Christian baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the church. Just before His ascension, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20). These instructions specify that the church is responsible to teach Jesus’ word, make disciples, and baptize those disciples. These things are to be done everywhere (“all nations”) until “the very end of the age.” Therefore, if for no other reason, baptism has importance because Jesus commanded it.
Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship. In the waters of baptism, a person says, wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.” Christian baptism illustrates, in dramatic style, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. At the same time, it also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ. As the sinner confesses the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin (Romans 6:11) and is raised to a brand-new life (Colossians 2:12).
Being submerged in the water represents death to sin, and emerging from the water represents the cleansed, holy life that follows salvation. Romans 6:4 puts it this way: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Very simply, baptism is an outward testimony of the inward change in a believer’s life. Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord after salvation; although baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement to be saved.
We are overjoyed that you have made the decision to be baptized! We hope you gain a true understanding of the baptism ceremony while realizing how this will be one of the most important steps in your Christian walk with Christ!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT WATER BAPTISM?
■ Who should be baptized?
-Those who have repented from their sins, and have a personal faith in Christ (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15, Acts 8:36-37).
-Those who have committed their lives to be disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
■ How should we be baptized?
-By immersion in water. “Baptism” from the Greek “Baptizo” means literally “to dip”, to “plunge under”, “to immerse”. This is symbolic of Burial and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
-Baptisms are done “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” as in accordance to Matthew 28:19. This is symbolic of our identification with God.
■ Where should we be baptized?
Wherever there is enough water (John 3:22-23).
■ Why should we be baptized?
-Because the Lord commanded us to (Matthew 28:18-20).
-Because it shows we have a clear conscience before God (1 Peter 3:20-21).
-Because it is a testimony to the world of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4).
-Because it is symbolic of burying the “old person” (Romans 6:4-7).
-Because it is a public acknowledgement of repentance and faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32-33).
-Because it is a testimony to the oneness of true believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
-Because it shows our willingness to accept God’ purpose for our lives (Luke 7:30).
■ When should we be water baptized?
-“Now” (Acts 22:16).
PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM
A. Think about your Testimony
Begin to ask the Lord now to guide you in what He would have you to say in your testimony. Some things that you may want to include are:
1. Explain when, where, and how you came to faith in Jesus Christ
2. A Bible verse that has become meaningful to you.
3. What this step in your life means to you.
4. An area of your life that you desire to grow in as you commit your life to Him.
5. Who helped you point your life to Christ? (Friends, family, pastor, etc.)
*Please keep it under 5 minutes
B. Clothing
-Dress Modestly.
-Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes.
C. Arrival Time
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to service.
D. Spiritual Preparations
-Take time to search God’s Word on baptism. One suggestion might be to read and meditate on Romans 6.
-Romans 6:1-11 (the meaning of baptism)
-Romans 16:12-23 (how this should affect the way we live)
-That evening after all of the activity, spend some time being quiet before the Lord reflecting on all He has done for you.
E. Invitations
This is an important time in your Christian life; a public declaration of your faith in God! Do not forget to invite those people who are important to you that you wish to share this event with.
Questionnaire:
Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship. In the waters of baptism, a person says, wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.” Christian baptism illustrates, in dramatic style, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. At the same time, it also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ. As the sinner confesses the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin (Romans 6:11) and is raised to a brand-new life (Colossians 2:12).
Being submerged in the water represents death to sin, and emerging from the water represents the cleansed, holy life that follows salvation. Romans 6:4 puts it this way: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Very simply, baptism is an outward testimony of the inward change in a believer’s life. Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord after salvation; although baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement to be saved.
We are overjoyed that you have made the decision to be baptized! We hope you gain a true understanding of the baptism ceremony while realizing how this will be one of the most important steps in your Christian walk with Christ!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT WATER BAPTISM?
■ Who should be baptized?
-Those who have repented from their sins, and have a personal faith in Christ (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15, Acts 8:36-37).
-Those who have committed their lives to be disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
■ How should we be baptized?
-By immersion in water. “Baptism” from the Greek “Baptizo” means literally “to dip”, to “plunge under”, “to immerse”. This is symbolic of Burial and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
-Baptisms are done “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” as in accordance to Matthew 28:19. This is symbolic of our identification with God.
■ Where should we be baptized?
Wherever there is enough water (John 3:22-23).
■ Why should we be baptized?
-Because the Lord commanded us to (Matthew 28:18-20).
-Because it shows we have a clear conscience before God (1 Peter 3:20-21).
-Because it is a testimony to the world of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4).
-Because it is symbolic of burying the “old person” (Romans 6:4-7).
-Because it is a public acknowledgement of repentance and faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32-33).
-Because it is a testimony to the oneness of true believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
-Because it shows our willingness to accept God’ purpose for our lives (Luke 7:30).
■ When should we be water baptized?
-“Now” (Acts 22:16).
PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM
A. Think about your Testimony
Begin to ask the Lord now to guide you in what He would have you to say in your testimony. Some things that you may want to include are:
1. Explain when, where, and how you came to faith in Jesus Christ
2. A Bible verse that has become meaningful to you.
3. What this step in your life means to you.
4. An area of your life that you desire to grow in as you commit your life to Him.
5. Who helped you point your life to Christ? (Friends, family, pastor, etc.)
*Please keep it under 5 minutes
B. Clothing
-Dress Modestly.
-Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes.
C. Arrival Time
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to service.
D. Spiritual Preparations
-Take time to search God’s Word on baptism. One suggestion might be to read and meditate on Romans 6.
-Romans 6:1-11 (the meaning of baptism)
-Romans 16:12-23 (how this should affect the way we live)
-That evening after all of the activity, spend some time being quiet before the Lord reflecting on all He has done for you.
E. Invitations
This is an important time in your Christian life; a public declaration of your faith in God! Do not forget to invite those people who are important to you that you wish to share this event with.
Questionnaire:
- Are you a Born Again Christian (Saved)?
- In your own words, briefly describe your understanding of baptism.
- Why do you want to be baptized?