baptism
Why should I be baptised?
Perhaps you have heard about baptism from a friend or a pastor but you are not sure whether or not it is for you. Well if you claim to follow Christ and have not yet been baptised then it is an important step that you should not miss. There are three strong reasons why, as a believer, you should be baptised. They are:
1. To follow the example set by Christ
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the river” (Mark 1:9).
2. Because Jesus commands it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer
“…as many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands” (1 John 2:3)
What is the meaning of Baptism?
Understanding why we should be baptised is only the first step. It is also important to understand what baptism means.
1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 3 “For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ” (Colossians 2:12).
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!” (Romans 6:4).
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God…not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Why be baptised by immersion
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water…” (Matthew 3:16).
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39). 4
3. The word “baptize” means to dip underwater.
The Greek baptizo means, “To immerse or dip under water.”
4. It best symbolizes a burial and Resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.” John Calvin… “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley… “Buried with Him alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Who should be baptised?
If someone affirms that they are a Christian, and believe the message of the gospel, then they should be baptised.
-
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41).
-
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” (Acts 8:13).
-
“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).
At Reedy Creek Baptist Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Reedy Creek practices a “Service of Dedication” for infants and young children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed! Don’t wait around till you feel it is the right time. The right time is right now.
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” (Acts 2:41).
There is no reason for delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect” you will never feel good enough.