What is Baptism?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and to baptize every subsequent generation of believers who turn to God by following Jesus. Baptism is to submerge someone in water as an act of initiation, cleansing and renewal. This takes place after a person puts their faith and trust in Jesus, believing in Him for salvation.
Matthew 28:19-20
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.”
#1. Initiation & Identification.
Baptism is an initiation into becoming a follower of Jesus, a citizen of His Kingdom and a part of God’s eternal family. Entry into God’s salvation is only realized by putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We express that faith and trust by identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus through baptism.
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Death to old life is represented by being submerged in water.
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Resurrection to new life is represented by being raised out of the water.
READ: Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17
We are participating in the death and resurrection of Jesus in a spiritual sense. Our old life, that is cut off from God because of our sin, is permanently laid aside as dead. That old life with all of its attachments to this darkened culture are ended. Our new life, animated and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, is raised up to enjoy God, His creation and His people, serving them in faithful love.
#2. Cleansing & Renewal
In addition to identifying with Jesus’ death and resurrection, baptism is also a cleansing — a washing in water as it were — by which our sins are forgiven, the power of the sin is broken, we are cleansed of the corruption associated with our broken way of life, and we become a new person with a new life in fellowship with God. "Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name." Acts 22:16
READ: Romans 6:6 & 11; Colossians 2:12-14
In baptism, the grace of God is imparted to us that enables this new life with God. This grace is realized in our receiving
of God’s Holy Spirit.
READ: John 3:5-6
#3. What Happens in the Baptism Ceremony.
Once you enter the baptismal waters, we will ask you the following questions:
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Do you renounce your sin, the devil and his ways of darkness?
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Do you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again to promise you eternal life?
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Do you submit to Jesus as Lord over your life and desire to follow Him?
It is the Holy Spirit who will:
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Connect you to the heart of God in relationship. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12
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Connect you to the “body of Christ" – God’s family, the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:12-23
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Help you understand God’s truth – His Word, the Bible. John 16:1
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Enable you to overcome sinful ways. Galatians 5:16
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Empower you to do the works of Jesus. Acts 1:8
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Confirm our salvation, cleansing, forgiveness and renewal. Romans 8:16
Now, you begin your new life following Jesus and having a personal relationship with God. It will be important to read your Bible, pray to God and become a member of your local church where you will receive help, encouragement, and love.
We are all together on an adventure deeper into the heart and life of God.
If you answer “Yes,” then we baptize you saying... “Because of your confession, I baptize you now, my brother/sister, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Buried with Jesus in death, raised in Him to walk in new life.”
After we raise you out of the water, we then will pray for you to receive and be filled with God’s Holy Spirit. All you must do is open your heart to the Holy Spirit and expect Him to come and live within you. He will do just that.