WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Jesus Commanded His followers to baptize new believers. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” Since these were the final instructions Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended to heaven, we know this is important. Water baptism is not an optional afterthought, but a vital step in the life of every person who has a relationship with Christ. Through baptism, we demonstrate that we identify with Him and are now a member of God’s family.
If you desire to be baptized, we ask that you attend the water baptism class which is held the day of the baptism. Time and date of the class will be published in the bulletin.
Come dressed in clothing that modestly covers your body. Be aware of how these clothes will look when wet. (We suggest dark colored pants/jeans and colored polos or t-shirts. No white t-shirts please). Wear a full set of undergarments.
Bring something in which to put your wet clothing, a towel and other personal items for use after the baptism.
Be prepared to give a short testimony of when and where you received Christ, and why you have decided to be baptized.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
In scriptures such as Acts 2:34, 2:41, 8:12 and 10:47-48, it is evident that the act of water baptism came after an individual made a decision for Christ. Water baptism should be one of the first steps taken after committing your life to Christ. Even if you have been a follower of Christ for many years, but have not yet been baptized, it is still important to follow the Lord’s command to be baptized.
HOW SHOULD I BE WATER BAPTIZED?
All examples of baptism in scripture were by immersion in water, not sprinkling. Acts 8:36-39, states that “Philip went down into the water…” In the account of Jesus’ baptism in Mark 1:12, the scripture says, “And immediately coming up out of the water…” Baptism by immersion is the symbol of what happens spiritually to a believer. It signifies the complete death of our old nature as we go under the water, and the new life that is ours through the resurrection of Christ as we come up out of the water. Baptism by immersion is a picture of the complete cleansing of our sins. (Romans 6:4).
IS WATER BAPTISM ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION?
Even though water baptism is a command given by Jesus to His disciples, just like His commandment for us to love one another, it does not determine our salvation. Our salvation is secured by the faith and belief in our hearts, not by an external work. The thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43, is an example of someone who believed in Jesus but didn’t have the opportunity to be baptized. Jesus told him, “…today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” He was obviously going to heaven without being baptized. However, this does not excuse us from baptism. As we become aware of the commands in scripture, we are obligated to obey them as we have opportunity.
WATER BAPTISM AND YOUR CHILD
The symbolism of water baptism is an abstract concept that is sometimes difficult for young children to comprehend. Through conversation, try to discover if they are beginning to understand the concept of ‘Jesus in your heart’ and the symbolism of baptism and communion.
It is true that none of us fully comprehend the depth of God and the power of His grace. We are saved by FAITH, not by our own works or understanding. Our children do, however, need to understand the basics of salvation before they make a public profession of faith through water baptism.
As a general rule, children do not understand the significance and symbolism of water baptism until they are seven or eight years of age. However, it is possible that some children may grasp this at an earlier age.
TO DETERMINE YOUR CHILD’S READINESS FOR WATER BAPTISM, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING:
- Can they give an acceptable reason why they desire to be baptized?
- Do they demonstrate a genuine salvation experience?
- Do they grasp baptism’s significance?
A good readiness indicator is to ask your child, “Why do you want to be baptized?” A child who is ready for baptism will respond with an acceptable reason like, “I want to follow Jesus.” A child who is not ready would typically respond with an “I don’t know” or “my friends did” type of answer.
Before your child can be ‘saved’, they must first understand that they were ‘lost.’ They need to be able to grasp the significance of their salvation experience. More than just hearing your child repeat a prayer, you will need to see some life change when Jesus really becomes their Savior and Lord.
Once your child can give an acceptable reason for wanting to be baptized, can comprehend its significance and you are confident they have a genuine salvation experience, then they may very well be ready for the next steps:
- Sign up and plan to attend the water baptism class for kids with your child
- Bring their Bible and a dictionary
- Be prepared to participate with your child, helping them look up and discuss Bible passages, as well as helping them tell the story of their friendship with Jesus.
- Continue to pray for your child as they grow to know their Lord and Savior.