BAPTISM
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
"For I delivered to you as of importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
I 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 2:12It illustrates my 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 6:4Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"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 in the Bible was 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, and went on his way rejoicing."
Acts 8:38-39 The word baptize means "To dip under water". The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water". It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
"I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies."
Martin Luther"The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
John Calvin"Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
John WesleyWHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
"So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:41"But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Acts 8:12"Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip..."
-Acts 8:13At Journey Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
The baptism talked about in the Bible is only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
We will do a "dedication" of the child to the Lord. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child 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.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed.
"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 8:35-38There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive 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 & FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each person 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.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Women should wear shorts and a t-shirt. Men may wear shorts or swimming shorts and a t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
At the beginning of the service, The Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism while you wait for your turn to be baptized. The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism!
