What Is Baptism?
Water baptism serves as a symbol of faith and a public declaration following someone’s decision to follow Jesus. The one being baptized is momentarily submerged under water before rising out again. This is done in front of a crowd of witnesses from the church.
Personal Choice
The decision to be baptized belongs to the one being baptized. It is a step of obedience in response to the life-saving grace of Jesus. It is personal, but not private.
Symbol
Water baptism does not save us. It serves as a symbol of cleansing and marks the beginning of our new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism signifies a believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection as he/she goes under the water and rises again.
Public Declaration
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s the public declaration that one is now a follower of Jesus, committed to beginning a new life with Christ, as a part of a new family. Those who witness a baptism represent the new family.
Celebration
Heaven rejoices whenever someone decides to follow Jesus (Luke 15:7). So should we. Baptism is a public reception to celebrate and welcome home a new brother or sister in Christ.
Step of Obedience
Jesus was baptized, and Jesus’ final command was to go and make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
Requirements for Baptism
Biblically speaking, people believe in Christ and are baptized immediately. There is no formal class. The only requirement is the same as that for salvation – faith in Jesus.
With that said, it is important for one to understand the meaning and significance of baptism. Typically, before being baptized, one is required to join a short meeting with a pastor or leader in the church to discuss baptism and make sure it’s a voluntary decision.
FAQ
Can I be baptized twice? If you were baptized as a young child (perhaps it was your parents’ decision), you may be baptized again, although it’s not required. Some people choose to be baptized again after a period when they walked away from the Lord. Again, this is not required, but it is permitted. Consult with your pastor.
I was baptized at a different church. Do I need to get baptized again? Spiritually speaking, no. It doesn’t matter which church baptized you. We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not in the name of a church or a pastor.
What about infant baptism? We believe in believer’s baptism, meaning that someone is baptized only after his/her profession of faith in Jesus. Therefore, we do not practice the baptism of infants. Instead, we perform baby dedications just as Jesus was dedicated in the temple as an infant. This is a time of surrendering our children to the Lord before a crowd of witnesses (the church) who will commit to helping lead that child in the way of Christ.
