I was baptized unbiblically. Do I need to be rebaptized?

The topic of baptism is an important one for Christians. The Bible teaches that baptism is an outward expression of faith in Jesus Christ and identification with His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). However, there are differing views among Christians regarding the mode (immersion vs sprinkling), meaning (is it required for salvation or not), and age (infant vs believer’s baptism) of baptism.

So what if someone comes to the realization that their original baptism was not done according to biblical guidelines? For example, they were baptized as an infant but now as an adult realize that baptism is meant for believers. Or they were sprinkled as a child but now think immersion is the biblical mode. Do they need to be baptized again? Let’s explore what the Bible teaches on this issue.

The Meaning and Purpose of Baptism

First, it is important to understand the biblical meaning and purpose of baptism. As mentioned, baptism is an outward expression and picture of an inward spiritual reality. When someone repents of their sins and places their faith in Christ for salvation, they are “buried with him in baptism” (Colossians 2:12). Going under the waters symbolizes dying and being buried with Christ, and coming up again pictures being raised to new life in Him (Romans 6:4). It is a visual demonstration of what has taken place inwardly in the believer’s life.

Baptism does not impart salvation but rather is a step of obedience for someone who has already been saved. Peter makes this clear when he says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Repentance comes first, then baptism follows as a public declaration of the forgiveness and new life received in Christ.

Baptism also serves as a pledge to God of a clean conscience and a commitment to follow Jesus (1 Peter 3:21). When done according to the biblical pattern, it is a powerful testimony to the work of the gospel in someone’s life.

Why Invalid or Improper Baptism May Call for Re-baptism

If baptism is such a significant milestone in the life of a believer, then it follows that improper or invalid baptism would warrant correction. Consider the following scenarios:

• Infant baptism – Baptizing babies and small children fails to follow the biblical pattern of baptism following an individual’s conscious profession of faith in Christ. Because infants cannot yet exercise personal saving faith, their baptism is essentially meaningless.
• Coerced baptism – Similarly, those pressured into baptism without actually repenting and believing undermine the validity of the act. Faith precedes biblical baptism.
• Sprinkling vs immersion – Most biblical scholars agree that the Greek word baptizo indicates immersion, not sprinkling. Immersion better represents death, burial and resurrection with Christ.
• Wrong confession – Being baptized upon a confession of anything less than faith in Jesus Christ falls short of the biblical standard. For example, some get baptized thinking it imparts salvation.

In cases like these, although the person underwent the physical act of baptism, their baptism failed to meet the biblical criteria. The outward form occurred without the inner spiritual reality it represents. This raises the question of whether true baptism has actually taken place.

Examples of Re-baptism in Scripture

There are several examples in the book of Acts where people were baptized again after realizing their initial baptism was deficient:

• In Acts 19, Paul encountered some disciples who had received John’s baptism of repentance but had not yet heard of receiving the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ. When Paul explained the full gospel message, they believed in Jesus and were baptized in His name (Acts 19:1-7).
• The people hearing Peter’s preaching on the day of Pentecost believed his message and were baptized upon their new faith in Christ, even though they may have already undergone ritual Jewish washings (Acts 2:37-41).
• The Samaritans, who had previously only been taught by Simon, heard Philip’s preaching about Christ and were baptized into the name of Jesus (Acts 8:12-13, 16).

In each case, those who heard the true gospel message recognized their original washing was insufficient compared to believer’s baptism upon faith in Christ. They demonstrated the genuineness of their new faith by being baptized according to the biblical pattern.

Principles to Guide Re-baptism Decisions

Based on Scripture, the following principles can help inform decisions about re-baptism:

• Baptism should only follow a conscious, credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ, not conferred upon infants.
• Baptism by immersion most closely matches the biblical model.
• Baptism should be undertaken freely and willingly, not coerced.
• Baptism apart from faith in Jesus for salvation and regeneration is not fully valid.
• Those baptized without a clear understanding of the gospel meaning can warrant re-baptism upon gaining such understanding.
• There should be room for pastor discretion based on each situation.

At the same time, caution is in order when considering re-baptism. Multiple re-baptisms should not be undertaken lightly. There is no mandated maximum number of baptisms prescribed in Scripture. But except in rare circumstances, one re-baptism upon genuine conversion should sufficiently address an improper first baptism.

Also, re-baptism should not be automatically required for all who were baptized as infants if there is evidence they later embraced genuine saving faith in Christ. For example, John Piper, though baptized as an infant, did not get re-baptized because he had made a personal commitment to Christ at age 6 that he felt constituted conversion. Each case deserves wise and patient examination.

How to Approach Re-baptism

For someone questioning their first baptism and wondering if they should be baptized again, these steps are recommended:

1. Carefully examine their first baptism experience against the criteria for biblical baptism outlined above.
2. Evaluate if compelling evidence indicates their first baptism was truly deficient or invalid according to Scripture.
3. Search their heart and look for God-given assurance that they have genuinely trusted in Christ as Savior, not relying on baptism for salvation.
4. Talk to their pastor or other mature believers to seek counsel about their reasons for wanting re-baptism.
5. If after such prayerful evaluation they remain convinced their first baptism was improper, then rebaptism is appropriate.
6. Make the re-baptism a joyful event to celebrate their new life and obedience in Christ.

Baptism is meant to be a blessing to believers as they follow the Lord. When approached carefully and thoughtfully, rebaptism can be a healthy part of someone’s spiritual journey.

Common Objections to Re-baptism

Some of the common objections raised against re-baptism include:

• Lack of explicit biblical command – While the Bible contains examples of re-baptism, some argue it never directly commands it or lays out specific guidelines for when it is required. However, this argument from silence does not take into account implicit principles and patterns throughout Scripture that support rebaptism in certain defective cases.
• Baptism is primarily God’s act – Since baptism represents God’s cleansing and spiritual regeneration, some contend that errors in mode or understanding should not invalidate it. But if baptism is truly a symbol and pledge, then its meaning can be undermined by deficient administration or doctrine.
• Risk of diminishing first baptism – There is a concern that re-baptism may diminish the significance of Christian baptism in general by implying it can be repeated frequently or taken lightly. This is a valid concern, underscoring the need for careful teaching on the gravity of baptism and constraints for exceptional cases warranting re-baptism.
• Division and confusion – Differing views on re-baptism can spark division within churches. But responsible study and discussion of Scripture, coupled with pastoral wisdom, can lead to unity on biblical principles even allowing latitude in individual cases.

Overall, objections provide helpful cautions but do not preclude re-baptism in circumstances where the first baptism clearly contradicts biblical standards.

Pastoral Considerations

For pastors and church leaders, the following balanced approach is recommended when addressing re-baptism:

• Welcome honest questions about the meaning and purpose of baptism.
• Affirm the significance of biblically sound baptism, not to be repeated flippantly.
• Stress the primacy of inward faith preceding outward baptism.
• Teach key Scripture passages on baptism’s biblical model and meaning.
• Evaluate each situation individually with discretion and grace.
• Aim for consensus standards but allow leeway for disputable matters of conscience.
• Keep focus on baptism’s testimony to the gospel, not only ritual correctness.
• Make re-baptism a celebratory milestone for those whose first baptism clearly deficient.

Sincere believers desire to honor the Lord in baptism. Pastors should shepherd them toward that goal with biblical faithfulness and compassion.

Conclusion

In summary, here are some key points to remember about re-baptism:

• Baptism has profound spiritual significance, so improper or invalid baptism warrants correction.
• Examples of re-baptism in Scripture provide sanction for rebaptism in certain circumstances.
• Re-baptism is appropriate when prior baptism clearly contradicted biblical standards.
• Those considering re-baptism should carefully evaluate their motivations against Scripture.
• Multiple re-baptisms should be avoided except in rare, compelling cases.
• Wise pastoral discernment and teaching is crucial when addressing re-baptism.
• The focus should remain on baptism as a sincere testimony to salvation in Christ.

In the end, the biblical validity and meaning of baptism matters more than the number of times it is administered. Baptism is an act of joyful obedience and public witness for every believer in Jesus Christ.