“Forgotten Moments”

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

      I suffered a severe head injury and was in a coma for two days last year.  Upon awakening, I had severe amnesia.  I still do not remember being baptized.  I really feel that I should be baptized again because I would like to remember that event.  Please advise.

Sincerely,
Feeling Foggy

Dear Feeling Foggy,

Your situation is certainly unique, and we can’t give you a clear answer, but we’ll try and lay out the principles for you, so you can make as informed a decision as possible.

The word ‘baptism’ simply means ‘immersion’ – it is the reason for your immersion that makes baptism a soul-saving act.  When we understand that baptism saves us from our sins (1 Pet. 3:21) and are baptized by the authority of Christ (Acts 2:38) and believe in His Name (Mk. 16:16), then that baptism saves us.  Many people are baptized without understanding these things… in which case, they just get wet.  You will have to evaluate for yourself whether or not you understood what you were doing when you were baptized (Php 2:12).  This might be hard because you don’t remember the event itself.  If you can look at the evidence and feel confident with your motives at the time, there is no need for re-baptism.  If not or if you aren’t sure, re-baptism is a logical and conscientious decision.  At the end of the day, you are going to need to decide for yourself, and whatever decision you come to should be approached prayerfully.

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