Don't worry. This is a pretty common question. First though, realize that baptism won't save us or wash away the stains of sin. Basically, baptism is a public shout out about your faith and commitment to God. Baptism is a way to say, "Hey, I believe!" regarding Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. (We have another article about what baptism is like HERE.)
Romans 6:3-4 says, “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." By going under the water, you are illustrating Christ being buried after He died on the cross. When you come out of the water, you're illustrating Christ’s resurrection and coming out of the tomb. Your baptism tells His story and says, "I believe this really happened."
If you know Jesus as your Savior and you understand what baptism means, then there is no reason to be baptized again unless the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise. However, if you were baptized when you did not know Jesus as your Savior and/or didn't understand what you were doing at the time (as is the case with infant or child baptism), then you might want to consider being baptized again. Still, this is a matter of conscience between you and God. Either way, baptism or no baptism, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, your eternal security is, well, secure!
All believers will continue to sin—that's our sin nature. But once you have accepted God's forgiveness, you're no longer a slave to that nature. With Christ, you absolutely have the power to stomp sin like a spider before it takes ahold of you. The more you exercise the power of God within you, the fewer instances of sin will pop up in your life (Matthew 19:26).
When we do sin, we should confess it to God, asking Him to forgive us and to bring back that close friendship with Him. He promises us that “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Nowhere does the Bible say we must be re-baptized to be forgiven, so if you believe in Jesus and understand your baptism, then your baptism is still completely valid.
Every Christian will continue to sin, even after they've been saved. If you know Jesus as your Savior and you understand what baptism means, then there is no reason to be baptized again unless the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise. However, if you were baptized when you did not know Jesus as your Savior and/or didn't understand what you were doing at the time (as is the case with infant or child baptism), then you might want to consider being baptized again. Still, this is a matter of conscience between you and God. Either way, baptism or no baptism, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, your eternal security is unchangeable! Baptism is not what saves you.
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
