Why Get Baptized?
In developing a better understanding of why to get baptized, it's important to look to the Bible for what is says about it.... Jesus himself, having not sinned, was baptized! We hold this as the greatest example to follow! Jesus humbled himself, and in obedience to identify with us and provided us an example to follow when he was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Water baptism is the outward, public display of the inward, personal commitment to Christ and the obedience to his commands.
"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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19,20 NIV
Baptism is a declaration to the world that you are a Christ follower. It is the next step after your acceptance of Christ's grace and salvation, through repentance, and is an important foundation to your Christian life.
Why is Baptism Significant?
Baptism symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection! When you enter into the water during baptism, you are directly identifying with Christ's death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His magnificent resurrection from death.
"having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:12-14 NIV
Baptism symbolizes new life! Our old life is buried and we rise from the water to walk a new life with Him. It is meant to declare to the world that all your love, trust and hope is in Christ.
Baptism doesn't turn you into a believer; it exclaims that you already are! It does not, and will not "save" you; only your faith and acceptance of Christ's salvation can do that.
"For it is by grace you have saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8,9 NIV
Baptism connects us! Through baptism we are all connected to the "body of Christ", being joined together as believers. We no longer have walk the spiritual journey alone, for we have a spiritual community to lean upon and supports each other.
Who Should Get Baptized? How do I Get Baptized?
Every person that makes the decision to accept Christ as their personal savior and invites Christ into their heart should be baptized. The one requirement for baptism in the Bible is a belief is Christ!
We believe children can be baptized once they are old enough to understand what it means and they make that personal decision and declaration of faith and belief. Each child is different, but generally, it begins around the age of 10.
We believe in the example that Christ carried out himself, and those set in the Bible, in the full water immersion of baptism.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16 NIV
Ready to Get Started?
Are you ready to get started, or still have a few questions? Click the "Request to be Baptized" link below and fill out the information in the pop up window, our leadership staff will then contact you and we will help walk you through any remaining questions you may have. We are so excited you are making this decision and are here to help you every step of the way!