Recently a man in his 80s desired to be baptized. Baptists believe the Bible teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.” The man was not in the best of health and used a walker. The baptism was to be in a six-foot water trough. The trough was filled with cold water, then topped off with some boiling water to at least take the chill off the cold water. Water from a hot water heater will often make the water look cloudy and dirty. A fine screen pool-net can also help in cleaning the baptistry water.
Baptism is not a part of salvation, it is a picture of the salvation that has already happened in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ (See other Articles at this site on Baptism). Some believers cannot be immersed because of serious health issues. They will go to Heaven just as sure as the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). But baptism is the first command to a new Christian. If you can, you should be obedient and follow the Lord in baptism.
This man knew he had been saved and made right with God. Even though he knew it would be a struggle, he still wanted to be baptized. The pastor did some planning and went over details with some men in the church, and with the candidate for baptism.
A Gait Belt proved to be very helpful. It is a wide belt (about 2”-4” wide) that is placed around the waist and over the clothes of someone who might be in danger of falling. It gives an assistant something to grab onto to help support the person. Hospital and nursing home caregivers often use gait belts. A gait belt should not be used, however, if the person has recently had back or abdominal surgery.
Remember, the person being baptized will be wet and slippery. Three men assisted the pastor in the baptism, and it went very well, and safe. The gait belt was a big help in giving them a secure way to hold onto and support him. The belt helped them during the baptism and also in assisting him to the dressing room. It also seemed to reassure his daughter that the church was taking good care of him.
So, you might consider purchasing a gait belt or two for your baptism equipment. You may go months without needing one, but when you do, it can be a crucial help. As the old saying goes, “It’s better to have one and not need it, than to need it and not have it. A gait belt can be purchased at a Medical Supply Store or on the internet. If you end up needing one quickly, you might check with a hospital or nursing home. Better yet, get one ahead of time before you need it. A gait belt costs from $8 to $50. Make sure between baptisms the belt is clean and dry.
One final thought. Why do Baptists (and some other Christian groups) go to all that trouble when others just sprinkle a little water for baptism? The reason is the Bible clearly teaches “Believer’s Baptism by Immersion.” It is worth the time, trouble, and effort to do things according to biblical teaching.
-David R. Brumbelow, gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com, July 12, AD 2023.
Other
Articles:
Quotes on Acts 2:38, Baptism, Salvation
What the Bible Teaches About Baptism
Why We Don't Use Alcohol For The Lord's Supper
Other
Articles in lower right margin, Web Version.
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