Baptism

As Christians we’re called to belong, not just to believe. We are not meant to live lone-ranger lives; instead, we are to belong to Christ’s family and be members of his body. Baptism is not only a symbol of salvation; it is a symbol of fellowship. It not only symbolizes our new life in Christ; it visualizes a person’s incorporation into the body of Christ. It says to the world, “This person is now one of us!” When new believers are baptized, we welcome them into the fellowship of the family of God.

“You are members of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

What is the meaning of baptism?

• 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
    
    
• 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
    
    
• It doesn't make you a believer — it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring — it´s 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?

• Because Jesus was baptized that way.

  "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." — Matt. 3:16

• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

  Example: "...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 word for baptize means "To immerse or dip under water."
  
  
• Immersion best symbolizes burial and resurrection!

• The founders of many denominations agree:
  
  
  • Martin Luther —"I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies."
    
    
  • John Calvin — "The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
    
    
  • John Wesley — "Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

Who should be baptized?

• Every adult 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
    
    
• Children who are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism.

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed.

• "Those who believe...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 feel you are perfect, you´ll never feel good enough!

Can my family be baptized together?

Yes! If every family member fully understands the meaning of baptism and has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

However, 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, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.

What should I wear when I am baptized?

Women should wear shorts and tops that preserve modesty. Men may wear swimsuits and t-shirts. Please bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet articles of clothing. We provide changing rooms.

Will I need to say anything?

At the beginning of the service, Pastor Calvin will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. Pastor Calvin or Bob will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be mailed a baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

What if I have special needs?

Either of our Pastors can perform a private baptism to meet special needs.