Unconscious Baptism

Unconscious Baptism

Mr. Waddey:
My brother had a stroke and is in a coma. He is not expected to survive. He believes in Jesus but has never been baptized. Would it be possible for us to have a minister baptize him? He is a good man and we want him to go to heaven when he dies.
-Joseph

Dear Joseph:
I extend my sympathy to your seriously ill brother and you who love him. I commend you for your interests in his salvation. To reply to your question it is essential that we first look at the Bible's teaching on baptism.

Before one is baptized he must be taught the gospel and believe in Christ (Mark 16:15-16).

Before one is properly baptized, he must realize his sin and repent of it (Acts 2:38). This means he must be sorry for his wrongs and resolve to turn away from them and follow Christ.

To be properly baptized, one must personally desire to be baptized. The man from Ethiopia asked Philip, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:37).

Baptism is a command that each of us must obey (Acts 10:48). It is not a remedy that can be applied even though we are unaware of the action.

Baptism is the capstone of our conversion from a life of sin to a life of service to God in Christ (Gal. 3:26).

These fundamental truths about baptism make it clear that no one can be properly baptized who is unaware of the transaction. This would include, still births, infants and small children, those who are severely mentally retarded, the dead whom the Mormons baptize by proxy, and those who are unconscious. Let us pray that your brother can regain consciousness and then be immersed into Christ of his own will and volition.

Sincerely,

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