Baptism Questions ...
Have you ever thought about getting baptized but have too many questions still unanswered?
We would love to help you understand a little bit more about this significant step in the journey of following Jesus. Check out some frequently asked questions below for more information about baptism.
Why should I consider being baptized?
Baptism is a way we follow the example and instruction of Jesus
In order to understand the reason for water baptism, we consider what the Bible says about it: Jesus himself was baptized. While Jesus was not a sinner, he humbled himself to identify with us and give us an example to follow.
It is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus, and it is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Him.
What is the meaning and significance of baptism?
Baptism symbolizes Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
Our entrance under the water identifies us with the death of Jesus. Our moment “buried” under the water identifies us us with the burial of Jesus. Our exit out of the water identifies us with Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Baptism symbolizes our new life in Christ
In baptism, we symbolically bury the “old life” or “old self” and we rise up out of the water as a “new life” or “new self”. However, baptism does not “save” or “perfect” us. Rather, it symbolizes our decision to commit ourselves to the new life we have in partnership with God through Jesus.
The symbolic commitment of baptism is something we follow through on and live out on a daily basis in life.
See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:4
Baptism is a public expression that we belong to Jesus.
Baptism is a public confession and statement that we believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior and commit our lives to following him. Consider the illustration of a wedding ring …
If I’m not married, but I put a wedding ring on my finger, would that make me married? Of course not. In a similar way, I can be baptized in a church, but that doesn’t make me a true believer in Christ.
If I am married, but I do not wear a wedding ring, does this mean I am not married? No! Of course I am still married. In a similar way, I can be a believer in Christ, but not be baptized, and still be just as much a son or daughter of God.
But, if I am married, and I want the world around me to know that I am married, would I wear my wedding ring? Of course! In the same way, if I want everyone in the world around me to know that I believe in Jesus as Lord and commit my life to following him, I will show it in an outward way.
Baptism is a public statement that I believe in Jesus as Lord, and I’m committed to living my life for Him.
Baptism helps connects us to God’s family
Everyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and savior and follows him are called sons and daughters - children of God. We are his people here on earth.
Baptism is more than an individual act in our own, personal spiritual journey. In baptism, there a real sense of being joined to and connected with other believers as part of God’s family.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior is encouraged to be baptized. Sometimes we may feel like we need to “have it all together” in order to be good enough for baptism. But the truth is, there is only one requirement for baptism: belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior!
We do not observe infant baptisms since babies are not able to make a decision to follow Jesus. We do baptize children when they are old enough to understand what it means to make a personal declaration of belief.
Is There A Right Way To Be Baptized?
There are different views on the “right way” to be baptized. Here at Five Rivers Church, we baptize in water by immersion. In other words, we dunk.
We practice baptism in this way in an attempt to follow, as best we can, Jesus’ example and other baptism examples found in the Bible. We see Jesus baptized in this way, and all recorded baptisms in the New Testament also follow this practice. However, we do not feel it necessary to condemn baptism practices that are different from our own.
See Matthew 3:16 and Acts 8:38-39
I am ready to be baptized. What do I do now?
We are so excited that you have decided to take this next step on your journey with Jesus! Just tap or click on this link to get more information about our next baptism service. We offer a baptism orientation and a follow-up breakfast for everyone who gets baptized. So, check out the information including dates and times, and sign up. We will follow-up with you to help you make the most of your baptism experience!
