Water Baptism

We are so glad that you are considering baptism. Please take a few moments to review the following information about baptism. To sign up for baptism, please fill out and submit the form at the end of this page and we will contact you with our upcoming Baptism Service dates. If you have any questions, please feel free to talk us in person at Church.  Thank you.

 

I.    Why Should I Be Baptized?

A.    To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)

B.    Because Christ commanded it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciple, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. (Acts 2:38)

C.    It demonstrates that I really am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” (1 John 2:3)

II.    What Is The Meaning of Baptism?

A.    It Illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)

B.    It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“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.” (Romans 6:4)

C.    Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. It symbolizes your faith in Christ Jesus.
Only your faith in Christ Jesus saves you. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart (see Ephesians 2:8-9)

III.    Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

A.    Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)

B.    Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (for example) “Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)

C.    The word “baptize” means “to dip under water.”

D.    It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.
(See Romans 6:1-11)

E.    The founders of the major denominations agree: Martin Luther (founder of the Lutheran denomination): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin (founder of the Presbyterian denomination): “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him’ alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

IV.    Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:2-13).

V.    What About Children?

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48). At Life and Salvation Church we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them into the Christian faith. If your child wants to get baptized, contact the children’s ministries department  or Pastor Mike and they can help you. See the link on the left of this page for “Baptism for Children” information.

VI.    What About Infant Baptism?

In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more Biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ as Savior has been made by the child. If baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. We would love to discuss a Baby Dedication Ceremony for your infant and young children. Please contact us if interested.

VII.    When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can and should be baptized.
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!”  Acts 2:41

“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

“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, Look here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now? Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. The official answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36-39

The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.

VIII.    What About Being Baptized Twice?

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.

IX.    Will I Have to Say Anything?

Not much! At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism or show a short baptism video. Following that, the pastor will introduce you by reading your name. You will then enter the water to be baptized. The pastor will quote a scripture from Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NLT) After the pastor will ask you a quesion,

Who is your Lord?”.

Then the pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with others. We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord’s example in baptism. Many people like yourself have been baptized in pools, lakes and the ocean.

X.    What Do I Wear?

1.    Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a dark-colored lightweight clothing to be baptized in.

2.    Bring a complete set of dry clothing to change into to wear home. You can use the restrooms to change in.

3.    Bring a towel to dry off after being baptized.

4.    Bring a plastic bag to put wet clothes in.

5.   Also, we will be giving you a Baptism Certificate and a  cool new T-shirt so you can tell the world about your baptism. You are welcome to wear the T-shirt when you are being baptized.

XI.    Can I Invite Friends and Family to my Baptism?

Absolutely! We would love to have your friends and family there to celebrate with you.

If you would like to be baptized, please complete this form.

Baptism Request Form































  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.