What is Baptism?

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizō” which means “to immerse” in water.

Being baptized in water is an “outward sign of an inward change”. While being baptized does not make a person saved (in right relationship with God), or cause the forgiveness of sins (faith in Christ alone does this), people who are saved and forgiven should be water baptized out of obedience to Jesus (Matthew 28:19).

Salvation comes by faith and before baptism. In this way we show others that we believe 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”. Baptism is an expression of faith.

Jesus said to follow Him we need to “take up our cross”. This means we must be willing to put to death our “old self” (old habits, ungodly speech, selfishness, pride, sin). Repentance means to change our way of thinking. We once thought one way about the world, how we should live our lives, and treat others. Now we think a new way, according to the Bible. Baptism draws a clear line that just as we believe Jesus died and rose anew, so we too are dying to self to live as new creations. Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4 is not just about our dying to self, it is about our new life! Once we were slaves to sin, stuck in habits and negative ways of thinking. Now we are freed by Jesus to live for Him and experience love, joy, and real peace. By being baptized we are pledging not just that the old is gone, but that the new is here!

Our being baptized is not just for us, it also is a witness to friends, family, and the world that we now belong to Christ. Whatever we once were, we are no longer. We are forgiven, and in right relationship with God and we plan on living accordingly. It speaks to how we all can be forgiven, and make the decision to follow Jesus. 

Often in scripture believers were baptized immediately after they decided to follow Jesus.

For this reason, we believe baptism is for individuals who:

• Understand what baptism means
• Chose to be baptized to show their obedience to Jesus

 
If you have not been water baptized as an act of your faith, or would just like more information, please let us know!