After accepting Christ as Savior you begin a journey of faith and obedience to Him. Baptism is a sign of your relationship with Jesus Christ, and a step of obedience in becoming a fully devoted follower of Him. Baptism is a significant milestone in your life after becoming a follower of Christ.
BAPTISM PUBLICLY IDENTIFIES YOU AS A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ. It is an outward and public symbol of your identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as a wedding ring shows commitment to your spouse in marriage, baptism symbolizes that you are committed to Christ. You are saying you have forsaken your old way of life and are embracing your 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 NIV
BAPTISM ILLUSTRATES CHRIST'S DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION
The word baptism means "to immerse or dip into water". Jesus was baptized by John. As you are lowered beneath the water and raised from the water, you are identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV
REASONS TO BE BAPTIZED
Baptism is in obedience to Jesus’ command. “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. And, surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Baptism affirms that Jesus is your Savior and Lord. “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.” I John 2:3 NIV
Baptism follows the example of Jesus Christ. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9 NIV
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith and allegiance in Jesus Christ. “Those who accepted His message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 NIV
IS BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?
No, you cannot earn your salvation. " The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 KJV “For by grace are you saved through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Baptism cannot make you a member of God's family: only faith in Christ does. "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10: 9-10 NIV
HOW CAN I BE BAPTIZED?
If you haven't been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Our pastor will meet with you to discuss your baptism.
Contact the church office at 717.938.4626 or email us for information about baptism.