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About Water Baptism |
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- Why be baptized?
- Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river."
Mark 1:9
- Because Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, "go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you ."
Matthew 28:19-20
- Because it shows you are a believer.
"...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized."
Acts 18:8
- Because obeying Christ's command shows you know and love Him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands."
1 John 2:3
- What is the meaning of baptism?
- It is a picture of our identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
"Having been buried with Him in batism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead."
Colossians 2:12
- It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17 "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Romans 6:4
- Baptism does not make you a believer
It shows you are already one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9
- How are we to be baptized?
- Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water
"At noon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."
Matthew 3:16
- Baptism in the Bible was by immersion in water
Example: "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..."
Acts 8:38,39
- The word "Baptize" literally means "to dip under water".
The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse or dip under water."
- Who should be baptized?
- Every person who has made the decision to trust in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41
"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
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
- When are we to be baptized?
- As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay.
"Those who believed..., were baptized..., that day."
Acts 2:41 "Then Pillip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. 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 right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The official answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.' Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him."
Acts 8:36-39 (Paraphrase)
- What about being baptized twice?
We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.
- Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
- Will I have to say anything?
Not unless you want to. At the beginning of the baptismal service, you will be introduced and if you would like to say a few words you may. Then you will be briefly lowered just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with the others.
- Who can baptize me?
We believe that the one who baptizes you can be any believer who has demonstrated a love for God and for you. This can be a pastor, parent, teacher, or mentor.
