Not allowed a baptism if I was christened as a baby?

[Questionsaboutchrist]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

 

[Who Me]

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

We're you ever confirmed as a teenager?
Confirmation is a CoE service where an adult ' confirms' the promises made on their behalf, when christened as a baby.
Talk to your vicar, because if you were not confirmed he can under CoE rules ' confirm ' your faith.
If he will do this then he can explain what is happening to the congregation.

I'm sorry but in the CoE they have to follow there rules.

 

[Hopeful 2]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

Hi Q', Welcome to the site.
You are right about baptism requiring a true repentance from sin first.
Peter outlines it perfectly, in Acts 2:38..." Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Babies can't turn from sin, (repentance from sin), nor do they have anything to repent of .
Your version of a church has put tradition above necessity.
Go elsewhere.

 

[miamited]

Hi Questionsaboutchrist

I always have problems with fellowships who think they are the authority over the rites of God. There is no proscription against a second baptism. Some might see it as a lack of faith on your part in not holding to the first, but you're the one who knows your heart. I agree with you wholeheartedly that there is no baptism in the faith of Jesus, where the person being baptized has no idea what they're doing. Even a child of young age will often be baptized because it's what mom or dad or grandpa or grandma might push them to do, without really making sure that they are understanding what Jesus has actually done for them. In either case, I also would seek after a second baptism, which would be the 'real' baptism for me.

Had a friend of mine, of the Catholic practice, whose priest wouldn't baptize her sons because they were 'born in sin'. It isn't the fellowship's job to police the baptismal against evil pretenders. If someone should profess faith in Jesus and seek to be baptized, then the fellowship should baptize them. Let God sort it out... He will.

God bless,
Ted

 

[WIP]

In the Lutheran church we believe, whether we are baptized as infants or adults, God's work is still valid therefore a second baptism is not necessary. When we baptize an infant, that infant later confirms his/her faith in confirmation by affirming their faith to the church.

 

[Knotical]

What are the specifics of your christening? Were you actually baptized during that ceremony, or just dedicated? There are mainly two types of baptism. There is the believers baptism which is administered when you grew up outside of the faith and were converted. Then there is infant baptism where a child is baptized as part of the covenant family. If you were baptized as part of the christening (paedo-baptism) that will suffice. There is no need for another baptism unless you come from a denomination that is generally not recognized as truly Christian into one that is. Then it would behoove you to be baptized again as the first one was, arguably, insufficient.

 

[Christ_empowered]

When I looked into converting to rcc my Presbyterian baby baptism was considered valid because the rcc regards many Protestants as separate brethren. I guess…take it as a compliment? I dunno ?‍

 

[WIP]

When I looked into converting to rcc my Presbyterian baby baptism was considered valid because the rcc regards many Protestants as separate brethren. I guess…take it as a compliment? I dunno ?‍

Yes, the Catholic church as does the Lutheran church will recognize infant baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as our Lord commanded. In both churches, baptism is much more than just a ritual, event, or celebration. In the Lutheran church we believe that water baptism along with God's spoken Word is the means of grace where we are given the gift of faith. As we get older we affirm that faith through a public confession at confirmation. Baptism is not something we do but is all God. We may be the vehicle by which it is done (means of grace) but God does the doing.

 

[Vinny37]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

Sadly it is church politics at play. Anglicanism, among others, deems infant ‘baptism’ to be valid Christian water-baptism. It is not, but if it were, such would preclude what would be a second water-baptism. There have been such fights before, such as against what were misnamed Anabaptists. But biblically you have a right to be water-baptised. When I was in one Pentecostal church we sometimes had Anglicans come to us to be water-baptised. It’s not a new issue.

Anglicanism has a range of churches from tremendous to terrible and sub-Christian or anti-Christian, wolves among the sheep. If you are in a good one, as I have been, and with good folk, I’d recommend staying with it, though looking around for a good local church to water-baptise you. Perhaps email/phone a few which do believer water-baptism? Evangelical, Baptist, & pentecostal, churches tend to do so. But unless you are seeking a different church, make it clear that you’re not looking to be ‘poached’! And be aware that some churches are so informal as to water-baptise in a house bath-tub—I’ve been to such, and biblically is as valid as the River Jordan. If you shortlist, it might even be good to check out such churches before inviting any mates. There are weird and wonderful churches about which can take some getting used to.

Water-baptism is personal dramatisation of spiritual birth—Rm.6 covers it well. Like spirit-baptism, it is not essential, does not predate conversion, and is helpful to Christian life. In some times & places it risks inviting persecution (suffering-baptism), even as flying a State of Israel flag would be rather risky in a Hamas demo. But it is in awareness of Christ who died a martyr’s death for us, and in public celebration of spiritual life begun in Christ’s church through his death.

 

[Josef]

Hey All,
Quesrionsaboutchrist, first do not worry about your salvation. You have repented, if you have welcomed Jesus into your heart, you are saved.
There is nothing wrong with the christening you received as a child. But I see nothing wrong with being baptized again as an adult so that it has a real meaning to you. I do not see anything Scripturally against the practice. You are not being disrespectful. People who are married renew their wedding vows. The renewal does not negate the original vows. I believe the same principle would apply to baptism. So a second baptism would not negate your christening.

Doesn't baptism need to be meaningful to the person who is being baptized? It is an act of obedience. I understand the infant baptism. But how meaningful is it to a child? The child did not make a conscious decision; as an adult, you would. You don't have to be baptized in the Anglican church for it to be effective.

Keep walking everybody.
May God bless,
Taz

 

[Randy]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

I hate the red tape thrown your way. Many denominations allow/practice infant baptizm. An infant can't know and understand and therefore believe about Jesus either at that point in time.

What's important is that you have the Spirit of Christ in you. (A sign that reconciliation has taken place) Cast any care on the Lord. As in, "I tried to get baptized but they wouldn't let me and invite Him into your heart by His Spirit. " Keep asking until you get the witness of the Spirit in you to your spirit. If you already had this witness, then you're in Christ.

As whosoever calls on the Lord shall be saved.
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.

You could also find another church that baptizes believers.

 

[for_his_glory]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

First I would leave that Church and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to one that teaches truth as a baby can not make a sound decision of being baptized.

This is the Baptism of Christ for receiving the Holy Spirit that is different from John's baptism.


Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire, (fire means empowerment)

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Seven works of the Holy Spirit in sanctification
1. Transforms us - Romans 12:1-2; 2Corinthians 3:18
2. Convicts us of sin - John 16:8-11
3. Guides us into all truths - John 14:26
4. Empowers us to proclaim Christ - Acts 1-8; Ephesians 1:13
5. Gives us Spiritual gifts - 1Corinthians 12
6. Empowers us to worship - Ephesians 3:14-19
7. Leads us - Galatians 5:25

We put on Jesus by the renewal of our mind, body and soul through Jesus life, death and resurrection by which we can reconcile ourselves back to Gods grace and mercy through His Salvation of Spiritual renewal and Spiritual rebirth of spirit. We now have the mind of Christ as joint heirs with Jesus as we walk in the path of Jesus and not our own path anymore. John 3:3-21

Sin separates us from God because God is a spirit and can only recognize his own children by what spirit is living in their hearts. We have to renew, rebirth - born again, Gods Spirit within us in order to be called a child of God and see the kingdom of heaven. We now put off the old man (flesh) and put on the new man (Spirit), Colossians 3:1-17. We are renewed by the word of God and through the Holy Spirit teaching us of all things, John 14:26.

Acts 2:38,39 When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts we are also receiving the promise of God that his Holy Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts and teach us of all things we need to learn, John 14:26. The baptism that Peter was talking about in Acts 2:38 was a Spiritual rebirth through the word of God. Some people think it is being dunked or sprinkled with water the way John the Baptist did and there is nothing wrong with that for it is an outward appearance to man that you have repented and received Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life, Matthew 3:11, but Jesus himself never baptized with water, John 4:2, for the baptism of Jesus was for receiving the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that helps us to learn all truths and to know the will of the Father, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.

After repentance and the Spiritual rebirth, John 3:5-7, we are then baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire through that of Christ baptism according to Acts 2:38, 39, Matthew 3:11.

 

[jonathanbrickman0000]

Agreed with above! Find yourself a church governed by Christ the Lord, not by politicians of this world.

 

[JLB]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

Baptism (full immersion) is for people who believe in Jesus Christ.

Please learn to obey the Lord Jesus Christ and what He and His Apostles taught us in scripture.


Here is an example:

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:35-39

• the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water

Biblical Baptism is for people to hear and believe.
Biblical Baptism is when you go down completely under water and come up out of the water.

Please find a Church that believes the Bible.

You will face other challenges as you continue your walk with Christ.

Please surround yourself with like minded people who believe what the scriptures teach.

God bless you.

Jesus loves you dearly and is with you.

Your Heavenly Father is for you and not against you.

The Holy Spirit loves you and will teach you many things from the scriptures; to lead you and guide you into all truth.


But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
John 14:26

 

[Niblo]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

Article 27 in the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Anglican Church states:

‘Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of Regeneration or New-Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church; the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed, Faith is confirmed, and Grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God. The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ.’

The Church’s ‘Presence & Engagement Guidelines: Baptism’ states:

‘There is never a case for ‘re-baptism’. However, care must be taken to ensure that the original baptism is recognised as such by the Church of England and evidence of the baptism should also be sought.

‘The key issues are that the baptism was administered with water and in the name of the Holy Trinity. Care should be taken with some groups that claim to baptise, but do not have the same understanding of baptism as the mainstream churches (for example the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).

‘In the case of doubt further advice should be sought. If a candidate is unsure as to whether they have been validly baptised, and there is no record of the baptism to be found, then baptism should be administered in its conditional form.’

We have to assume that the clergy who dealt with your case did so in good faith, and in obedience to the Articles of their Church. You would not expect them to behave in any other way.

I understand your disappointment at not being able to celebrate your baptism. However, why not celebrate (with your friends) your commitment (as an adult) to the Christian way of life; and your acceptance of – and by – your local Anglican community?

 

[jonathanbrickman0000]

I underwent a baptism in water, of repentance, for the remission of sin. I'll encourage others to ask the Lord whether they should do the same.

 

[Bruce.Leiter]

I’m not from a Christian family but when I was 6 months old, my mum decided to have me Christened.


I’m now 21 and have recently found Jesus and have been talking with my church (Anglican) about baptism. We’ve been preparing for about 2 months and it would have been on Easter Sunday. I recently got an email asking for me to send my testimony draft and also emailed to double check that I wasn’t baptised as a child. I explained that I was christened but only due to tradition, not due to any faith.

The reverend then called me and explained that the Church of England wouldn’t allow me to get baptised because they believe the christening was baptism.

I thought baptism required us to believe, repent and then be baptised.

I’m obviously heartbroken as I was looking forward to this, I’d invited loads of people along and been getting all excited. I’ve written my testimony and was so excited. I’m so disappointed and confused.

I’m worried because I don’t understand about christenings and baptism. This was going to be really special for me. I just don’t understand why I’m not allowed.

Does anyone have any wisdom/ advice that might make me feel any better?

I was christened as a baby, immersed as a 12-year-old without faith, and then immersed again at 82 years old after 66 years of faith. Different church regulations aside, God looks at your heart whether you have real faith, not on the outward ceremonies as to whether he accepts you.