of life with Jesus. Look at Colossians 2:12 - "buried with Him in baptism, wherin ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead." Romans 6:4 also mentions this symbol and basically says what I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Without immersion, this symbolism is totally lost. As CalledOut mentioned, a great blessing followed doing it God's way.
I too was sprinkled when I was 15, but was really baptized 4 years later by Biblical immersion. I would encourage you to experience the blessing of Biblical baptism.
It's a symbol. It's your faith that counts. Speaking from experience here, as I was immersed in a very wonderful ceremony that meant much to me. But, be sure of who owns, or thinks they own, the "rights" to the water used, no matter how much.
Steven - I'm not sure that the Bible clearly states that there is only one acceptable mode of baptism, but I am sure of what it symbolizes which is - death burial and resurrection. This symbolism is lost in any other mode. (Col 2:12)
I also know that Jesus, my example was immersed (Matt. 3:16, Mark 1:9,10)
Howie7 - There is also precedent for re-baptism in the Bible -
Acts 19:2-5He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
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