Why is Baptism Important?
We are excited to offer opportunities for baptism regularly as part of our monthly Night of Worship & Prayer. If you’re following Christ, but haven’t yet committed to him publicly through the ordinance of water baptism, we invite you to read further, and consider scheduling this important next step in your faith. If you have any questions at all, please contact our family ministries pastor, Josh Seaman, and we will be happy to help you find out more!
Baptism Basics
Matthew 28:16-20 reads:
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
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.”
So why is water baptism important?
PERSONALLY: We are drawing a line in the sand. Like a movie where the leader addresses a conflict by drawing a line and saying “If you’re with me, cross this line!” Once a person crosses that line, they commit themselves to a plan of action. Baptism is a form of that, as we say no to ourselves and commit to follow Jesus’ ways instead of our own.
Acts 2:38…. 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.”
PUBLICLY: We are identifying with Jesus, and with his death, burial, and resurrection. In his death, our old ways are no more. In his burial, our life is hidden in Him. And in his resurrection, we become a new creation.
Romans 6:3-5…. don’t you know that all of us who were 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. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward transformation.
FAQs:
What if I was baptized as an infant?
We believe you should be baptized after repentance. At that point, we have an understanding of sin, and our decision to turn away and follow Christ. Baby dedication is a symbolic commitment from parents to teach and raise a child to follow Christ, but it is not a personal decision and commitment made by the child.
If you were baptized as an infant, we would encourage you not to argue with or hold it against your parents. Instead, view this as an opportunity to reaffirm what your parents hoped for you so long ago.
How old should someone be to get baptized?
Do you (or your child) know and understand what it means to repent and follow Jesus? When a child is able to articulate a relationship with Christ, then it may be a fitting time for them to make a public commitment. Also, consider the motivating factors. Are their friends being baptized? Has that started a healthy conversation about what it means to be baptized, or is it introducing social pressure instead? Many times a healthy conversation on the reasons and meaning of baptism will draw that out!
What if I walked away from the Lord after being baptized? Should I be baptized again?
There’s no rule in the bible to address this situation, but when we are baptized, we tell everyone we are following Christ. If you walked away from faith and made it publicly known or clear that you no longer followed Christ, then it may be fitting to recommit publicly through baptism. We invite you to contact our pastoral team and discuss any questions further!
What if I decide not to get baptized?
In the bible, we see two ordinances—or commands—of the church. The first is communion, where we remember his sacrifice. The second is following his example in water baptism, so we believe this is an important command of scripture.
