Q: Is it appropriate for a person to be re-baptized, or when should I do so?
A: Hi Jane, that’s a question that many people ask themselves all the time. So, thanks for asking that question. The Bible does mention one instance of re-baptism. Baptism is a public commitment to follow Christ. So, if an individual, who previously made a public commitment, has drifted away from that commitment, for any reason(s), and he/she decides to return to Christ, then re-baptism is appropriate.
It is inappropriate every time you sin because we all sin (Romans 3:23), and Christ forgives us when we ask his forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) says, “if we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” However, if we completely turn our back on the teachings of Christ, totally turn our back on our commitment to truth, fail to ask for forgiveness of our sins, and return to a worldly lifestyle. In that scenario, we have broken our covenant relationship with Christ, and re-baptism is appropriate to restore our relationship with Him. It is also something that each individual must conscientiously take a position on in the fear of God. The duty of urging to re-baptize belongs to no one but God; give Him a chance to work with His Holy Spirit upon the minds so that each individual will be perfectly convinced and satisfied regarding this step.
There is another time that re-baptism is appropriate. We find this situation in Acts 19:1-5. Paul, while in Ephesus, encountered a group of John the Baptist’s disciples who had previously been baptized by immersion. Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed (v2)? They replied, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Their response, led to another probing question from Paul, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s [the Baptist] baptism.”
Continuing to verses 4 and 5—Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
So, here were people who were baptized by John the Baptist, disciples of John, but they had never heard the fullness of truth by the Holy Spirit. When they encountered additional truth, they accepted it and were re-baptized. There are many people who were baptized by immersion, but they have never heard the fullness of truth about death. They still believe in the immortal soul or have been taught that “when you did you go to a better place.” They never heard the fullness of biblical truths about death, biblical principles of health and wellness, and God’s holy Sabbath.
When they hear these biblical truths plainly and powerfully presented, they believe and express a desire to be re-baptized.
You know, if God is leading you in that direction and you need additional counsel in that area, if you were once baptized by immersion, but you drifted far, far away, went out and did not follow God’s commandments, or went out and did not live a moral life and you want to be re-baptized. We will help you to understand this even more fully. If you were baptized once by immersion in another Protestant church, but you have never understood the fullness of truth of the Bible, and deep in your heart you want to do that, we will be more than happy to help you have that fullness of that experience with Jesus. Use the link to send us your request or send an email to info@staffordsda.org; I or any of our church leaders will be glad to discuss this further with you.
