Dear Prof. Joe,

I actually have a bunch of questions all rolled up into one.
 
I know that it is important to get water baptized, but is it necessary to go to heaven?  Why does the church make such a big deal about it?  Do you have to get baptized as an adult if you have been baptized as a child?  Should you get baptized as a child?

Ki Ki

 
Dear Ki Ki,

I think the best way to answer your questions is to first understand what water baptism means.  When we are saved, we die to sin and become alive in Christ.  Water baptism is a public statement of this inward transformation.  Being submerged signifies the death of our old self and then coming out of the water signifies being raised to life with Christ.  Therefore, baptism is not necessary for salvation but rather a physical reflection of a spiritual reality.  Though baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation Jesus does instruct that we be water baptized.  When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of the baptism process, there are several perspectives on the proceedings.  Some churches baptize infants, some only adults, some by immersion, some by sprinkling and some only by an ordained minister.  It is important to keep in mind that these are just the details and they are not specifically regulated in scripture.
 
Prof. Joe