Baptism

Baptism is the act through which a believer publicly identifies with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward, public act which portrays an inward, personal reality that you are a new life in Christ. Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you are already one.

Why be baptized?
1. To follow Christ’s example. (Mark 1:9)
2. To follow Christ’s command. (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a true believer. (Acts 18:8)

How are we to be baptized?
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” – Matthew 3:16

The word baptize literally means to immerse or dip under water. It is the best way to picture the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we go down into the water, we are picturing Jesus’ death and burial. As we come up out of the water, we are picturing His resurrection to new life.

Who should be baptized?
“Every person who has accepted Christ as his Savior.” – Acts 2:41

We baptize children when they are old enough to understand and believe. We choose to dedicate infants and continue nurturing them in their understanding until they are ready to declare their own personal faith in Jesus.

When should I be baptized?
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” – Acts 2:41

When you make the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits their life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized.