Take Your Next Step: Baptism
Baptism is when you tell the world "I belong to Jesus." It's an outward expression of an inward transformation that has already taken place through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. People who follow Jesus choose to be baptized because Jesus commanded it, Jesus modeled it for us being baptized himself, and it is a Sacrament Jesus has given to the Church.
1. What is baptism?
Baptism is our response to God’s love for us. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has already taken place through our personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism is a public acknowledgment to the world that we have made the decision to follow Jesus.
Baptism is like a wedding ring—it’s an outward symbol of the covenant or commitment you have made in Jesus. A ring is not required to be or stay married. However, the ring is a rich symbol to the bride and groom of their covenant with God and each other. It also tells the world of their commitment and reminds family and friends of the responsibility they share to uphold the couple. This is similar to Baptism. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).
Baptism does not save us. The New Testament teaches that salvation is based on personal faith in Jesus Christ apart from any other action. Baptism is a symbol of the salvation that has already taken place in your life! It is also a Sacrament in the sense that it puts the saving power of Jesus on display. By being baptized you are showing that you have died to your old self and have been raised to a new life in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation precedes baptism and never depends upon it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Simply put, Baptism does not save a person.
2. Why should I be baptized?
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience and demonstrates submission to God. Jesus himself was baptized, giving it special significance — Jesus loved us enough to identify with us! (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9). Every person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior should be baptized (Acts 2:36-41). Baptism was given expressly and exclusively to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is an expression of one’s faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin and toward Jesus, the only one who can change us. (Acts 2:38-41)
3. When’s the best time to be baptized?
The only qualification for baptism is to believe, repent of your sin, and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior—that means you believe and trust that Jesus Christ died for your sins and was resurrected, conquering Satan, Sin, and Death for you—and to trust Jesus with your life, giving Him control (Acts 2:41). Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
4. Why do we immerse in water when baptizing?
Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, our old nature or worldly nature and our sin is dead and buried (Romans 6:3-5). This symbolizes you are no longer living for yourself but for the Kingdom.
Being lowered into the water is a symbol of the burial of Christ and you are burying your old self. Being raised from the water is a symbol of the resurrected Christ and you have a new life in God as an heir in His family and coheir with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
5. Do you baptize children?
Baptism is for children who can express their own decision (Romans 10:9) to trust and follow Jesus and understands the meaning of baptism (Acts 10:47-48). Finally, as parents, we have the biggest influence on what our children understand about Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him.
At Redemption Church, we do not baptize infants, but instead do what we call “Baby Dedication”. This is a special moment where the family stand before the church and makes a public declaration that they want to raise their Child in a way that honors Jesus. In return, the Church Family makes a public declaration that they will love, support, encourage, and pray for that family.
6. Will I get wet?
You better believe it. We baptize via full water immersion, that means you go underwater. We do make exceptions for people with physical or health limitations.
7. What should I wear?
Dark clothes that you do not mind getting wet. We suggest a T-Shirt and shorts. You should also bring a towel and extra clothes to change into.