HERE ARE SOME BAPTISM FAQ’S THAT WILL HELP YOU BEFORE YOU REGISTER.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change; it signifies that our former way of life is put to death and that a new life has begun because of what Jesus did on the cross. As we enter into the waters, we are reminded that Christ was crucified and raised from the dead and that we too have died to the old self in order to live for Christ. It is a powerful reminder of God’s goodness and grace, while serving as a step of obedience to follow Jesus’ example.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Baptism is not a “saving” command, but a “sanctifying” command in which we are called to become more like Christ by following his example. As we grow in maturity in our faith, we will be more and more conformed into the image of Christ as we follow his example.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is only intended for the person who has made a personal decision to ask Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. This means the believer has received the saving benefits of Christ’s atoning work and become what we call a “disciple” or someone who follows Christ. We practice what is called “believer’s baptism” which means we only baptize those who believe and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Reading through Acts, we find baptism explicitly related to repentance, receiving the Word, believing and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:37–41 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 promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

SHOULD I BE RE-BAPTIZED?

For those who were sprinkled or immersed in water in the past, it is important to understand that you only need to be baptized once. Baptism is reserved for a believer who is at an age where they make their own personal decision to follow Christ and decide for oneself to be baptized. If you believe that your original experience was prior to truly trusting in Christ as Lord and Savior, you should pursue obedience in this area by being baptized. If you were baptized as an infant, or the decision was made for you and came before a personal decision to follow Christ, it is not considered baptism according to scripture.

When you recommit or rededicate your life to Christ, you can use baptism as a symbol of renewal and rededication, however if you trusted in Christ the first time, your baptism is real and does not need repeating.