Water Baptism

 

 

 

Water Baptism - What it is and how to respond.

Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. It is about "going public" with your faith, and it's the next step of your journey of faith after salvation.

What is Baptism?

Baptism literally means to "dip under water.”  It carries the picture of clothing being dipped or immersed into a dye. A cloth is dipped into a vat long enough to soak in the color of the dye. Once this process is done the cloth is pulled out of the vat now resembling the color of the dye.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

When Jesus died on the cross, His blood was shed for mankind. His blood cleansed sin's curse. Baptism is a symbol demonstrating that a believer in Jesus has been buried in Christ, raised to a new life in Him, and desires to grow to become more like Him.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

When a believer in Jesus Christ gets baptized, he is proclaiming a commitment to follow Jesus as Lord. It demonstrates a washing away and repentance (turning from sin). Baptism is a sign to others that one's allegiance is pledged to God, not self. It identifies one with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.

A believer does this in order to take on the likeness and attitude of Jesus - just like dye colors garments. When one is baptized he is choosing to take on the character and traits of Jesus.

Is Baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism does not make you a believer, it demonstrates that you already believe. It is important to understand that baptism does not save you. You are saved only by your faith in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (NLT)

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment.

Who is Baptism For?

Baptism is for those who have already made a decision to follow Jesus and have accepted His offer of eternal life and forgiveness of sins. Baptism is for those, who by choice, have decided to follow the example of Jesus and be submitted to His Lordship in every area of their life.

Why is Baptism Important?

Baptism is important because it symbolizes or proclaims what Jesus has done in our life. It is a sign or covenant distinguishing a believer. The old sinful life is buried and the new life – abundant, eternal life – the life Jesus Christ offers in God (John 10:10), is made alive inside you! When one is brought out of the water at baptism, it symbolizes this new life with Christ.

When you are baptized, it demonstrates your old sinful nature being buried; it no longer has control over you. Now you are in Christ. Jesus Christ is your new life; He gave you the Holy Spirit to help you walk in His ways. You received your new life at the time of your salvation. Baptism simply demonstrates publicly that inner conversion and desire to live for the Lord.

When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, and when you understand what baptism is and what it demonstrates, you can and should be baptized. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are "perfect" you will never be ready.

Acts 2:41 …Those who accepted His message were baptized that day.

Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

What if I was baptized as an infant?

Some churches baptize infants. At Journey, we only baptize those who have made a decision to believe in Christ's death as a payment for their sin. In the Bible, men and women were baptized following their belief in Jesus. Therefore, if you were baptized as a baby, we encourage you to be baptized by immersion as a believer.

Are you ready to take the Next Step?

If so, you can register online or fill out the attached form and turn it into our welcome center and we will notify you and send you additional details regarding our next baptism service.