Question Regarding Baptisim & Communion

[ImForgiven]

Is baptism necessary in order for one to take communion?

My teenage children have professed their belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior, but have chosen not to be baptized as yet. I feel it's perfectly fine for them to partake in communion if they have stated their belief in Jesus.

Am I correct in thinking this is ok...or not?? Can some of you who are more well versed in the Bible help me out on this with verses to back up your opinion.

Thanks for your help! :):

[70thWeek]

I say that they can. It would depend on your church's doctrine, but I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[JoelH]

In churches I have been to (Anglican, non-denominational, Baptist, Presbyterian), the pastor usually states only baptized Christians should have the Lord's Supper, and he would call those not baptized, even if they are believers, to refrain from it.

I would say the best way for your son is to wait until he is baptized. That's what I did.

YBIC,

Joel

[Jacob]

Is baptism necessary in order for one to take communion?

My teenage children have professed their belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior, but have chosen not to be baptized as yet. I feel it's perfectly fine for them to partake in communion if they have stated their belief in Jesus.

Am I correct in thinking this is ok...or not?? Can some of you who are more well versed in the Bible help me out on this with verses to back up your opinion.

Thanks for your help! :):
Interestingly, there is no biblical record that the apostles themselves were baptized, yet the Lord insititued Communion to them during Passover meal.

Biblically, both baptism and communion are for believers. I think I would be hard-pressed to find a Scripture passage to say that someone could not have communion before they were baptised. That would mean that believers would not be allowed to take Communion until the next time the local church schdules its next baptismal ceremony. I have been in places where they have one every few months.

I think the confusion comes from a misunderstanding of baptism. It has become associated with the means of receiving forgiveness to denominational membership. However, it really is a ceremonial act for forgiven persons to publicly symbolize that they received salvation by grace through faith. It is a one time act.

[LeahIA]

No, it is not necessary. Depends on church doctrine. The church I grew up in was member's only and the one I attend now has an open communion and we're to search our heart. I let my 9 year old grandson take communion, ONLY if he can tell me what it is about so I know he fully understands. He has to tell me every time it is served. Just because he told me once, doesn't mean he has blanket coverage. He hasn't asked about baptism yet.

[seachelle76]

Interestingly, there is no biblical record that the apostles themselves were baptized, yet the Lord insititued Communion to them during Passover meal. Um, Jesus himself baptized the apostles.

John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Jhn 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Jhn 3:24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
Jhn 3:25 Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Jhn 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

Biblically, both baptism and communion are for believers. I think I would be hard-pressed to find a Scripture passage to say that someone could not have communion before they were baptised. That would mean that believers would not be allowed to take Communion until the next time the local church schdules its next baptismal ceremony. I have been in places where they have one every few months.

I think the confusion comes from a misunderstanding of baptism. It has become associated with the means of receiving forgiveness to denominational membership. However, it really is a ceremonial act for forgiven persons to publicly symbolize that they received salvation by grace through faith. It is a one time act.

Well, it's interesting to me that in this particular chapter of John, people ask Jesus what they must do to be born again, and then there's the famous John 3:16, and THEN Jesus baptizes his apostles. I'd say it's better to wait for communion until after one is baptized.

[4fish]

Originally Posted by Jacob
Interestingly, there is no biblical record that the apostles themselves were baptized, yet the Lord insititued Communion to them during Passover meal.

I agree. :thumb

Um, Jesus himself baptized the apostles.

John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Jhn 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Jhn 3:24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
Jhn 3:25 Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Jhn 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

The people being baptized in John 3:22 were the people of Judean countryside, not the apostles.

Acutally, Jesus never baptized ANYONE with water ... The scriptures clearly state Jesus' baptism is with spirit and fire - not water.

John 4:2 says ... "although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples."

IMHO, baptism is not necessary in order to receive communion.

[buzzardhut]

Water and Wafers do not get you to heaven.
Believing and receiving Jesus alone is what you need.
Baptism is an outward expression of an internal life change.
Jesus broke bread as it represented Himself to be sacrificed on the cross.
Taking a wafer does not internalize Jesus.

[ImForgiven]

Thank you all so much! Your responses are truly appreciated and very helpful for me!

[Sisoes]

Certainly many groups require baptism before one can take communion. For those who don't feel this is necessary (and I realize there are many), I don't understand why there would be more of a push to participate in communion but not to be baptized. It seems to me that, even for those who do not believe in baptismal grace, the natural order would be 1. faith 2. baptism 3 communion. This certainly was the New Testament pattern.

[antsinmypants]

Well, it's interesting to me that in this particular chapter of John, people ask Jesus what they must do to be born again, and then there's the famous John 3:16, and THEN Jesus baptizes his apostles. I'd say it's better to wait for communion until after one is baptized.


I am in total agreement.

It is crucial one is:
first: saved
second: baptized
thirdly: have the right heart to partake