5-5 Baptism
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
- To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9 (NIV)
- Because Christ commanded it.
“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)
- It demonstrates “I am a Believer”.
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.” 1 John 2:3 (NIV)
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
- It illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)
“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.” Colossians 2:12 (NIV)
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
- Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16a (NIV)
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water…”
Mark 1:10
- Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(for example) “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
- The word “baptize” means “to dip or immerse”.
- It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were 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 6:3-4 (NIV)
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others that someone has personally trusted Jesus for their salvation. Every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized. Having decided to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, they follow Him in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Him.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 (NIV)
“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,” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation. At Journey Church, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12 (NIV)
“’Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.” Acts 10:47-48 (NIV)
WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM?
In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone to baptize them.
Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed in Christ for salvation.
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12 (NIV)
SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED IMMEDIATELY AFTER SALVATION?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.
CAN I GET BAPTIZED IF I HAVE ALREADY BEEN BAPTIZED?
If you have not been baptized by immersion since asking Jesus into your life, your next step is baptism. If you have been baptized since asking Jesus into your life, there is no need to be baptized again.
WHAT DO I WEAR/WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO SHOW UP?
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a dark shirt and shorts. Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home. There is a changing room available. Towels will also be provided. Arrive 20 minutes before the start of service.