Baptism
Baptism:
A Public Declaration of
New Life in Christ
Baptism is a beautiful and powerful step of obedience for every believer—a public declaration of faith and a symbol of the transformation that takes place when we trust in Jesus. Through baptism, we identify with Christ in His death, experience the cleansing of sin, enter into the covenant of grace, and rise to walk in new life.
Who Can Be Baptized?
We believe that baptism is for those who have personally trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is a public symbol of the salvation that has already taken place through faith.
We practice baptism by immersion, which represents being buried with Christ and raised to walk in new life. Because we believe baptism follows a personal decision to follow Jesus, we do not baptize infants.
Baptism is an act of obedience and a way to publicly declare your faith. If you’ve made the decision to follow Christ, baptism is your next step in the journey.
Death
Baptism shows that we are united with Christ in His death. Just as He was buried, we too are symbolically buried with Him in the water, putting to death our old way of life and turning away from sin.
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4
Cleansing
Baptism also represents the washing away of sin. While the water itself doesn’t cleanse us, it points to the spiritual cleansing that comes through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” – Acts 22:16
Covenant
Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers as part of making disciples. Through baptism, we enter into the covenant community of faith, identifying ourselves as followers of Christ and part of His Church.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19–20
New Life
Coming up from the water signifies being raised to new life in Christ. The old has gone, the new has come. Baptism is a celebration of the transformation God brings to a heart made alive through Him.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Considering Baptism?
Whether you’re thinking about getting baptized or just want to learn more, we’d love to help you explore what the Bible says about this meaningful step of faith. Baptism is a way to show what God has done in your life, it’s a celebration of His grace, a public “yes” to following Jesus, and a big moment in your faith journey. No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to walk with you and answer any questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Baptism
When should I be baptized?
A new believer should be baptized at the time he or she trusts in Christ. It displays to everyone the entification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but in the New Testament church, a person’s baptism was always the first expression of faith, not separate from it. Therefore, baptism was not just a symbol or a memorial of faith, but was intended to offer a means of union with Christ and a benchmark of transformation, marking the place and time a person made a commitment to Christ (Romans 6:1-8).
Do I need to be baptized to get into Heaven?
It is our contention that baptism is an important step of obedience for a Christian, but we adamantly reject baptism as being required for salvation. We strongly believe that each and every Christian should be water baptized by immersion. Baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-4 declares, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
The action of being immersed in the water illustrates dying and being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.
Yes, I want to be baptized! What's next?
Praise the Lord you want to proclaim your faith in front of like-minded believers and follow the example of Jesus! Please let Pastor Kevin Long, Pastor Gene Watkins or one of the deacons know about your decision and we will talk to you about the next steps!
Why should I be baptized?
Baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the church. Just before His ascension, Jesus said, “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).
Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship. In the waters of baptism, a person says, wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.”
The act of baptism cannot save an individual. We are saved only through accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Baptism demonstrates the believer’s acceptance of Christ and is the point of time when the believer receives assurance of his or her faith.
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take. Baptism cannot be a requirement for salvation. Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience. Baptism is the symbol of what has already occurred in the heart and life of one who has trusted Christ as Savior.
Can children be baptized?
Our prayer is that the next generation is awakened to God’s heart and love for them. We want baptism to be a decision your child can comprehend and step into personally as they follow Jesus with their life.
When I get baptized can my family come?
Yes! Invite your friends and family, as this is an awesome moment for them to witness the difference that Jesus has made in your life!
Does the pastor have to baptize me or can I choose someone else?
We invite you to have the person who led you to Christ or someone who encouraged you along the way to baptize you. Or, if you prefer, one of our pastors would be happy to baptize you.
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Get In Touch
Phone Number
(863) 709-1009