Are you a new believer in Jesus wanting to find out more about being baptized? Or maybe you've been a believer for a while, but just haven't been baptized yet? If you want to find out more information and/or you want to register to be baptized, you'll find the answers to some commonly asked questions and the link to register below.
Q: WHAT’S THE MEANING OF WATER BAPTISM?
A: Water baptism is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:3-4; Col. 2:12)
A: It's a symbol of a person's new life as a Jesus-Follower. (Rom. 6:4)
A: Baptism does not “save” a person, nor make them a member of a particular church. It's only through faith in Christ that a person is saved; and it is only by their own decision that they commit to partner with one church over another. (Eph. 2:8-9)
Q: WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?
A: We should be baptized to follow Christ’s example. (Mark 1:9)
A: Jesus told us to be baptized. (Matt. 28:19-20)
A: Baptism shows that a person is a Jesus-follower. (Acts 18:8)
A: Obeying Christ’s command shows that a person knows Him. (1 John 2:3)
A: Baptism is linked to the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:38)
Q: HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?
A: Just like Jesus was baptized, we should be baptized by being fully immersed in water. (Matt. 3:16)
A: Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water, symbolizing burial and resurrection (eg. Acts 8:39). The Greek word “baptize (baptizo)” literally means, “to immerse or dip under water”.
Q: WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
A: Every person who has made a decision to follow Christ should be baptized. (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:15)
A: Since the one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ, we do not baptize children who are not old enough to make a personal decision to follow Christ.
Q: WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
A: As soon as a person has decided to follow Jesus, they should be baptized. (Acts 2:41)
A: If a person believes in Jesus with all their heart, there is no reason to delay being baptized. (Acts 8:36-39)
Q: WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED TWICE?
A: Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It does not devalue a prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to be baptized the same way Jesus was baptized.
Q: WHAT IF I CHOOSE NOT TO BE BAPTIZED?
A: Since baptism does not “save” a person, if they choose not to be baptized by immersion, they are still saved by grace, and it does not affect their decision to follow Christ.