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Why be Baptized? Because you want to follow Christ's example: "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river." Because Christ Commanded it: Jesus said, "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19,20 Because it shows you are a believer: "...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized" - Acts 18:8 Because obeying Christ's Command shows you know him: "We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands." - 1 John 2:3 What is the meaning of Water Baptism? It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection and of our spiritual baptism - our identifying with Christ in our salvation: "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 and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:12 It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 "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 Is Baptism necessary for Salvation? Baptism doesn't make you a believer. It shows that you are already one! Nor does baptism "save" you. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring -- it is the outward symbol of the commitment you have already made in your heart: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith...it is the gift of God, not by words, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8,9 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." - Acts 16:31 How are we to be baptized? In the same way Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." - Matthew 3:16 Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water: "...Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." - Acts 8:38,39 The word "baptize" from the Greek word "baptizo", means "to dip" or "to immerse" under water. Immersion is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection: As the person being baptized goes under water, he is identifying himself with the death and burial of Christ. As he comes up out of the water , he is identifying himself with the resurrection of Christ. Christian leaders in history agree: "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies." - Martin Luther "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain the immersion was the practice of the ancient church." - John Calvin "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church." - John Wesley Who should be baptized? Every person who has believed in Christ: "Those who accepted his message were baptized." - Acts 2:41 "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe: Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look , here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized?"... Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. - Acts 8:35-38 What about being baptized twice? We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It does not devaluate a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Can my family be baptized together? Yes! If each family member fully understands 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. Will I have to say anything? We ask each person being baptized to share briefly when and how they came to put their trust in Christ. In short, tell your own story of salvation in such a way that anyone in the congregation could understand how to become a Christian: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 Is Baptism a requirement for Emmanuel Baptist Church membership? Yes When are we to be baptized? As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay: "Those who accepted his message were baptized...that day!" - Acts 2:41 How do I get baptized at EBC? Check our Church Calendar (from the Home Page) for the schedule of Baptismal Services. For more information, contact the church office at (814) 266-4117. |