From time to time, the question arises as to whether or not one who has been baptized needs to be baptized again. This is an important question to answer given the emphasis the New Testament places upon baptism. Some may be quick to point out that we do not read of a second baptism, or “rebaptism” in Scripture. But the fact that a second baptism is not mentioned does not automatically mean that the practice is unauthorized. However, since it is not specifically mentioned, we must consider certain principles to help us answer the question.
The Purpose of Baptism
To determine whether or not one in a particular circumstance needs to be baptized again, we must first understand the purpose of baptism. Baptism is for believers in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). It is in baptism that one has his sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Baptism is one’s entrance into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27). We must also conclude that when one is baptized, he is added to the universal church since the church is Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22-23; cf. Acts 2:47).
Baptism is not for gaining membership into a local church. Philip baptized the man from Ethiopia on a deserted road (Acts 8:36-38). There was no local church in that place. This man was still far from home. Yet Philip baptized him anyway. Baptism is also not a sign to show that one has already been saved. As noted above, baptism is necessary in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:21). [For a more in-depth study about baptism, see the article – What Is Baptism?]
Baptized Once the Right Way
When one is baptized according to the word of God, may there come a time when that person would need to be baptized again? By saying “according to the word of God,” I mean that the baptism has the proper method (immersion in water), subject (a penitent believer), and purpose (for the remission of sins, entrance into the universal church, and in order to be saved). There is no indication in Scripture, whether by example or implication, that one who has been baptized in this manner would ever need to be baptized again.
Since baptism is for remission of sins, would a Christian need to be baptized again every time he sinned? No. Once we are Christians, we can go to the Lord and “confess our sins,” and “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). We see an example of this with Simon the sorcerer. After persecution arose against the church and the disciples were scattered, Philip went to Samaria and preached the gospel (Acts 8:5). As a result, people believed and were baptized, including a sorcerer named Simon (Acts 8:12-13). After being baptized according to Philip’s teaching, Simon sinned (Acts 8:18-21). Peter, who had come to Samaria, told Simon what he needed to do to remedy his sin. He had already been baptized. He was not told to be baptized again. Instead, Peter told him, “Repent…and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). Once one is baptized according to the teachings of the gospel, there is no need to be baptized again. He is now able to approach God directly in prayer and, having repented, ask for forgiveness.
Baptized Once the Wrong Way
What if someone has been baptized in a manner that is not in accordance with the word of God? Would this person need to be baptized again? When Paul came to Ephesus and met some disciples (Acts 19:1). He found out that they had been baptized into John’s baptism (Acts 19:3). After Paul explained the purpose of John’s baptism and of their need to believe in Christ, he baptized them into Christ (Acts 19:4-5). Here is an example of some who were baptized once the wrong way, and had to be baptized again the right way. [It should be noted that John’s baptism, at the time of his preaching, was approved by God. But since the coming of Christ and establishment of the church, the baptism of John was no longer useful.]
How much of one’s baptism has to be wrong for one to need to be baptized again the right way? These men that Paul encountered in Ephesus had been baptized into John’s baptism. This baptism was similar to the baptism that was done in the name of Christ. Both involved immersion in water (Matthew 3:11, 16; Acts 8:36; Romans 6:4). Both were preceded by repentance (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38). But sharing some similarities did not make their baptism acceptable.
Paul said there is “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). While there are many different baptisms that men teach and practice, there is only one that is acceptable to God. It is the baptism that was taught by the apostles and other inspired men in the first century. It is immersion in water (Acts 8:36; Rom. 6:4). It is administered to penitent believers (Acts 2:38). It is for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). It is in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). It is for entrance into the universal church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Galatians 3:27). Anyone who has submitted to another baptism needs to be baptized again, this time submitting to the one baptism that we see revealed in the New Testament.
Conclusion
If one wonders whether or not he needs to be baptized again, he must first determine whether his previous baptism was the right baptism or a wrong baptism. If one first came to believe in Christ and repent of their sins, was immersed in water, and was baptized for the remission of sins in order to be saved and added to the universal church, he has been baptized according to the word of God. There is no need for a second baptism.
Some question their baptism, even when it was as described in Scripture, if they were baptized at a relatively young age or following only a limited amount of teaching. But many in the first century were baptized after hearing the gospel only one time – the Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Cornelius (Acts 10). Even the Philippian jailer was baptized the same hour he first heard the gospel (Acts 16:32-33). As long as one is a penitent believer and is immersed in water for forgiveness, salvation, and membership in the universal church, there is no need to be baptized again.
But if one was baptized with the wrong baptism, there is a need to be baptized again – this time according to the Scriptures. There are those who have been baptized as infants before they could believe. Many have been baptized believing they were already saved and their baptism was merely an outward show to indicate that they had already been saved. Others have been baptized for the purpose of gaining membership into a local church. These are all different from the “one baptism” Paul mentioned (Ephesians 4:5). One who has not submitted to this baptism needs to do so in order to be “baptized into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27) so he may have access to “every spiritual blessing” which is “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
