BAPTISM

Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4

"Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savor, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper."

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is an outward symbol of the inner transformation that takes place when you give your life to Christ through faith. It signifies to the world that you identify as a follower of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48; Galatians 3:27).

Baptism symbolizes:
-Your unity with Christ through faith (Romans 6:3, 5; Colossians 2:12)

-Your release from the grip of sin (Romans 6:3)

-Your cleansing from sin (Acts 22:16)

-Your new life in Christ (Romans 6:4)

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

All those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior should be baptized (Acts 2:37-38).

In other words, all believers (Acts 10:47), and only believers, should be baptized.

Otherwise, you’re saying something outwardly that’s not true inwardly.
 
This is the precedent we see in the Bible (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47, 18:8).

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. Jesus commands that we should (Matthew 28:19-20)

2. Jesus was (Mark 1:9)

3. The apostles taught it (Acts 2:38)

4. The early church practiced it (Acts 2:41, 8:12)

Baptism is not required for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, it is a part of growing in your walk with Christ.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

After committing your life to Christ by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The example in the Bible is faith (belief), then baptism.

As soon as you understand what you’re doing and appreciate the significance of the event.

When you’re capable of giving a believable public profession of faith (Acts 8:34-38).

For children, the timing varies based on their understanding, ability to give a credible testimony, and maturity. We think it’s best that they wait until at least 5th grade.

HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Since the word for baptize in the New Testament means “to dip under,” and the examples in Scripture indicate immersion (Mark 1:10; John 3:23; Acts 8:38), we believe, when given the choice, that you should be baptized by immersion.

WANT TO BE BAPTIZED?