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Baptism
is one of the most sacred acts in the
Christian faith. In the Bible, people were
baptized to publicly proclaim their faith in
Jesus Christ. The Bible would encourage adult
Christ followers to do the same today.
Throughout
the year, we gather as a church family to
celebrate with people who have made a
commitment to following Christ. The baptism
service is actually a celebration; it’s a
chance for the church to come together to
celebrate what we’re all about: helping
people become fully devoted followers of Christ.
What is the Meaning of
Baptism?
Baptism doesn’t make a
person a Christian.
Only faith in Christ does that. Baptism
is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward
sign of a commitment made in your
heart. (see Ephesians 2:8–9)
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)
It illustrates your 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)
“By our baptism then, we
were buried with him and shared his death, in
order that, just as Christ was raised from the
dead … so that we may live a new life!”
(Romans 6:4).
Who Should Be Baptized?
The
Bible says that every person who believes in
Christ should be baptized. A believer is
someone who has realized that their sin has
separated them from God. They have given up
all personal 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 themselves and God.
A believer is someone who has decided to trust
Christ alone for salvation. If you have come
to that point in your spiritual journey, then
you should be baptized.
(see Acts 2:41; 8:12-13)
Why Should I Be Baptized?
First
and foremost, Christ commanded it.
“Jesus
said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and
make them my disciples, 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)
In
addition, it is to follow the example set
by Jesus.
“At that time Jesus came from
Nazareth
and was baptized by John in the river.”
(Mark 1:9).
It demonstrates that you are a believer, a
follower of Christ.
“We know that we have
come to know Him, if we obey His commands,”
(1 John 2:3)
When Should I Be Baptized?
As
soon as you can after you become a believer.
“Those who believed were baptized that
day.” (Acts 2:41)
“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 man 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 man answered,
‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God.’ So they went down into the water and
Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
Yet
it doesn’t have to occur the moment you
believe. The Bible teaches that there is no
reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a
believer, you should participate in the next
available opportunity the church provides for
baptism. If you wait until you feel you are a
“good enough” believer, you will never
feel ready for baptism.
Why is Immersion Baptism
Important?
It
is the method used in Jesus’ baptism.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up
out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
Every baptism mentioned in the Bible is by
immersion.
“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).
The word “baptize” means “to dip
or submerge.”
Immersion best symbolizes Christ’s burial
and resurrection. (see Romans 6:1-11)
What If I Was Baptized as an
Infant?
In
the Bible, we see parents bringing their
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 if baptism signifies salvation (as the
Bible teaches), only people who have
intentionally received salvation should
experience baptism. Thus, the Bible would
indicate that baptism is for people who have
made a decision to follow Christ.
If you have not experienced a believer’s
baptism, even though you have experienced
baptism as an infant, the full meaning and
significance of baptism has yet to take place
in your life. We strongly encourage you to be
baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
Some churches practice a “baptism of
confirmation” for children. This is a time
when parents pledge their commitment to raise
their child according to Christian values and
beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this
is not Christian baptism; it is not mentioned
in the Bible.
Adult baptism doesn’t belittle your
childhood baptism; it is a fulfillment of your
parents’ hopes when they had you baptized.
Can Older Children Be
Baptized?
All
instances of baptism in the New Testament
occur following an individual’s decision to
trust Christ alone for salvation. (see Acts
2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48) At
Trinity , that means we wait to baptize until a child
is old enough to believe and understand the
true meaning of baptism. When a child makes a
decision for Christ, we then joyously baptize
them in the Christian faith after conferring
with the parents.
How Do I Register for
Baptism?
To
register for our next baptism service, simply
call the church office at 985-893-0218.
You will be instructed on dates for baptism
classes and service dates and times.
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