Answers to Questions on BAPTISM
How Are We to Be Baptized?
The term “baptize” is derived from the Greek word “baptizo,” meaning “to immerse or dip under water.” Jesus Himself was baptized by being fully immersed in water.
“... Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan... he came up out of the water...” - Mark 1:9-10
In the Bible, every instance of baptism was performed by immersion. The book of Acts, which documents early Christian practices, confirms that immersion was the standard method. Baptism follows a personal commitment to Jesus: After accepting Jesus, baptism should not be delayed. In the New Testament, new believers were baptized immediately after deciding to follow Jesus.
“... those who received his word were baptized...” - Acts 2:41
“... and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? ... then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” - Acts 8:38-39
“... Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan... he came up out of the water...” - Mark 1:9-10
In the Bible, every instance of baptism was performed by immersion. The book of Acts, which documents early Christian practices, confirms that immersion was the standard method. Baptism follows a personal commitment to Jesus: After accepting Jesus, baptism should not be delayed. In the New Testament, new believers were baptized immediately after deciding to follow Jesus.
“... those who received his word were baptized...” - Acts 2:41
“... and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? ... then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” - Acts 8:38-39
Will I Have to Say Anything?
No. The person baptizing you will introduce you and ask if you have received Jesus as your personal Savior. Once you respond “Yes,” you will be immersed in water, brought back up, prayed over, and then leave the water to get changed.
Why Should I Get Baptized?
1. To Follow Jesus’ Example:
Jesus was baptized, not because He was a sinner, but to set an example for us.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” - Mark 1:9
2. Because Jesus Commanded It:
Baptism is an act of faith and obedience to Jesus’ commands.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
“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.” - Matthew 28:19-20
3. As a Public Declaration:
Baptism is a public confession of your faith and commitment to Jesus, symbolizing your new life as a believer.
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” - Acts 2:41
Jesus was baptized, not because He was a sinner, but to set an example for us.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” - Mark 1:9
2. Because Jesus Commanded It:
Baptism is an act of faith and obedience to Jesus’ commands.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” - John 14:15
“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.” - Matthew 28:19-20
3. As a Public Declaration:
Baptism is a public confession of your faith and commitment to Jesus, symbolizing your new life as a believer.
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” - Acts 2:41
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
1. Symbol of Jesus’ Burial and Resurrection:
Baptism represents Jesus’ 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
2. Symbol of New Life:
Baptism signifies the death of the old life and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
“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
3. Confirmation of Faith:
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one. Salvation is through faith in Jesus alone.
“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
Baptism represents Jesus’ 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
2. Symbol of New Life:
Baptism signifies the death of the old life and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
“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
3. Confirmation of Faith:
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one. Salvation is through faith in Jesus alone.
“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
What About Being Baptized Twice?
If you were baptized as a baby, it is not considered the same as a believer’s baptism. It is recommended that you be baptized again by immersion. This does not devalue prior experience but instead aligns your baptism with the scriptural method.
Can We Be Baptized Together?
Yes, families can be baptized together if each member understands the meaning of baptism and has placed their trust in Jesus. We encourage families to be baptized together.
What Age Does My Child Need to Be In Order to Be Baptized?
There is no specific age requirement. A child must be old enough to comprehend what it means to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior and understand the significance of baptism. They must also feel comfortable being in and underwater.
* See our “Answers and Questions on Child Dedication” for a more detailed explanation between a Dedication and a Baptism