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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. |
