Baptism

What Is Baptism

It is an outward sign of an inward reality – a symbolic picture of a believer’s union with Christ.

  • It is symbolic of a believer’s spiritual baptism (Romans 6:3-5)
  • Spiritual baptism is a one-time event which occurs at salvation for all believers. It places believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13) and into union with Christ, His death and resurrection (Colossians 3:1-4)
  • All believers from the moment of salvation are permanently and fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit who lives in them (John 14:17, 1 Cor. 6:19)
  • There is only one real baptism (Ephesians 4:5)

Baptism is one of only two formal activities (ordinances) given to the church. The other is the Lord’s supper (communion).

Baptism has no saving merit or worth – baptism does not bring salvation – it does not save. (Ephesians 2: 8,9; Romans 3:28, John 3:16)

Who Should Be Baptized

  • All believers (Acts 2:37-41, 12-13, 36-39, 8:37-40, 10:37-48, 16:30-33)

Why Should Every Believer Be Baptized

  • Obedience to Christ’s command and example (Matthew 28:18-20, 3:15-17)
  • Commanded to the early church and followed true faith and repentance (Acts 2:38)
  • Identification with church family (Acts 2:41)
  • First step of public obedience – proclamation
  • Testimony to the unbelieving world

When Should Every Believer Be Baptized

  • After salvation (Acts 10:44-48, 8:36-37)
  • Soon after receiving and embracing Christ (Acts 8:36, 16:33, 22:16)

How Should Every Believer Be Baptized

Full immersion is the Biblical teaching

  • The English word “baptize” (or “baptized,” “baptizing,” and “baptism”) comes from the Greek word “baptizo” (bap-tid-zo) (or derivatives of baptizo), which means to immerse. It comes from the root word, “Bapto,” which means to dip, dye, or to cover wholly with fluid. It is the only Greek word in the Bible used in context with the ordinance of baptism.
  • Baptism was always done in a body of water (Acts 8:38,39; John 1:28; Matthew 3:13,16)
  • Historical evidence: the New Testament church baptized by immersion.
  • The Greek words for sprinkle, pour, and wash are not used in any passage about baptism.

The Celebration

  • An opportunity for you to be obedient to Christ and proclaim your faith in Him.
    • We will encourage all baptisms to be done during the corporate gathering
    • All baptism candidates will be evaluated under the oversight of a pastor
    • Baptisms will be overseen by a pastor, including asking the questions of affirmation
    • Any mature believer may baptize the candidate
  • Invite your friends and family (excellent opportunity to share the good news of what God has done in your life)
  • Be prepared to share:
    • Your testimony – how you became a Christian
      • What was your life like before you became a believer?
      • How did you come to embrace Jesus?
      • How has that influenced your life or how has your life changed?
    • Share why are you getting baptized
  • Dress code: wear baggy, dark clothing (i.e. a sweatshirt) over your swimming suit; bring a towel
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before the start of the service you are being baptised during for instructions and prayer
I want to be baptized!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.