Who was baptized twice in the Bible? It’s a question that stirs the waters of the Christian religion. From the profound baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist to the myriad other figures who took the plunge, baptism is a significant ritual.
When Jesus stood in the waters, with John at his side, it wasn’t just an act, but a commitment to a path.
As followers, we find ourselves pondering this act, drawing parallels between the Bible’s pages and our own spiritual journeys.
featured image: Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
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Table of Contents
- Baptism in the Bible: from John to Jesus
- What Does the Bible Say About Being Baptized?
- People Who Got Baptized Twice in the Bible
- Baptized as an Infant vs. Baptized as an Adult
- Can You Get Baptized a Second Time According to the Bible?
- Water Baptized vs. Baptized in the Holy Spirit
- One Baptism: Its Biblical Foundation and Importance
- When Individuals Decided to Get Re-Baptized
- What Happens if You Are Baptized More than Once?
- What Does “Buried with Him through Baptism” Mean?
Baptism in the Bible: from John to Jesus
What does the Bible say about baptism? Baptism, a rite water-washed and sanctified by the New Testament, is an old story told many times. The Bible talks of John the Baptist, a prophet with rough garments and a heart of gold, who baptized many.
The baptism of John was one of repentance, signaling a change of heart, pointing folks to the coming Messiah, Jesus. And when Jesus came, he asked John the Baptist to baptize Him, marking the start of his ministry.
But John’s was a water baptism, and he always said someone mightier would come, someone who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. In the Book of Acts, this baptism took a fuller form. It wasn’t just water but also the gift of the Holy Spirit.
People received the Holy Spirit, a gift that marked them, helping them to follow Jesus more closely. Those baptized into Christ became part of one body, united by one Lord, one faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Baptized?
The Bible tells us it’s not just an act but a decision, an entrance. When you get baptised, you declare your faith in Jesus. This ritual isn’t just about water. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, believers are baptized. A sacred trifecta.
But the baptism of the Holy Spirit is another profound mystery. It happens when believers receive the Holy Spirit, empowering them in their walk. This gift, this advocate, reminds us of the words of Christ Jesus and strengthens our resolve against sin.
One doesn’t simply get baptized; they embrace the resurrection of Jesus, the hope of salvation. This baptism signifies being buried with Christ and rising anew. A first baptism, a rebirth of sorts.
People Who Got Baptized Twice in the Bible
The Bible, rich and intricate, tells tales of many who got baptized, not once, but twice. Ever heard of Apollos at Corinth? He first knew only the baptism of John, and when he came to Ephesus, he was informed more precisely about Jesus.
So, baptized by John the Baptist first, he then received the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. It wasn’t about being baptized multiple times, but understanding the meaning behind each baptism.
The disciples at Ephesus too had a similar tale. Initially water baptized with John’s baptism of repentance, they later received the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and were filled with the Holy Spirit.
It’s about being baptized into Christ Jesus and understanding the depth of that commitment. For some, this realization meant they needed to be baptized again, not out of ritual, but renewed conviction.
Remember, it’s not about how many times you’re baptized but the heart with which you do it. Whether baptized as an infant, a child, or an adult, the call remains the same – to believe in the One, to follow him wholeheartedly, and to be part of His body, His church.
Baptized as an Infant vs. Baptized as an Adult
Baptism, a fundamental ritual many see in scripture, often sparks discussion: should one get baptized as an infant or wait until adulthood?
Both practices have deep roots. The supporters of infant baptism believe it offers early protection and blessings, leaning on the promise that the sins we’re born into will wash away. They see it as a foundational act, a covenant with God made on the child’s behalf.
However, others advocate waiting. They argue that scripture encourages people to believe and then be baptized, making adult baptism an informed commitment. By the time one decides to get baptized as an adult, they’ve encountered Jesus, grappled with sin, and chosen faith. This act, they claim, mirrors Jesus, who John verily baptized as an adult.
Some baptized as infants often wonder if they should seek baptism again when they grow. The question looms: does one act suffice?
Orthodox Church
In the Orthodox Church, infant baptism is the norm. From their perspective, the act washes away the original sin, sealing the child with the Holy Spirit. The child is baptized for the remission of sins they’ve yet to commit, entering the community of believers early.
Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical Churches
The Catholic Church often baptizes infants, seeing it as a sacrament initiating the child into the Church’s life. Meanwhile, many Protestant denominations, including some Evangelical circles, emphasize believer’s baptism.
They encourage people to believe, understand their faith, and then choose to be baptized. Here, the act becomes not just about remission but about personal commitment. People in the Bible, like the disciples, were baptized when they could understand and received His word.
Pentecostal Churches
Pentecostal churches emphasize the experience of the Holy Spirit. While they do not dismiss infant baptism, they place a significant emphasis on being baptized again after backsliding or having a personal revelation.
The emphasis is on the individual’s connection with God, leading many to get baptized as adults after they’ve felt a personal call.
Converting to Christianity
For those who find Jesus later in life, baptism comes post-conversion. Regardless of background or past, they are baptized into a new life with Christ. It’s not about age but about recognizing the need for a savior.
When someone converts, they typically undergo baptism as a grown-up, marking a conscious decision to follow Jesus.
The journey of baptism, whether as an infant or adult, is personal. What’s vital is the heart behind it.
Can You Get Baptized a Second Time According to the Bible?
Diving Deeper into Doctrine
Debates about getting baptized twice aren’t new. But what does the Bible say? For many, the Apostle Paul’s teachings in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Acts, serve as a compass.
Paul met men who had been baptized by John the Baptist but had yet to receive the Holy Spirit. Their first baptism, in water, called for repentance. Yet, after they came to Ephesus, they got baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit.
This episode highlights that while John’s baptism of repentance was significant, the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit held more profound meaning for new believers.
So, if you’ve been baptized as a baby, and later in life, you understand the meaning of faith in Jesus, could you get baptized again? According to the Bible, if the first baptism was incomplete or done without understanding, the answer leans towards yes.
Water Baptized vs. Baptized in the Holy Spirit
The Essence and the Elevation
Two forms of baptism emerge in the New Testament: water immersion baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism, as many see in the Bible, is an external declaration of an internal transformation. John the Baptist baptized with water, signifying repentance and the washing away of sins. When Jesus was baptized, it was in water, marking the start of his ministry.
However, baptized in the Holy Spirit is different. Jesus said, post-resurrection, that while John baptized with water, the disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
This isn’t merely a ritual but an empowerment. Those baptized in the Holy Spirit receive gifts and strengths that water baptism doesn’t confer. This baptism happens when one believes in Jesus and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, merging them into one body and one faith.
In sum, while water baptizes cleanse, the Holy Spirit’s baptism empowers. Both are vital, both transformative, but in the journey to follow Jesus, they serve unique roles.
One Baptism: Its Biblical Foundation and Importance
A Singular Spiritual Sacrament
In the tapestry of teachings, the Apostle Paul imparted to the early church, one stands out: the idea of unity in faith. He said, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
This isn’t a casual mention but a cornerstone. It’s a call to unity, telling us there’s one God and Father of all.
It brings forward the idea that though the methods of baptism may differ – in a river, a baptistery, by immersion, or a sprinkle – its essence remains singular. It’s not about how we baptize, but why.
To be baptized is to publicly affirm faith in Jesus, to accept His gift of forgiveness of your sins, and to start afresh. Baptism isn’t just a rite; it’s a right of passage into the Christian faith.
But what happens when someone, already baptized, learns more, feels more, and wants to baptize again? Does “one baptism” mean a singular event, or is it pointing to its unified purpose?
When Individuals Decided to Get Re-Baptized
Rededications and Renewed Understandings
The Bible has instances where people felt the pull to go under the waters again. Apollos was at Corinth, a learned man who knew of John’s baptism but not of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. When he understood more, he didn’t resist. He embraced the fuller truth, baptizing in the name of the Lord.
There are baptized people who, after wandering away from their faith or experiencing a significant life event, feel a compelling need to get baptized again. For some, it’s about reaffirming their commitment after backsliding, for others, it’s a deepened understanding of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. They aren’t rejecting their first baptism; they’re amplifying it.
And then there are those who were baptized as children and, as adults, want to make that personal declaration of faith. They aren’t re-writing their story but adding to it, baptized immediately upon conviction.
In the end, while the Bible speaks of “one spirit” and “one hope” that comes from one baptism, it also emphasizes the heart’s condition over ritual repetition.
So if you, or anyone u know, feels the tug to rededicate through baptism, remember:
it’s not about the number of times one goes under, but the depth of commitment that drives them.
What Happens if You Are Baptized More than Once?
Diving Deep, Again
Many ask, “What happens if you are baptized twice?” In the New Testament, baptism represents our public commitment to follow Jesus, symbolizing our burial with Him and our resurrection to new life.
When someone is baptized into His death, they’re identifying with Jesus’ sacrifice.
So, when considering a second baptism, it’s not about duplicating an act.
It’s about deepening a commitment.
Does the Bible say you can’t be baptized twice?
No! Instances in the Bible, like Apollos at Corinth, show individuals adjusting their understanding and choosing baptism again. However, remember, it’s the heart’s intent that matters.
If you, or someone you know, feels drawn to re-baptize after backsliding or a significant revelation, it’s a personal journey.
What Does “Buried with Him through Baptism” Mean?
An Emblem of Embracing
To be “buried with Him through baptism” is to let the old self sink and to rise, renewed. Just as Jesus was laid in a tomb and then rose, our baptism mirrors this act.
The water becomes the tomb. Our old self, with its sins and past mistakes, gets submerged. And as we rise, we symbolically leave those behind, emerging with the promise of a new life in Christ Jesus.
Individuals who take water baptism aren’t just engaging in an act. They’re accepting an invitation — an invitation to die to their past and to rise, reborn, embracing a future walking hand in hand with Jesus.
Final Thoughts
In the vast tapestry of our faith, figures from scripture stand as pillars. They were baptized, received His word, and walked in His ways. Their choices inspire us. Every individual who felt the tug in their heart and got baptized, did so with hope and conviction.
As we reflect on the significance of this act, remember: it’s not just about the water but about the intent, the commitment, and the desire to embrace a life aligned with His teachings. It makes us think, perhaps we too want to get baptized, not for ritual, but for the profound transformation it promises.
- Baptism Meaning & Definition From The Heart Of The Bible
- All You Need to Know About Who Can Baptize You: Can Anyone Perform Baptism?
- Baptism In Jesus Name For Salvation in God’s Love
- Baptism of the Holy Spirit – God’s Holy Ghost of Love
- Little Souls, Big Blessings: The Beauty Of Infant Baptism
- The History of Baptism: Holy Water, Holy Spirit, New Life
