What is Baptism?
Baptism is a public act of obedience commanded by Christ for all who believe in Him. It is an outward symbol of an inward reality—a visible declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19
The Meaning of Baptism
Identification with Christ
Through baptism, we publicly identify with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Going under the water symbolizes dying with Christ to our old life; rising from the water symbolizes being raised with Him to new life.
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." — Romans 6:3-4
Public Declaration
Baptism is a public confession of faith. Before witnesses, we declare that we have died to our old way of life and have been born again through faith in Christ.
Obedience to Christ
Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized. Baptism is an act of obedience—our first step in following Christ publicly after we believe.
The Mode: Immersion
We practice baptism by immersion—being fully submerged in water. This is based on several considerations:
The Meaning of the Word
The Greek word baptizo means "to dip, plunge, or immerse." It carries the idea of being fully submerged.
The Symbolism
Immersion best pictures the death, burial, and resurrection that baptism represents. Sprinkling or pouring do not adequately convey this meaning.
The Biblical Examples
When we read of baptisms in the New Testament, they consistently involve going down into water and coming up out of water (e.g., Acts 8:38-39).
The Subjects: Believers Only
We believe baptism is for those who have already trusted in Christ for salvation. This is called "believer's baptism."
The Biblical Pattern
Throughout the book of Acts, the pattern is clear: people heard the gospel, believed, and then were baptized. Faith always precedes baptism (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 16:31-33).
The Meaning Requires Faith
Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ—something that only applies to those who have genuinely believed. Without faith, baptism is merely getting wet.
Not for Infants
Since baptism requires personal faith, we do not baptize infants. We dedicate children to the Lord and pray for them, but baptism awaits their own decision to trust in Christ.
Baptism and Salvation
Baptism Does Not Save
We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by any ritual or work—including baptism. The thief on the cross was saved without being baptized (Luke 23:43).
Baptism Is Important
While baptism doesn't save, it is an essential act of obedience for every believer. To refuse baptism is to disobey Christ's clear command.
A Picture, Not the Reality
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. The reality is the transformation that happens when we trust in Christ; baptism pictures that reality.
Common Questions
Should I be re-baptized?
If you were baptized as an infant before you believed, or if you were baptized without genuine faith, we encourage you to be baptized as a believer. This is not "re-baptism" since your earlier experience was not biblical baptism.
How soon after believing should I be baptized?
In the New Testament, baptism often happened very quickly after conversion—sometimes the same day. We encourage new believers not to delay this act of obedience.
What if I'm afraid of water?
We understand this concern and will work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Remember, many believers throughout history have overcome fears to obey Christ.
Can I be baptized in private?
Because baptism is a public declaration of faith, we encourage baptism in the presence of the church community. However, we can discuss special circumstances with you.
Conclusion
Baptism is a beautiful step of faith—a public declaration that you have trusted in Christ and are committed to following Him. If you have believed in Jesus but have not been baptized, we encourage you to take this important step of obedience.
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" — Acts 2:38
If you're interested in being baptized, please speak with one of our elders. We would be honored to help you take this step in your walk with Christ.