The next few sections of this site will take you through a 3 step process to prepare for Baptism and should take about 15-20 minutes. So first, to answer a few common questions:
What Is Baptism?
Public commitment
Baptism is a public demonstration of the commitment you have made in accepting Jesus Christ as your savior. It is recognizing the change in your life, the commitment to follow Christ and the atoning sacrifice of Christ for your salvation. Baptism is the image of Christ’s burial and resurrection. It symbolizes our death to our old life and showing our newness of life in Christ.
Union with Christ and the Church
When we are baptized, we are adopted into the family of God. United together as the Church which is displayed as the body of Christ to the world. Being united as the Church, gives us accountability, support, community and encouragement in our relationship with God. Being baptized is our individual statement to the family of God that “I want you to help me find and follow Jesus.”
Baptism is a public demonstration of the commitment you have made in accepting Jesus Christ as your savior. It is recognizing the change in your life, the commitment to follow Christ and the atoning sacrifice of Christ for your salvation. Baptism is the image of Christ’s burial and resurrection. It symbolizes our death to our old life and showing our newness of life in Christ.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism in to death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life.” Romans 6:4
Union with Christ and the Church
When we are baptized, we are adopted into the family of God. United together as the Church which is displayed as the body of Christ to the world. Being united as the Church, gives us accountability, support, community and encouragement in our relationship with God. Being baptized is our individual statement to the family of God that “I want you to help me find and follow Jesus.”
“For we are all baptized into one body…” 1 Cor. 12:13a
Why Should I Be Baptized?
Opportunity to follow Jesus’ example
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Perfect name, Right?). He was not in need of the cleansing of sin, instead he was baptized out of humility and obedience to God the Father.
Act of Obedience
Throughout Scripture we are taught to live a life of obedience. We do this to grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others towards Him. Baptism is the first step of obedience for those who choose to follow Christ and what He commands.
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Perfect name, Right?). He was not in need of the cleansing of sin, instead he was baptized out of humility and obedience to God the Father.
“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized Him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Mark 1:9-11
Act of Obedience
Throughout Scripture we are taught to live a life of obedience. We do this to grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others towards Him. Baptism is the first step of obedience for those who choose to follow Christ and what He commands.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was baptized as an infant?
If you were baptized as an infant, that can be a great reminder of your parents love for you and how they desired to see you in a relationship with Christ. However, as we stated previously, baptism is a response to our understanding and need for salvation in Christ. So, baptism is a way of showing that we have accepted this salvation. We do this by identifying with Him through His death on the cross, His burial and ultimate resurrection to heaven. Since this was not understood when you were an infant, adult baptism in understanding Christ’s sacrifice and salvation would be an act of obedience. We would encourage you to be baptized as an adult as evidence to God and the church of your commitment and obedience to Him.
What if I was baptized before?
If for any reason you have been baptized before and would like to be baptized again as a new statement of faith or commitment, we would be glad to baptize you. Yet, we must remember that Baptism is not a means or mode of salvation. It is an act of obedience to God and a declaration to the church of your commitment to God. This does not mean that we will not sin or fail God, it is just a symbol to every one of our relationship with Him. God has given us confidence in our salvation that through all sins and failures, God in his grace will forgive us if we confess and repent.
If you were baptized as an infant, that can be a great reminder of your parents love for you and how they desired to see you in a relationship with Christ. However, as we stated previously, baptism is a response to our understanding and need for salvation in Christ. So, baptism is a way of showing that we have accepted this salvation. We do this by identifying with Him through His death on the cross, His burial and ultimate resurrection to heaven. Since this was not understood when you were an infant, adult baptism in understanding Christ’s sacrifice and salvation would be an act of obedience. We would encourage you to be baptized as an adult as evidence to God and the church of your commitment and obedience to Him.
What if I was baptized before?
If for any reason you have been baptized before and would like to be baptized again as a new statement of faith or commitment, we would be glad to baptize you. Yet, we must remember that Baptism is not a means or mode of salvation. It is an act of obedience to God and a declaration to the church of your commitment to God. This does not mean that we will not sin or fail God, it is just a symbol to every one of our relationship with Him. God has given us confidence in our salvation that through all sins and failures, God in his grace will forgive us if we confess and repent.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9