Why Should I Be Baptized?

 

• To Follow The Example Set By Christ

  • Jesus, Himself was baptized, and became a wonderful example for every Christian.

  • Mark 1:9 “9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.”
     

• Because Christ Commands It

  • Matthew 28:19-20 “19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

  • Notice the threefold process! First...make them disciples! Second...baptize them! Third...teach them about the Christian life. People think they have to mature before they are baptized. The truth is that baptism is the initiation of the Christian life, not the graduation. Every Christian should be baptized when they become a believer.
     

• It Demonstrates That I Really Am A Believer

  • Acts 18:8 “8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. “

  • Believing and baptism were placed together

  • I John 2:3 “3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” 

 

What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?

 

• It Illustrates Christ’s Death & Resurrection

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

  • Colossians 2:12 “12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

  • So baptism is a visual picture or object lesson of what Christ had done for us. Just as Jesus died and resurrected, we are put under the water and brought up. 
     

•  It Illustrates My New Life As A Christian

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 “17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

  • Romans 6:4 “4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

  • Baptism doesn’t make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn’t “save” you; your faith in Christ saves you.

  • It is an outward symbol of the commitment that you made in your heart. It doesn’t marry you to Christ. But it is a sign of your marriage.

  • Ephesians 2:8-9 “ 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

 

Why Baptism By Immersion?

 

• Because Jesus Was Baptized That Way

  • Matthew 3:16 “16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”

  • Every Baptism In The Bible Was By Immersion

  • The word “baptize” means to submerge in water.

  • Acts 8:38-39 “38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”

  • 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.” (Lutheran Church)

    • John Calvin—”The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” (Presbyterian Church)

    • John Wesley—”Buried with him alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.” (Methodist/Wesleyan Church)

 

Who Should Be Baptized?

 

• Those Who Believe In Jesus Christ

  • Acts 2:41 “41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

  • Acts 8:13 “13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”

  • Acts 8:12 “12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

  • We wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parent’s promise to raise their children in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible. At BFWC we believe that every member should be baptized by immersion as Jesus was.

 

When Should I Be Baptized?

 

• As Soon As You Believe

  • They didn’t have to go through 22 weeks of Bible Study.

  • Acts 2:41 “41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

  • Acts 8:35-38 “35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”

  • There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have received Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough.”

 

Can My Family Be Baptized Together?

 

• Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our children’s pastor for a pre baptism conversation. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

 

What Should I Wear When I Am Baptized? 
 

• Women should wear dark pants or long shorts and a dark top or a “muumuu” style dress rather than a swimsuit. Men may wear a swimsuit with a dark shirt over it. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

 

Will I Have To Say Anything?

 

• No. At the beginning of the service, one of our pastors will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. 

 

What If I Have Special Needs?

 

• All our pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.