Baptism

What Is This Baptism Thing All About?

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An ordinance (or sacrament) is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual change.  The two ordinances of the Church are baptism and communion.

• Baptism is a one time public act taken by a person to state that he or she has become a follower of Jesus Christ.
• Communion is an ongoing ceremony a Christian is involved in for the purpose of reflecting on the death of Jesus Christ.

Frequently asked questions about baptism:

“What is the importance of baptism?  Why should I be baptized?”

1.     Jesus set the  EXAMPLE.

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Mark 1:9

2.     Jesus COMMANDED that it be done.

(Jesus) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

3.     Baptism demonstrates PUBLICLY that I really am a believer in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also became believers and were baptized. Acts 18:8

 

“Should infants be baptized?”

1.      The answer to this question is found in looking at the meaning of baptism:

• Baptism illustrates Christ’s BURIALand  RESURRECTION
• Baptism illustrates my NEW LIFE as a Christian

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

2.      Baptism, then, is only for those who are:

• OLD enough to recognize their sinfulness
• MATURE enough to understand what the death of Christ is all about
• RESPONSIBLE enough to make a solid decision to believe Christ and to follow Him

 

“Does baptism save anybody from their sins?”

1.      The key to a relationship with God is FAITH in Christ.

2.      Baptism, like a wedding ring, only SYMBOLIZES the existence of a relationship. It does not determine the creation or the elimination of the relationship.

“How important is the method of baptism?”

1.      At pc3, we baptize by immersion (dipping under) because: 

• JESUS was baptized that way
• Every baptism in the  BIBLE was by this method
• “Baptize” means to “DIP UNDER”.

2.      Baptism by another method does not mean you are in trouble with God.

“Is it okay for me to be baptized in a private setting with only a few people present?”

1.      Since baptism is the outward public statement of the inward change of a new life, it should be done in the  PRESENCE of many WITNESSES.

2.      At pc3, we baptize every few months in the ocean or in a pool so that a crowd of people will be present.