BAPTISM
Baptism is such an incredible step in the Christian journey and one that we love to celebrate with everyone!
This page is to provide you with information around baptism, including what, why, who, & when.
Take a moment to have a look at the information provided to make sure that baptism is your next step.
If you have any questions or want to register your interest click the button below, we would love to chat more.
WHAT IS IT?
The word baptism comes from the Greek word 'baptizo', which means to dip. Baptism is the act of being submerged under water to symbolically show the inward transformation of coming to, and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The symbolism of baptism is that, just as Christ died and was buried, so the baptised person is submerged under water. And just as Christ rose again from beneath the earth, so the baptised person rises again from beneath the water. Under the water is the believer’s old life. Out of the water, is the believer’s new, fresh, purposeful life.
Baptism is like a wedding ring. We put on a wedding ring as a symbol of our commitment and devotion. In the same way baptism is a picture of devotion and commitment to Christ. A wedding ring reminds us and tells others that we belong to someone special. In the same way, baptism reminds us and others that we are devoted to Christ and belong to Him.
IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION
The act of baptism, where we go down into the water and rise up again, is a demonstration that we identify with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins, just as the scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures say. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptised. And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12
IT ILLUSTRATES MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN
When we come to Christ our sins are forgiven and we become ‘born again’ into a new life with Him. What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
"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." Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.
God saved you by his special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9
WHY BE BAPTISED?
BECAUSE JESUS WAS
In order to understand the reason for being water baptised, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it. Jesus Himself was baptised.
At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. The moment He came out of the water, He saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on Him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Mark 1:9
BECAUSE JESUS COMMANDED US TO
We believe that Jesus commanded us to be baptised. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.” Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus makes it quite clear in the passage that to be a disciple of Christ is to be baptised and to follow the teachings of Jesus. If we wish to be a disciple of Jesus we must be obedient to His commands, one of which is to be baptised.
BECAUSE IT IS A PUBLIC DECLARATION
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life.
“Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptised is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.” Mark 16:16
BECAUSE IT IS A STEP OF OBEDIENCE THAT IS PLEASING TO GOD
God has given us the command to be baptised and when we obey his commandments he is very pleased with us.
But Jesus said, “It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.” So then John baptised Him. Matthew 3:15
After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him." Matthew 3:16-17
WHO CAN BE BAPTISED?
Every person who has made a decision to follow Jesus. Every person who has made the decision to not only believe in Christ, but to follow His teachings and example. Baptism is a demonstration of faith, all who believe in Christ should be baptised. The book of Acts records the history and growth of the early church. We see throughout this book that as soon as people believed they
were baptised.
“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 8:12.
Those who believed what Peter said were baptised... Acts 2:41
We believe in baptising children when they are old enough to understand what baptism means and can make a personal declaration of belief.
WHEN CAN I BE BAPTISED?
People in the New Testament were baptised on the same day that they believed. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can be, and is encouraged to be baptised. Then Phillip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water and Phillip Baptised him.
Acts 8:35-39
You do not need to wait until you have everything right in your life before you are baptised. As soon as you have made a decisions to follow Jesus' teaching and example, you can, and should be baptised. If you wait until you are 'perfect', you will never feel 'good enough'. We are made right in God's sight when we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. Romans 3:22