Can one be a Christian at birth ?

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Locoponydirtman

Guest
#41
little children is one thing...infants are another

I was actually 'baptized' myself as an infant in the Lutheran church...but that is just a sprinkling...have you ever heard of or seen an infant completely immersed? there would be hearty objections all the way round I suspect...further, it is my understanding that sprinkling came about because of infant 'baptism' to begin with...I wouldn't bet the family farm on that one in particular cause I have not researched it...but sounds plausible

I was 'saved' at the age of 5 so it seems I would fit into the category of 'little children'. but I was baptized as an early teen and I made that decision of my own accord and understood what it meant

frankly, I have difficulty with going ahead with something that the Bible 'does not mention' using the so logic of 'well if it doesn't forbid it, it must be default allow it' or at least there is an argument to be there, and then saying it is of God..that is far more church tradition I would suspect

the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and since they taught baptism, they were obviously baptized at some point. IMO, it is illogical to assume otherwise in there case as they taught baptism themselves, so it would follow they were not making a case for 'do as I say and not as I do'
I wanted to also commend you, 4 rather than just slamming a red x of disagreement and acting shocked, you engaged me and rational intelligent conversation. Even at risk that we may not disagree in the end. Much love and respect to you for it.
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#42
While I agree with the Lutherans on a lot of things, I'm not keen on sprinkling, or pouring a cup of water on someone. While I don't omit it as an option, say in limited water supply situations, but as per Romans 6 and Colossians 2 baptism is buried with Christ and I don't think that sprinkling is very buried.
I am still not 100 percent sure how I feel about infant baptism, but I do lean that way. I am definitely sure about baptizing children at very young ages. Especially if they show that they are a believer. I believe baptism is urgent do it now, don't wait. Especially when you see circumstances such as Philip and the eunuch in the Chariot. Philip made no hesitation to baptize that guy. From my understanding he baptized him in a water hole on the side of the road.
well I'm not Lutheran...and had no say in the sprinkling haha

I've read where people in countries lacking water might sprinkle and if a lack of water is so, I do not think their observance wold be unacceptable as God looks on our hearts...but that is how I think about it...can't back it up with scripture other than God does not judge by what looks right with all our noses in the air but judges motives and the whole person...the heart of it all

in the church I actually did grow up in, (not Lutheran) they did not press baptism but indicated that those who had the desire and wanted to be baptized in public as a profession of their belief in Christ...if you wanted to live for Him and not just say you were saved, then you could ask to be baptized...of course your life had to show your faith as well if I remember right

there did seem to be an urgency about it in scripture though and thinking about it, right now, I wonder why that was

I don't think I have a problem with a child professing faith in Christ being baptized...but again, they would have to understand why that is
 
7

7seasrekeyed

Guest
#43
I wanted to also commend you, 4 rather than just slamming a red x of disagreement and acting shocked, you engaged me and rational intelligent conversation. Even at risk that we may not disagree in the end. Much love and respect to you for it.

I did not see something so shocking as to go :eek::oops:o_O

besides, I've kinda gotten away from the x's...last time I used one...in the manner for which they are meant to be used and not just cause you don't like a person (oh my that never happens around here. halo slippage) I got one back for my next post which was nothing but a quote from another source in which I cited the site. the stupidity of it hit me and I thought no point if is interpreted as a nah nah nah nah nah

LOL!...but thanks!

I know how far I have come in what I believe now compared to where I was once upon a time and I fully expect to continue to change a few brain cells now and then

with some things I will remain adamant because they are heresy but that's another thread
 
E

EliBeth

Guest
#44
QUESTION----If the only requirement to be Saved & be called a Christian is a belief in Jesus ,must that belief be stated publicly ?
Greetings, Mr. Lon! 😃

I am so glad that you have found Christian Chat and are asking questions about Jesus, the Savior of the world!!!

I would like to encourage you to read the book of
1 John in the back of the Bible. I find that it is short and highly insightful. There are two verses from this book that I would like to leave here for your consideration, Sir. 🙂

"Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also."
1 John 2:23

"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."
1 John 4:15

Forgive me if I am in error, but it seems as if you are hesitant to state belief in Christ publicly. May I ask why? Of course, I know the prospect of it can be intimidating. I know all too well how fear can get in the way. But if this is holding you back, Sir, God can help you to confess Him. 🙂 Truly. Father God wants His children to depend upon Him for their needs- especially when He is asking them to do something and they think they can't do it. He is so good to show Himself powerful through His beloved children.

God loves you, Mr. Lon. He died for you. He wants you to glorify Him on this earth and then go to live with Him forever in heaven. ❤️ I am praying for you!

Respectfully,
EliBeth

P.S. I think your idea about posting the nice pictures of your food is a good one. 🍛🍝🥪

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#45
QUESTION----If the only requirement to be Saved & be called a Christian is a belief in Jesus ,must that belief be stated publicly ?
If you knew Christ as your Savior you'd want to make it public, you'd want others to know the hope you have. I don't know why you wouldn't want people to know you are saved and follow Christ.
 
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Locoponydirtman

Guest
#46
I love how dogmatic many of y'all are, someone posts scripture and y'all drop the red X's and the thumbs down. Christians that hate scripture so much that they can't even put words to their disdain. That will teach us to use scripture against y'all's predisposition.
I wish I could see their faces at that moment. It must look like the anguished torment of hell, for one moment.
 

Butterflyyy

Well-known member
Oct 31, 2019
1,608
1,317
113
#47
If you knew Christ as your Savior you'd want to make it public, you'd want others to know the hope you have. I don't know why you wouldn't want people to know you are saved and follow Christ.
This guy is not a Christian😕He said so in another post I read yesterday. Let's hope he comes to know the precious Saviour before it is too late🙏🏻X
 

Lon1934

Active member
Feb 13, 2020
143
92
28
#48
You have to be born again. Are YOU born again?
Born again doesnt necessarily mean your own parents are christians. It means YOU are spiritually reborn and you call God your Father. You can only be born again if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died on the cross for your sins, and rose again.

Do you believe this?
No----Sorry---I do not believe this
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#49
If only one parent is Christian. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:14, that the children of Christians are clean
Once children carried the sins of the fathers, today born with a clean slate it’s up to the individual as with your original post.
 
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Locoponydirtman

Guest
#51
No----Sorry---I do not believe this
If you don't believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died on the cross for your sins, and rose again, then your not Christian
 

Lon1934

Active member
Feb 13, 2020
143
92
28
#52
If you don't believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died on the cross for your sins, and rose again, then your not Christian
Well then---I will have to stop checking the preference boxes that ask if your Jew, Muslim Christian or Other.
 

17Bees

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2016
1,380
813
113
#53
No----Sorry---I do not believe this
Don't apologize to any of us Lon! Let me see if I can gather my thoughts..... You seem to be a complicated man, Lon. That's not a bad thing - it's just.. complicated! I think you are pretty intelligent. I think you would probably be considered a success - not only in business or wealth, but also in family and relationships. Most of all, at least in this forum, I think you only ask questions you already know the answer to and you seem to play your cards close to your chest.

However, I also think you're a man, like many men, who evaluates his legacy to some degree. Brought on by feeling the winds at the end of the tunnel or by an erred evaluation of a multitude of mistakes we all make. Either way Lon, you were drawn. Maybe here at these forums to start with, maybe else where, but I believe you were drawn. And I believe you were drawn by the Most High.

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ like a dove while he was baptized in the Jordan and in similar fashion this same spirit descends upon us, sometimes like a dove and sometimes like an anvil. And on that day when the Almight knocks, you can rest assured that your intelligence and your success and even your relationships are out the window. It's you who is summoned. It's the day you begin to understand from the heart.

None of us here can adequately explain that Holy Voice, but it is the beginning of new life and where the old dies away (more information that only true wisdom can explain). It is the engagement of faith in the deity of Christ and acceptance that He shed His blood for your salvation (more information that is explained to you in the flash of the Holy Eye).

In short, none of us can know you completely. We can't count the hairs on your head. We can't even explain our being "drawn' to our God. We only know it happens and that we go there alone.
 

Butterflyyy

Well-known member
Oct 31, 2019
1,608
1,317
113
#54
No----Sorry---I do not believe this
But Lon... what will you do if you have to stand before Almighty God/ Crestor of everything, Him who has the power to cast our souls into eternal Hell... what will you say when He wants to know your response to Him loving you so much that He have His only Son to suffer terribly and die on a cross to pay for your sins... and all He asks is that you trust Him and surrender your heart to Him... I hope you will re-think your standing and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ...
I must tell you, Lon, that 24 years ago, I was seeking after God with all my heart, at every opportunity I could be alone with Him... and one day He spoke to me- with a clearer voice than I ever heard any human speak. My life has never been the same, it never will be. And through the many difficult times in my life, I have looked to Him and He has been and always will be my anchor in this stormy sea called life. And one day when I am with Him forever, it will all make sense, and all have been worth it.
I do hope I am helping you with the most important decision there is and ever will be, for no-one knows how much time we have.🙂
 
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Locoponydirtman

Guest
#55
Well then---I will have to stop checking the preference boxes that ask if your Jew, Muslim Christian or Other.
Well, what I said is what it means to be a Christian. The term is a reference to folks who hold those certain beliefs and values. As stated below:

Believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

(Yes I took out the Holy Catholic church, because the confusion that may cause. Some may think I mean the Roman Catholic church, when I mean the church Universal containing all the followers of Christ regardless of denomination.)
 

Lon1934

Active member
Feb 13, 2020
143
92
28
#56
Don't apologize to any of us Lon! Let me see if I can gather my thoughts..... You seem to be a complicated man, Lon. That's not a bad thing - it's just.. complicated! I think you are pretty intelligent. I think you would probably be considered a success - not only in business or wealth, but also in family and relationships. Most of all, at least in this forum, I think you only ask questions you already know the answer to and you seem to play your cards close to your chest.

However, I also think you're a man, like many men, who evaluates his legacy to some degree. Brought on by feeling the winds at the end of the tunnel or by an erred evaluation of a multitude of mistakes we all make. Either way Lon, you were drawn. Maybe here at these forums to start with, maybe else where, but I believe you were drawn. And I believe you were drawn by the Most High.

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ like a dove while he was baptized in the Jordan and in similar fashion this same spirit descends upon us, sometimes like a dove and sometimes like an anvil. And on that day when the Almight knocks, you can rest assured that your intelligence and your success and even your relationships are out the window. It's you who is summoned. It's the day you begin to understand from the heart.

None of us here can adequately explain that Holy Voice, but it is the beginning of new life and where the old dies away (more information that only true wisdom can explain). It is the engagement of faith in the deity of Christ and acceptance that He shed His blood for your salvation (more information that is explained to you in the flash of the Holy Eye).

In short, none of us can know you completely. We can't count the hairs on your head. We can't even explain our being "drawn' to our God. We only know it happens and that we go there alone.
I really am not a complicated man. I just can't nor will I, believe many of the things that many of the members believe, but I admire their dedication to being Christians. I joined this forum to merely try and understand those dedicated to the Christian Life and how they think.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,813
29,193
113
#57
I really am not a complicated man. I just can't nor will I, believe many of the things that many of the members believe, but I admire their dedication to being Christians. I joined this forum to merely try and understand those dedicated to the Christian Life and how they think.


1 Corinthians 2:14 :)
 

Lon1934

Active member
Feb 13, 2020
143
92
28
#58
But Lon... what will you do if you have to stand before Almighty God/ Crestor of everything, Him who has the power to cast our souls into eternal Hell... what will you say when He wants to know your response to Him loving you so much that He have His only Son to suffer terribly and die on a cross to pay for your sins... and all He asks is that you trust Him and surrender your heart to Him... I hope you will re-think your standing and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ...
I must tell you, Lon, that 24 years ago, I was seeking after God with all my heart, at every opportunity I could be alone with Him... and one day He spoke to me- with a clearer voice than I ever heard any human speak. My life has never been the same, it never will be. And through the many difficult times in my life, I have looked to Him and He has been and always will be my anchor in this stormy sea called life. And one day when I am with Him forever, it will all make sense, and all have been worth it.
I do hope I am helping you with the most important decision there is and ever will be, for no-one knows how much time we have.🙂[/QUOT
At my death I don't believe I will stand before a god. Death is not too far away at my age.
 

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2014
70,920
9,668
113
#59
"At my death I don't believe I will stand before a God." Really?? Well, you're partly right, you won't stand before A god, you'll stand before THE GOD..

You say death isn't far away at your age.. So do something about your spiritual status while you can.. What's stopping you?
 
Jun 10, 2019
4,304
1,659
113
#60
I really am not a complicated man. I just can't nor will I, believe many of the things that many of the members believe, but I admire their dedication to being Christians. I joined this forum to merely try and understand those dedicated to the Christian Life and how they think.
Your not alone Lon, I don't believe many things that are mentioned in places here. 😂