Water Baptism

Much like a wedding ring is symbolic of marital commitment; water baptism is a symbolic act of your new relationship with Jesus. Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family, it shows you are part of God’s family. Baptism is the first step in your spiritual journey after you have made the decision to follow Jesus.  It’s about going public with your faith.  Christ called it our first step of obedience– an outward expression of your inner commitment to God.  If you have not been Biblically water baptized as an adult, it is an important next step for you!  Here’s an overview of what you should know before getting water baptized.

1. The Standard of Water Baptism: The biblical pattern was to get saved and get water baptized right away or shortly afterwards.  (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:4)  Most believers in the New Testament were baptized immediately.  Our requirements for baptism are that you have made a decision to begin a relationship with Jesus and are being discipled within our church community.

2. The Source of Water Baptism: The practice of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. They declared to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.

3. The Symbolism of Water Baptism: Water Baptism is an outward act that symbolizes an inner work of salvation.  It symbolizes that we our old life is buried with Christ and we rise up as new creations in Christ.

4. The Significance of Water Baptism: We are free from the power of sin. We now have the power to say “yes” to God and “no” to sin.  We are declaring that we are new creations in Christ.