If you have recently decided to follow Jesus, water baptism is a great next step in your faith journey. Baptism is an outward declaration of an internal decision to follow Jesus. It is a significant moment in our lives that serve as a reminder that the old is gone, and that God will finish His work in our lives.
Why should I consider getting baptized?
The first good reason: Jesus got baptized. When we decide to follow Jesus, our old selves are left behind, and we are made new and alive! Also, being baptized is a public declaration that you are different – you are following Jesus now and are on a journey of change. Finally, it is an act of faith and obedience as Jesus told us to baptize new believers. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20a)."
What is the meaning and significance of baptism?
Water baptism is a symbol of taking the old self – our past and old ways – and burying them when submerged under the water and raised in new life in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17)!"
How are we to be baptized?
Just like Jesus was, we are to be immersed in water. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water (Matthew 3:16)." The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse or dip under water”.
Who should be baptized?
Everyone who has made the decision to believe and follow Jesus is encouraged to be baptized right away. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women (Acts 8:12)."
When are we to be baptized?
Many believers in the New Testament were baptized the same day they committed their lives to Jesus. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can be and are encouraged to be baptized. We believe in baptizing children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief.
Interested in being baptized?