Baptism is one of the most important events in the life of a Christ follower, and is the public celebration of your decision to follow Jesus. Once you make a commitment to Jesus, it’s time to take the next step and make your decision known. If you have more questions we would love to talk with you about this next step.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism as it is known and practiced today, began with Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan River and has been an essential part of the Christian faith ever since. From then until now, people who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior have publicly acknowledged their faith by being baptized (Acts 2:38). After confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his or her life, the believer is immersed in water and raised up, which is symbolic of washing away one’s old sinful past and the rising again to new life in God’s grace. It’s the end of an old life and the beginning of a new life!
WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?
Baptism illustrates Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and commanded by God’s word: “Christ died for our sins…that He was buried…and that He was raised…” 1 Corinthians 15:3–4. Baptism reminds us that God loves us and we’re now living a new life.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Obey Jesus
The first and most important reason for being baptized is to be obedient to Jesus when He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19, NASB; Luke 6:46.
Follow Jesus’ example
Mark 1:9, “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
To publicly identify and demonstrate belief in Jesus
Romans 6:3-4, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.” Acts 18:8, “Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.”
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
You’re ready to be baptized the moment you give your life to Christ as your Lord and Savior, and should consider baptism as a next step. If you’re waiting until you are perfect, you will never be ready. Acts 2:41, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”
It’s also important to know that it is never too late to be baptized. It’s still important for a believer to be baptized even if it’s been years since becoming a Christ follower.
If you are ready to be baptized, contact us today!
