Must one be baptized when one sins?
Introduction. I am not sure exactly how to respond to this good question. Therefore, I shall offer a general treatment and answer to the question.
For non-Christians. In the case of the non-Christian, water baptism, coupled with the preceding requirements, is for the remission of sin. This is a biblical fact. Peter told people who wanted to be saved to, "...Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sin..." (Acts 2:38). Saul, a penitent, praying sinner, was told, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and was away thy sins..." (Acts 22:16).
For Christians. In the circumstance of the child of God sinning, he is told to repent and confess, not be baptized again. Simon heard the gospel and was baptized (Acts 8:13). However, Simon fell into sin (vss 13-21). Notice what the apostles told Simon to do, "Repent...and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee"(vs. 22). John taught that all Christians sin (1 John 1:8-10). What is the remedy or what is the Christian who sins to do? "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(vs. 9).
Conclusion. The question "must one be baptized when one sins?" is usually asked by two different types of people. One is a person who realizes baptism is for forgiveness and is simply confused. The other type is usually the person who is desperate to deny or circumvent the plain teaching of the scriptures. He cannot successfully refute verses such as Acts 2:38 and 22:16, so he resorts to consequential reasoning. "If baptism is for forgiveness," he reasons, "then every time a person sins, they must be baptized; hence, baptism is not for forgiveness of sin! Simply speaking, scriptural baptism results in forgiveness and making one a Christian. The Christian then obtains forgiveness through confession and prayer, not baptism.
For non-Christians. In the case of the non-Christian, water baptism, coupled with the preceding requirements, is for the remission of sin. This is a biblical fact. Peter told people who wanted to be saved to, "...Repent, and be baptized...for the remission of sin..." (Acts 2:38). Saul, a penitent, praying sinner, was told, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and was away thy sins..." (Acts 22:16).
For Christians. In the circumstance of the child of God sinning, he is told to repent and confess, not be baptized again. Simon heard the gospel and was baptized (Acts 8:13). However, Simon fell into sin (vss 13-21). Notice what the apostles told Simon to do, "Repent...and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee"(vs. 22). John taught that all Christians sin (1 John 1:8-10). What is the remedy or what is the Christian who sins to do? "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"(vs. 9).
Conclusion. The question "must one be baptized when one sins?" is usually asked by two different types of people. One is a person who realizes baptism is for forgiveness and is simply confused. The other type is usually the person who is desperate to deny or circumvent the plain teaching of the scriptures. He cannot successfully refute verses such as Acts 2:38 and 22:16, so he resorts to consequential reasoning. "If baptism is for forgiveness," he reasons, "then every time a person sins, they must be baptized; hence, baptism is not for forgiveness of sin! Simply speaking, scriptural baptism results in forgiveness and making one a Christian. The Christian then obtains forgiveness through confession and prayer, not baptism.