BAPTISM

What is Baptism?

A general definition of the word baptism is “an act of dipping in water as a sign of religious purification and consecration.” It signified purity or cleansing from sin and devotion to God.  Baptism is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.  We practice full immersion baptism, meaning, a person is fully immersed, or dipped, underwater for a brief moment.

Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

“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.” (Matthew 28:19, NIV)

Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection:

“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.” (Romans 6:4, NIV)

Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means “change.” It is turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before the Lord. It is giving the control of our lives over to Him.

“Peter replied, 'Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church–about three thousand in all.” (Acts 2:38, 41, NLT)

Water Baptism is a public testimony: the outward confession of an inward experience. In baptism, we stand before witnesses confessing our identification with the Lord.

Water Baptism is a picture representing profound spiritual truths of death, resurrection, and cleansing. 

Death: 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

Resurrection: 

“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. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” (Romans 6:4-5, NIV)

Cleansing: 

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21, NIV)

“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11, NIV)

If you would like to be baptized, please fill out the form below.  We will be in touch with you soon.  We will provide more information to answer your questions about this rewarding experience to affirm your faith in God.