Are You Ready to Be Baptized?

When a person enters in to new life with Jesus, the Bible tells us that all of heaven rejoices. Baptism is an outward symbol of the inward commitment to Christ. Baptism is our testimony to the public of belonging to Jesus. It is the New Testament's mandate act to demonstrate discipleship and is a part of the born again experience. If you have accepted Christ, we would love to baptize you and share this special decision with you to go public with your faith!

If you have questions about baptism: Why should I be baptized? I’ve already been baptized. Do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked? Feel free to contact us or visit the Baptism table after a weekend service.

 

Why should I be baptized?

1. To be born again. You were born naturally, but you need to be born spiritually. This is what is meant by being born again. The process of being born again includes being baptized in water and filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made it very clear that we must be born of water and spirit in order to inherit and see the kingdom of God. John 3:1-6

2. To follow the example set by Christ.

   “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9

3. Because 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 I have commanded you…’” Matthew 28:19–20

4. Because the Apostles followed the command of Jesus. The Apostle Peter commanded all those on the day of Pentecost to be "Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" and that they would "receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". Acts 2:38

5. Because it shows you are a believer.

6. “…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

7. Because obeying Christ’s commands shows you know Him.

   “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3

What does baptism mean?

1. It’s a symbol of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

   “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

2. It is a symbol of 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 also we might live a new life!” – Romans 6:4

Why be baptized by immersion?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

   “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” – Matthew 3:16

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.

   “…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38,39 38–39

3. The word “baptize” literally means “to immerse or dip under water.”

4. It’s the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. 

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We don’t baptize children until they’re old enough to understand and believe.

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.

“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, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look here is some water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The official answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36–39 (Paraphrase)

Can I get baptized if I’ve already been baptized?

If you haven’t been baptized since you asking Jesus into your life, your next step is baptism.  It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way as Jesus. If you have been baptized since asking Jesus into your life, there’s no need to be baptized again unless you know that your previous commitment was not true and sincere in heart. 

Can a family be baptized together?

Yes! If each family member trusts in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation. The Go team interviews children under 12 to make sure they understand, before being baptized. When a child believes and understands the meaning of baptism, we’ll gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.