Baptism
Water Baptism
Water baptism holds significant importance as a public declaration of faith and identification with Jesus Christ. It serves as an outward symbol of an inward transformation, representing the believers's union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, as described in Romans 6:3-4. Through baptism, you are signifying the washing away of your sins and your commitment to walk in newness of life, following Christ's example and command (Matthew 28:19).
"I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
FAQS
We would love to help answer some of your questions!
Why do people get water baptized?
Upon knowing and understanding what water baptism is and the symbolism behind it, most Believers feel compelled to take this step of faith and get water baptized. However, that’s not the only reason; One of the most important reasons to get water baptized is to follow the example of Jesus Christ and obey His commands:
Jesus — Our example
One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized Him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.
Jesus, Himself, got baptized in the Jordan River, even though He was without sin. He humbled Himself to undergo this process so that He could identify with us and give us an example to follow.
Jesus Himself got baptized in the Jordan River, even though He was without sin. He humbled Himself to undergo this process so that He could identify with us and give us an example to follow.
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
Jesus — our Lord
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christas written in Scripture.
How do we get water baptized?
The answer to this question may seem pretty obvious. Yes, water is involved and we have discussed the significance of the water in symbolizing the process of cleansing us— despite having NO magical power in and of itself. However, the greatest confusion seems to lie in the question of whether we must be fully immersed in the water or simply "sprinkled" with it.
Without delving too deep into the difference between immersion and sprinkling, here are 3 brief reasons why we believe in baptism by full immersion:
1. Firstly, the Greek word in the Bible for ‘baptism’ is Baptizo, which literally means to “immerse, to submerge and to overwhelm.”
2. Secondly, Jesus wasn’t sprinkled or partially baptized in the Jordan River. He was baptized by full immersion (“As Jesus came up out of the water…” Mark 1:10 NLT) and therefore, we follow His example.
3. Thirdly, in terms of the symbolic nature of water baptism, having received Jesus Christ into our heart, we are not just partially cleansed from sin, partially transformed from old to new or partially brought from death to life. Just like Jesus who died a complete death and was fully resurrected, our baptism needs to reflect the fullness and completeness of this death and resurrection. His work on the cross wasn’t partial. It was complete. It was full. Therefore, our act of faith by full immersion in water, symbolizes the fullness of all that we have received.
Who should get water baptized?
Every Believer should be water baptized as a crucial part of their journey with Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Every single person who has made the decision to believe in Christ and received salvation should take this step of faith.The only prerequisite for water baptism is belief in Christ.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20, NIV
Those who accepted His message were baptized....Acts 2:41, NIV
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12, NIV
With regards to the water baptism of children, the key factor is whether they are able to make their own conscious, mindful and willful decision to believe in Jesus Christ and take the step of faith to get water baptized. Getting water baptized is a decision that only you can make for yourself and, as such, it is different from baby dedication ceremonies where parents present their children to God for His protection and guidance.
it is important to note that immediately after Jesus was baptized, He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
After overcoming every temptation presented to Him, as an example to us, He commenced His ministry on Earth, full of power and authority. Just like Jesus, you can be tempted to give up your faith around the time of your baptism. The enemy knows that your willing decision to follow Christ is a sign that you are moving into your destiny and purpose in God and becoming a threat to his rulership in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. Don’t be concerned about the temptations you face. Just keep your eyes on Jesus— the One who demonstrated how to live a victorious life— and remember that what lies ahead, is an incredibly supernatural life doing great exploits for God!
The best part about being water baptized is hearing your Heavenly Father’s affirmation as you rise up out of the water:
You are my dearly loved son/daughter and you bring me great joy!
Being water baptized makes a public declaration to God and others that you no longer consider your life to be your own. Your life now belongs to God, and as such, you look to HIS leadership and not your own.