Baptism is a step of Faith, in Obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19)
Who is our Role Model for Baptism?
Our Lord Jesus Christ was publicly Baptized in the River Jordan, as an adult, to fulfil all Righteousness, as an example to us:
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to FULFIL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:13-17)
What is the Significance of Baptism?
Baptism is a public declaration of our identification with the Death, Burial and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, to rise up in the newness of life, as a New Creation!
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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.” (Rom 6: 3-4)
When should one be Baptized?
Baptism is a step of obedience, AFTER Repentance, Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Accepting Him as Saviour, and being Born Again.
“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)
What about Infant & Child Baptisms?
We do not Baptize Infants and Children when they are below the age of understanding, and wont know WHY they are being baptized. The Biblical command is to: Repent! Believe! Then be Baptized! (Mk 16:16, Acts 2:38., Acts 8:36-37).
The practice of “sprinkling” infants is believed to have begun in the third century, in North Africa, prompted by fear that a child may die, before attaining the age of understanding, and then believing and accepting Christ as Saviour.
Why is Baptism by Immersion Significant?
The word Baptism is derived from the Greek word “Baptizo,”which means to be IMMERSED/DIPPED.
Immersion in Water, symbolises the burial of our old, sinful life, and coming under the authority of God’s Word, and God’s Holy Spirit, which are symbolised by water!
“who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were SAVED THROUGH WATER. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20-21)
What Should every Believer do in Response to the Command to be Baptized?
Read the Scriptures listed, and meditate on them.
Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to Speak to you.
When Convicted by the Holy Spirit, OBEY, in getting Baptized.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16: 15-16)
If you would like to get Baptized, fill out the application below. Completed forms can be placed in the Stay in Touch Box, in the foyer, or given to a Ministry Team Leader.