Understanding Baptism

What Baptism Means

Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes:

⬇️ Going Under Water

Death and burial with Christ—your old self dies

⬆️ Coming Out of Water

Resurrection with Christ—you're raised to new life

What Baptism Is NOT

❌ Not Required for Salvation: Faith saves, not baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9)
❌ Not Magical: Water doesn't cleanse sin; only Jesus' blood does
❌ Not Optional: Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19)

Biblical Baptism

1. Believer's Baptism

Only those who have believed should be baptized. Faith comes first, then baptism.

"Believe and be baptized" (Mark 16:16)

2. By Immersion

"Baptize" means "to immerse." Full immersion best pictures death, burial, and resurrection.

Jesus "came up out of the water" (Mark 1:10)

3. Public Testimony

Baptism publicly declares your faith in Jesus and commitment to follow Him.

"Baptized...3,000 were added" (Acts 2:41)

Why Should I Be Baptized?

Jesus Commanded It: Obedience to Christ's command (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus Modeled It: He was baptized as an example (Matthew 3:13-17)
Early Church Practiced It: New believers were immediately baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 16:33)
Public Declaration: Identifies you with Christ and His people

Common Questions

Can I be saved without being baptized?

Yes. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43). Salvation is by faith alone, but baptism is an act of obedience.

Should infants be baptized?

The biblical pattern is believer's baptism—faith precedes baptism. Infants cannot believe, so they shouldn't be baptized until they can personally trust Christ.

What if I was baptized as an infant?

Consider being baptized as a believer to obey Christ's command and publicly declare your personal faith.

Remember:

Baptism is an outward sign, not the means of salvation
It's your first step of obedience after believing
It publicly identifies you with Jesus and His church
Every believer should be baptized