We are excited you are interested in getting baptized. Baptism is an exciting milestone in the life of a Christian, and we look forward to sharing this event with you. Following are some details about baptism.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward sign that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Baptism is a symbol – It illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
“Christ died for our sins…. He was buried… and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
“For when you were baptized, you were baptized with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
Baptism also illustrates your new life as a Christian as a public declaration.
“The old life has passed away and a new life has begun.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Who should be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Jesus should be baptized.
“Those who believed and accepted his message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41)
Baptism does not make you a Christian. Baptism is a step you make after you have already invited Jesus into your life. Baptism does not save you – it is a way to show you are saved. It’s like a wedding ring. It is an outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. Since baptism happens after salvation, as an act of obedience, then it is a decision that must be made by the person getting baptized. A person has not been baptized as explained by Scripture, if only christened as an infant or child before beginning a personal relationship with Christ. If you were baptized as a baby then you should be thankful to your parents for their commitment to God and to you, but you need to make the decision for yourself.
How is Baptism done?
We should be baptized in the same way Jesus and the first believers were baptized. Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersing someone under the water and bringing them back up out of the water. The word “baptize” means to immerse. The Bible does not give any specific requirements for who should baptize you. Some churches only allow pastors to baptize people but many will allow any Christian to baptize you.
Where should Baptism be done?
Baptism must be public. It is our public declaration that we now associate ourselves with Christ and with the people of Christ. Baptisms can be held in any body of water – river, ocean, pool, bathtub, or anything that can hold water! But be sure to have other believers present there to watch! Don’t baptize yourself in the shower!
When should Baptism be done?
As soon as you have believed in Jesus and understand what baptism means. It is not good to put it off.
“Those who believed… were baptized… that day!” (Acts 2:41)
Why be Baptized?
To follow the example of Jesus:
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
Jesus commanded us to get baptized:
“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 28:18-20)
To demonstrate my faith in Jesus:
“Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (Acts 10:47)
Please set aside some time to read through this page and look up the Scriptures that accompany. This study should make your baptism & memories more meaningful.
Acts 8:35-38 says, “Then Philip began with that very passage of 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?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
Baptism is an outward response of obedience to Jesus Christ as Lord (Acts 2:38, 41). Although baptism does not save us, it demonstrates our recognition of the lordship of Jesus over every aspect of our lives and identifies us with the body of Christ and the local church.
God’s Purpose
- We declare our new life in Christ through baptism (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38; 16:25-34)
- The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as our own spiritual death, burial, and resurrection, are portrayed in baptism (Romans 6:3-5)
Our Need
- We need to confess Jesus publicly through baptism soon after we are saved (Matthew 10:32)
- We need to obey Jesus’ command (Matthew 28:19)
- We need to follow Jesus’ example (Matthew 3:13-15)
- We need to join the fellowship of the church family (Acts 2:41)
God’s Provision
- Jesus began His public ministry with baptism (Mark 1:9-11)
- Jesus demonstrated that immersion in water (being placed under the water) is the proper way to be baptized (Mark 1:10)
- Jesus has given authority to His followers to baptize (Matthew 28:19)
Our Response
- Be baptized as an expression of obedience to Jesus (Acts 2:41)
- Influence others through your baptism (Acts 16:31-33)
My Commitment
In summary, the essentials of baptism are:
- Believe in Jesus for salvation
- Ask your local body of believers for baptism
- Be immersed in water, showing your identification with Jesus and His local body of believers