- Why should I be baptized?
- To follow the example set by Christ: “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9) // Because Christ commanded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) // It demonstrates that I am a Believer: “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:3)
- What is the meaning of baptism?
- To illustrate Christ’s death, burial and resurrection: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12) // To illustrate my new life as a Christian: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
- Is baptism necessary for salvation?
- No, baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ makes you a Christian. Baptism is a public sign of the commitment you have made to follow Jesus Christ: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Why be baptized by immersion?
- Because Jesus was baptized by immersion: “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water…” (Matthew 3:16) // Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion: For example: “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:38) // The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which means “to dip” or “to immerse” under water. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection: As a person being baptized goes under water, he/she is identifying with the death of and burial of Christ. As he/she comes up out of the water, he/she is identifying with the resurrection of Christ. (see Romans 6:1-11)
- Who should be baptized?
- Every person who has believed in Jesus Christ: “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41) // “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.” (Acts 8:12)
- When should I be baptized?
- As soon as you believe: Acts 8:12 says: “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.” // This doesn’t have to be immediately but the Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a Believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.
- What about being baptized twice?
- We recommend being baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a Believer in Christ. It does not devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.
