Baptism
What Exactly Is Baptism?
The word "baptism" as it appears in the Bible means immersion (the process of submersion in water followed by emergence from the water).
Scholars agree that the baptism of the Bible is immersion. The following examples from the Bible substantiate that conclusion:
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the water..." Matthew 3:16.
"Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:37, 38.
Note the descriptions of the baptisms - "down into the water," "came up out of the water."
What Is The Significance Of Baptism?
Two descriptive word pictures are given in the Bible to explain what happens at baptism.
"Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:3-4 (see also Colossians 2:12).
We are identifying with Jesus' experience and demonstrating outwardly in our baptism that:
We are dying to our old life
We are burying that old life
We rise to live the new life
"...For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Galatians 3:27.
We are demonstrating by our baptism that we are: Taking off the "old clothes" of our past, and putting on "new clothes" of Jesus' nature and lifestyle.
We put on Jesus' values and His priorities. We surrender to Jesus' way. We make Him the Leader of our lives, as well as the Forgiver. That means - "I'm no longer in charge...Jesus is." (see Galatians 2:20).
Why Should I Be Baptized?
Because Jesus was baptized. He is our model and our example in everything we think and do. Matthew 3:13-17 tells us that...
One day Jesus came to a man named John the Baptist to be baptized. John, however, balked at doing such a thing, saying that Jesus should instead be baptizing him! "Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.'" (v. 15).
Jesus said it is proper - it is the right thing to do. So John baptized Him, and immediately afterward God expressed how pleased He was with Jesus' actions. Jesus said baptism was the right thing to do, and then He followed through with action.
Because Jesus commanded it. After His resurrection and before His ascension to heaven, Jesus left these final directions to His followers (which includes us):
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-20. See also Mark 16:15,16.
Because baptism was an integral part of every conversion experience recorded in the book of Acts (which tells about the actions and beliefs of the first Christians and the first churches that formed after Jesus' ascension).
Note the following examples of the Apostles, their associates, and the first Christians baptized:
Groups of people being baptized - Acts 2:41; 8:12
Paul being baptized - Acts 8:34-39; 9:18; 22:11-16
Cornelius being baptized - Acts 10:47,48
Lydia and her household being baptized - Acts 16:13-15
The Philippian jailer and his household being baptized - Acts 16:33,34
Note that though each situation varied in some aspects, all who were baptized expressed belief in Jesus and were baptized immediately. We are saying that baptism is a part of becoming a Christian. We do not judge people and say that you are not saved without baptism; but according to these Scriptural examples, baptism is meant to be part of one's conversion experience.
Because it is a way to communicate to others your belief in Jesus. Though it may seem a little intimidating to be involved in such a public act, this special ceremony always has a way of drawing all of those who watch it closer to God.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Will I Know When I Am Ready To Be Baptized?
When you are ready to put your past behind you, and put your life in Jesus' hands. Read Acts 2:38, Colossians 3:5-10, John 1:12,13.
What If I Was "Sprinkled" As A Child or Adult?
Because of the clear Biblical direction for baptism by immersion, we ask those who have been sprinkled to be immersed. This does not invalidate the importance of what parents or spiritual mentors did for us...it is simply the next step in our spiritual journey. Immersion is a decision we get to make.
If I Was Immersed At Another Church Do I Need To Get Re-Baptized?
No, we accept baptism performed at any Christian church as valid.
When Is Someone Old Enough To Get Baptized?
Typically an older elementary age child is able to grasp the full meaning of baptism. A good rule of thumb is that if a child still believes in Santa Claus, they are not conceptually, emotionally, and spiritually ready for baptism.
Who Should Baptize Me?
Any Christian can have the privilege of baptizing another. We encourage you to have the person who led you to Christ perform the baptism. There is no Scriptural direction or difference between "clergy and laity." Of course our staff is available to perform baptisms for any believer.
