Until Christ returns, we believers are all to be baptized and involved in making disciples. Baptism, first and foremost, is identification with Jesus Christ. It is publicly and openly identifying with this One Who died for my sins and rose again. It is a symbol of the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
What is water baptism?
Baptism signifies your inclusion in God’s family. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all in His family. He told us to “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Why is baptism important?
Because it symbolizes one of God’s purposes for your life: participating in the fellowship of God’s eternal family. Baptism is full of meaning. Your baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in God’s family. “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Do I have to be baptized to be saved?
Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God’s family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.
Baptism signifies your inclusion in God’s family. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all in His family. He told us to “go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Why is baptism important?
Because it symbolizes one of God’s purposes for your life: participating in the fellowship of God’s eternal family. Baptism is full of meaning. Your baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in God’s family. “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Do I have to be baptized to be saved?
Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God’s family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as possible after accepting Christ! “Those who accepted His message were baptized...that day” (Acts 2:41 NIV). In addition, if you have lost your relationship with Christ and have come back to God, you are also welcome to be baptized again.
How should I be baptized?
The Biblical term for baptized means to immerse, douse, or saturate. In the two full descriptions of baptism found in the New Testament, individuals were immersed in water. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River to identify Himself as God’s Son; “As soon as He was baptized, [He] went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). The apostle Philip baptized the Ethiopian by going down into a body of water and coming up with him (Acts 8: 38-39).
How old do I have to be?
Though the Bible does not state a minimum age at which a person may be baptized, an individual believer should be old enough to understand the significance of baptism.
What if my physical condition prevents my water baptism?
In cases where immersion is impossible due to physical limitations, an alternate and appropriate mode of baptism will be used.
What if I want to be baptized?
If you have placed your faith in Christ alone for your salvation, but you have not yet followed the Lord in baptism, we would love to help facilitate your baptism.
Who will be baptizing me?
We would love to have any family member or friend join you in the pool. Since baptism is such a personal decision, we are open to your family members assisting the Pastor in your baptism. In addition, we would like to encourage you to invite all your friends and family members to this occasion. You will be given an opportunity, if you'd like, to share a brief testimony of your decision to follow Christ in baptism and of the events that lead up to this moment. Please make sure you limit your testimony to this focus.
Some Important Things to Remember:
We would love to have any family member or friend join you in the pool. Since baptism is such a personal decision, we are open to your family members assisting the Pastor in your baptism. In addition, we would like to encourage you to invite all your friends and family members to this occasion. You will be given an opportunity, if you'd like, to share a brief testimony of your decision to follow Christ in baptism and of the events that lead up to this moment. Please make sure you limit your testimony to this focus.
Some Important Things to Remember:
- Bring a Towel - it makes it easier to dry off : )
- Wear a dark shirt and longer dark shorts or sweats.
- Pray and let God know you want Him to be glorified through your Baptism.
- Invite friends and family! This is a special day, be sure to share it with others!