Baptism

+ What Is Baptism?

Water Baptism is an outward expression of your decision to follow Jesus and a subsequent act of faith. Once we accept Jesus and the free gift of forgiveness that only He offers, we’re invited to respond in baptism by going under water (representing the old “you” being buried) and coming up (representing the new “you” being raised to new life with Jesus Christ). Baptism signifies the former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts the release from the bondage of Satan, sin, and death (Romans 6:4-6).

+ Why do we get baptized?

1) To follow the example of Christ (Matthew 3:16)

2) To obey the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)

3) To give witness that you are a disciple of Christ (Acts 2:37-41; Acts 22:16)

+ Who should get baptized?

Anyone who has repented and put their faith in Jesus (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12)

+ When should someone get baptized?

As soon as a person trusts Christ (Acts 22:16)! Not before but not delaying either.

Reading through Acts, we find that baptism is explicitly related to repentance, receiving the Word, believing, and receiving the Holy Spirit. There is no explicit evidence to suggest that nonbelievers were baptized.

The Scriptures give us no reasons to wait or delay baptism either out of fear or a sense that we are not good enough. There will never be a time where anyone would be “good enough” for baptism. Our right to enter the baptismal waters is grounded in what Christ has done for us and not what we have earned.

+ What do you need to be baptized?

Willingness: To be baptized, someone needs to be willing to say, “I’m willing. I have faith for this. I want to identify with Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection. I want to follow Him. I want to serve Him with my life.”

Water: Any body of water, in which you can be fully submerged, will work: a bathtub, a hot tub, a pool, a river, a lake, an ocean, a baptismal tank—you name it! It’s not special holy water, special motions, or special prayers, but baptism becomes a holy thing because of our faith.

A Witness: A witness can be someone who can support you along your personal journey of faith. Invite friends and family to be present (whether in-person or via technology) to watch and be able to say, “Hey, I was there when you were water baptized!” One of these in-person witnesses will also get to be a part of actually baptizing you!