Baptism is an act of worship for those who have decided to follow Christ.
The meaning of baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of one’s personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture declares that we are to openly and publically profess Christ. There are to be no “silent saints.”
Baptism is a personal identification with Christ and His Church. Just as one who is married wears a wedding ring as the seal of commitment, so the believer’s experience in baptism is a reminder to self, to the church, and to all others of his or her commitment to Christ. We identify with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5closeRomans 6:3-5 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (ESV) closeRomans 6:3-5closeRomans 6:3-5 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (ESV) 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (ESV) ).
Baptism is a perfect illustration of what Christ has done for all sinners through His death, burial, and resurrection. He has provided payment, pardon, purity, and power for everyone who will trust Him.
Baptism pictures what happened in the believer’s life at the moment he or she was saved. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you have a brand new life. Baptism beautifully symbolizes the changes Jesus made in your life. When you are baptized, going under the water represents the end of your old life without Christ; coming out of the water represents the beginning of your new life with Christ. Your baptism shows everyone who sees it that you are a new person in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-6closeRomans 6:3-6 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) closeRomans 6:3-6closeRomans 6:3-6 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) ).
The method of baptism
The English word “baptize” is actually an adaptation of the Greek word “baptizo” given in the New Testament. It is clear that this word accurately translated means to “immerse,” “submerge,” or “to place under.” It is the only form of baptism observed or taught in the New Testament.
Immersion is also the only form of baptism which accurately pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus went under the water to picture His death and burial.
He came up out of the water to picture His resurrection (Matthew 3:16closeMatthew 3:16 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) closeMatthew 3:16closeMatthew 3:16 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; (ESV) ). Our baptism testifies that we have identified with His death, burial, and resurrection.
It is also the only method that accurately pictures our old self dying and our being raised up to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-6closeRomans 6:3-6 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) closeRomans 6:3-6closeRomans 6:3-6 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (ESV) ). In other words, the meaning is expressed in the method. Any alteration of this picture would interfere with the intended message of the baptismal experience.
The motive for baptism
We are motivated by our appreciation to God. Baptism is not an act resulting in salvation. We know that we could never add anything to the full and finished work of Christ. However, it is an expression of our appreciation to God for what He has done for us and in us.
We are motivated by our desire to profess to others what Christ has done in our hearts. Our baptism is a powerful testimony of how Jesus Christ has changed us. It identifies us with Christ and His Church.
We are motivated by our love for Christ. Baptism is commanded (Matthew 28:19-20closeMatthew 28:19-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV) closeMatthew 28:19-20closeMatthew 28:19-20 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV) ). Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15closeJohn 14:15 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV) closeJohn 14:15closeJohn 14:15 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV) Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (ESV) ) Love for Christ and desire to please Him are our supreme motive for baptism.
FAQs
How is my baptism scheduled?
First, you will speak with one of our pastors about baptism. Once you have spoken with a pastor, the next step is to schedule your baptism with the church office. Our baptisms are held on Sunday mornings at the service of your choice. Generally, there is no waiting list for baptisms and it can happen as soon as you would like.
What do I need to bring?
The church provides white baptismal robes, hair dryers and towels. We ask that you bring white or light-colored clothing (pants/shorts, a shirt and underclothes) for underneath the robe to get wet in, a plastic bag for your wet things, and a brush and/or comb. For your privacy there are changing rooms in the baptistery area.
What if a child wants to be baptized?
Children can be both intrigued and intimidated by baptism. To promote a proper understanding of the baptism event, all children in fifth grade or younger and a parent must meet with the our Children’s Pastor Rick Blevins to discuss their spiritual readiness. Following this meeting the Pastor Rick along with the parent(s) will determine if the child is to be a candidate for the First Steps for KIDS class. This one-time class is a prerequisite for any child to become a candidate for baptism.
Instructions for baptismal candidates
We ask the baptism candidate to meet a pastor at 9 a.m. the morning of their baptism in the lobby near the office entrance unless other arrangements are made.
If you have additional questions, need more information, or would like to schedule your baptism, please call the church office: 931.388.2655.
