Baptism

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Who Should Be Baptized?

The Bible teaches that every individual who puts his or her trust in Christ for salvation should be baptized. There are many biblical examples of this teaching.

The people who heard Peter's first sermon asked, Brothers, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37). He answered: Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (vs. 39). Their response: Those who accepted his message were baptized... (vs. 41).

CONCLUSION: These biblical examples indicate that the person who has first repented of sin and believed is eligible for baptism. One must first be a believer in Christ to be eligible for baptism.

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

What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?

Baptism is a symbol of one's identification by faith with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection.

Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We are, 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 6:6-35).

The following of an individual into the water symbolized his or her identification with Christ in His death and burial. Similarly, raising that person from the water symbolized his or her identification with Christ in His resurrection and new life.

CONCLUSION: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward experience that has already taken place through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Should I Be Re-Baptized?

That depends upon the significance of your first BAPTISM. If you had actually trusted Christ prior to being baptized, there is no need to ever be re-baptized as a sort of second commitment to Him. But if your first baptism was as an infant, you were unable to personally declare your trust in Christ at that time. You should then seriously consider baptism now as a believer.

Why Be Baptized?

• Baptism is a step of obedience for every believer, commanded by Christ Himself.
• Baptism provides an opportunity for every believer to publicly acknowledge his or her faith in Jesus Christ.
• Baptism identifies with the body of Christ.
• Baptism allows us to follow Christ's example

CONCLUSION: While salvation is a free gift of God's grace alone, the credibility of one's salvation is demonstrated by obedience. Taking the step of baptism demonstrates our obedience to Christ.

When Are We To Be Baptized?

As soon as possible! The Bible indicated that baptism is one of the first steps anew believer takes.

It's not unusual, however, for someone to discover the importance of baptism several years after professing faith in Christ. This person should make plans to be baptized at the first opportunity.

How Can I Be Baptized?

It's actually very simple. Personal meetings with the pastors are scheduled for those interested in baptism. These meetings enable you to not only learn more about baptism, but also enables you to share in a comfortable setting how you came to begin a personal relationship with Christ. Within a few weeks following these meetings, there will be an opportunity for you to be baptized as part of a regularly scheduled service.