WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again.” -1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” -Colossians 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
- Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ saves. Baptism is like a wedding ring: an outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” -2 Corinthians 5:17
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...so also we may live a new life!” -Romans 6:4
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” –Ephesians 2:8-9
30He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." -Acts 16:30-31
WHY BE BAPTIZED?
The Model of Christ
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” –Matthew 3:16
The Mandate of Christ
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” –Matthew 28:19
The Practice of the early Church
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...” –Acts 2:41
WHY IMMERSION?
Jesus was baptized by immersion.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” –Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“...then both Philip and the man went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” –Acts 8:38-39
- The Greek word for “baptize” means “to immerse or dip under water.”
- It is best symbolized by burial and resurrection.
The Famous Church Fathers agree:
Martin Luther: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be completely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin: “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley: “’ Buried with Him’ alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...” –Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized...” –Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” –Acts 8:12
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
When you have believed in Jesus Christ.
“Those who believe...were baptized...that day!” –Acts 2:41
36 “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” –Acts 8:35-38
We do ask every candidate for baptism to attend a baptism class. This is usually done two weeks prior to a scheduled baptism.
Your Story
We do ask everyone to write out their story of salvation (also called a Testimony) which will be read at your baptism. This story will include:
- Who you were before Christ,
- How you came to know Christ,
- Who you have become after accepting Christ/how has Jesus changed your life?
- A time will be set up to record your testimony.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
You won’t need much.
- Please bring a towel.
- Wear a swimming suit or something you don’t mind getting in the water. (We will have a dark t-shirt for you.)
- After most baptisms, you will simply go back into the sanctuary and worship with the rest of the church.
- Feel free to bring hair dryers or other things you might need to get yourself ready to worship again.