Baptism
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." --I Cor. 15:3-4
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." --Col. 2:12
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" --2 Cor. 5:17
"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!" --Rom. 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ and through His power does that occur. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." --Ephesians 2:8,9
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." --Matt. 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
"...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." --Acts 8:38-39
The Greek work Baptizo means, "To immerse or dip under water." It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
1. Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." --Acts 2:41
"Simon himself believed and was baptized..." --Acts 8:13
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." --Acts 8:12
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.
We believe that everyone who has personally received Christ should be baptized after receiving him. We speak honorably of the commitment parents make when they have their children baptized, but we see it as similar to child dedication. So we ask that those who were baptized only as infants to be baptized as believers.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed.
"Those who believe[d]...were baptized...that day!" --Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." --Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you’ll never feel "good enough!"
CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ and follow Him, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.