To baptize or not to baptize

The lives of many of those we work amongst are "complicated" to say the least: addictions, emotional instability, entangled relationships, economic slavery, bondage to idols, various forms of immorality. But God is working amongst them and we see people coming to faith in Jesus.

But what do we do when they believe? Do we baptize them? When? Is it:

* When they have clearly repented of all obvious sins and showed this by their behaviour. (But who of us ever reaches this standard?)

* When there are clear signs of repentance in some areas, even if not all unacceptable behaviour has been dealt with. (e.g. they put away their idols but are still trapped in an addiction, or an immoral relationship.)

* There is faith in Christ, a recognition of sin and the need to repent but not yet significant change.

What is the biblical pattern? How do we guard against salvation by works on the one hand and compromising biblical standards of holiness on the other?

We have little doubt that the Holy Spirit has brought these people to new life and they have a real faith in the gospel. We are thankful that He is sovereign in salvation. I am reminded of how the Spirit fell on Cornelius even as Peter spoke. It was God's initiative that "forced" Peter to offer them baptism. Should we do the same?

We feel like we are playing catch-up with God and have been having some lively discussions as we face these decisions. Thank God though that it drives us back to His word for answers and to prayer for wisdom.

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