Baptism

Baptism is the wedding ring of our faith.

It's an outward symbol that points to an inward reality.

 

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, baptism is not merely a choice. Baptism is a command (Matthew 28.19)! In the New Testament, those who were born again, and only believers, were baptized as a public testimony. Baptism is the public step of obedience that demonstrates your personal decision to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ.

 

WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

The primary reason for baptism is obedience to Christ’s command. We have this both by example (Matthew 3:16-17) and by word (Matthew 28:19-20). There can be no doubt that baptism is the responsibility of all who accept the Gospel.

We should also be baptized as a testimony to others that Jesus is Lord of our lives (Matthew 10:32; Acts 18:8). Baptism is also a means of blessing since obedience to God always brings blessing (John 15:7).

The act of believer’s baptism illustrates the death and burial of Jesus Christ. It is a living sermon (I Corinthians 15:3; Colossians 2:12) and a testimony to the new life that is found in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

IS BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALAVATION?

The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9) and according to God's mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43).

Salvation is a response of faith to the gospel—not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.

 

WHEN SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

Philip told a man who wanted to be baptized that he could only be baptized if he believed and received in the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. The man was then immediately baptized.(Acts 8:36-37)

 

HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

We know the Bible teaches baptism by immersion by the very word that is used. The Greek word “baptizo” means to dip, plunge under, or submerge. There are also other indications such as expressions like “much water” (John 3:23), “went down into the water” (Acts 8:38), and “coming up out of the water” (Mark 1:10) which give a clear picture of Biblical baptism being immersion.

 

SHOULD INFANTS AND CHILDREN BE BAPTIZED?

In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26–28). Children may be baptized if they receive and understand God's Word.

 

READY TO BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism is available during either of our weekly Sunday morning services. Contact our offices and speak with a pastor to share your faith story and schedule your baptism.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You should wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet such as shorts, tshirt, etc.

 

INVITE YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS

Baptism is the public expression of your personal faith in Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly, you will have family and friends who would be honored to come as your special guests to witness your baptism.