We believe that Water Baptism by immersion is an important step of obedience and a public identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision. It is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.
Why do I need to be baptised?
It is an ordinance and commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Mathew 28:19-20 “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.”
Jesus Himself set an example for us by being baptised by John the Baptist.
Mathew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
It is a commandment of the early Christian church given by God through Peter:
Acts 2: 37- 38 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit convicted their hearts to repent and those who received the message were baptized.
What is the significance of water baptism?
It is the union with Christ in His Death & Resurrection.
During Baptism, when a person is submerged under water it signifies the death and burial of Jesus in the tomb. We bury our ‘old sinful life’ or the ‘old nature’ in the water. When the person comes out of the water, it signifies the resurrection. You rise up as a new creation to walk in the newness of life. It is a symbol of a brand new life as a Christian. We count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:3-4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been 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.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!
Who should be baptised?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. We believe in baptising children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief. (Usually, the age of 12 years old is sometimes considered a good benchmark.)
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.”
Acts 2:41 “Those who accepted his message were baptised….”
How should I be baptised?
It is as per the example of Jesus – by being immersed in water. The word “baptise” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which means “to immerse or dip under water”. We baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water.
Acts 8:38-39 …then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water….
Some key points:
- Baptism does not make you a believer; it only shows that you already are one.
- It does not ‘save you’; only your faith in Christ does that.
- Baptism is not for joining a church or denomination but to unite with Christ in His death and resurrection.
- Through Baptism we die to ourselves and our old sinful nature. We begin as a new creation in Christ.
- When we receive Baptism we put on Christ. It is like putting on new clothes.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Baptism opens the way to a ceaseless overflowing of the Holy Spirit on your life. When we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and He becomes part of us.
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Baptism doesn’t guarantee that that you won’t sin again. We need to continually depend on the Holy Spirit who gives us the ability to overcome temptations.
More than anything, Baptism is a celebration as this is the greatest decision you have ever made. We celebrate with you even as heaven is rejoicing over you. Welcome to the family of God!
Acts 22:15-16 You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.