Baptism

• To follow the example set by Jesus (Mark 1:9).
• Because Christ and the Apostles commanded it (Matthew 28:18-22; Acts 2:38).
• It publicly demonstrates that I really am a follower (Acts 18:8a; 1 John 2:3).
• Because every conversion account in Acts includes it (Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:12-13a; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 16:13-15; Acts 16:30-34.

• It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
• It illustrates our new birth as a Christian (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4).

• Because Jesus was baptized that way (Matthew 3:16a).
• Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39a).
• The Greek word for baptize is baptizo, which means “to immerse or dip under water.”

The Bible teaches that Christ saves. Acts 4:12 states that salvation is found “in no other” than Jesus. However, receiving Christ necessitates some response on our part. The Bible makes it clear that our response should include faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. Each is important, but none is more important than the other. These are merely the ways we express the fact that we trust Christ for salvation. They do not save us; Christ does ... but each is mentioned in reference to our becoming Christians in the Scriptures.

When people accepted Christ as Savior in New Testament times they BELIEVED in Him (Acts 16:31), they REPENTED of their sins (Acts 2:38), they CONFESSED Christ as Lord (Matthew 16:16-18, Romans 10:9-10), and they were BAPTIZED (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 8:36-38).

Our role as Christians is to teach people to do the same things that the Apostles taught people to do back then. It simply is not profitable or fruitful to argue about “at which point” one is saved. Instead, we encourage people who would accept Christ to “BELIEVE, REPENT, CONFESS, AND BE BAPTIZED.” We refrain from making judgments about anyone who has followed a different pattern. Judgment belongs only to God (Romans 14:4, 8-12).

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation. We encourage children to meet with our pastors about baptism before they are immersed. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith and obedience, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ.

A dark t-shirt, shorts, one piece swimsuit or other appropriate clothing. What matters is what God does to you at baptism, not what you wear to your baptism.

Yes. We will ask you to confess that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior.

That is fine as long as you were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5) or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-19).