What is the meaning of Baptism?

Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection and is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one. Baptism is like a wedding ring- it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

Why be baptized?

• Because you want to follow Christ’s example

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. – Mark 1:9

• Because Christ commanded it

Jesus said Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. – Matthew 28:19-20

• Because it shows that you are a believer

…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. – Acts 18:8

• Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know Him

We know that we have come to know him, if we obey His commands. – 1 John 2:3

How are we to be baptized?

Like Jesus, by being immersed in water

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.  – Matthew 3:16

• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water

 …then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…  – Acts 8:38-39

• The word “Baptize” literally means to dip under water

The Greek word “baptizo” means to immerse or dip under water.

• It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection

Who should be baptized?

 Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ

Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized… – Acts 2:41

But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. – Acts 8:12

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

When are we to be baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay. There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can and should be baptized.

What about being baptized twice?

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. We encourage everyone at Church at the Creek to be baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.