"Being Born Again and Baptism."
[posted prior to 10/12/02]
Question:
Does baptism play a role in being born again?
Response:
Being born again is entirely a spiritual experience - it takes place when a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ (see the link: Rebirth). Water baptism is only a ritual (whether we are talking about John's, Jesus', or believer water baptism - not to be confused with the Spirit baptism all believers receive on faith in Christ). Water baptism has nothing to do with salvation or eternal life. The important thing in rebirth is faith, for it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that a person receives God's new life (1Jn.5:11-12) and passes from death to life (1Jn.3:14; cf. Jn.5:24).
Hope this helps,
Yours in Christ,
Bob Luginbill
