BAPTISM

The Bible says that every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all personal efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only sacrifice that can bridge the gap between themselves and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then the Scriptures teach you are to be baptized. (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13)

First and foremost, Christ commanded it.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’”

(Matthew 28:19-20).

In addition, it is to follow the model and example set by Jesus:

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9).

It demonstrates that you are a believer, a follower of Christ.

“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3)

As soon as you can after you become a believer.

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)

Yet it doesn’t have to occur the moment you believe. The Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a believer, participating in the next available opportunity the church provides for baptism is an act of obedience and a clear command of God’s Word.

It is the method of Jesus’s baptism.

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him.” (Matthew 3:16)

Every baptism mentioned in the Bible is by immersion.

“And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.  And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more.…” (Acts 8:38–39).

The word “baptize” means “to dip or submerge.” Immersion best symbolizes Christ’s burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:1-11)

In the Bible, we see parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them.

Because baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who intentionally have received salvation are to be baptized. Thus, the Bible would indicate that baptism is for people who have decided to follow Christ.

If you have not experienced a believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life.  Again, baptism is a command from the Lord of every believer of Jesus Christ.

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you have already believed in Jesus!

It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

“…Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he was raised on the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4)

“…having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

It illustrates your new life as a Christian.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4).

All instances of baptism in the New Testament occur following an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48).

CBC waits to baptize until a child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism. When a child receives salvation in Christ, we joyously baptize them in the Christian faith after conferring with the parents.

To register for our next baptism or to discuss any questions you may have, simply contact the church office at servant@cbcweb.org.

One of Community Bible Church’s elders will contact you, and provide you with upcoming dates and information for baptism classes and service dates and times.