What is the Meaning of Baptism?

It illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection

  • "Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.”  -I Corinthians 15:3-4
  • "For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."  -Colossians 2:12

It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

  • "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”  -2 Corinthians 5:17
  • "By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!"  -Romans 6:4

Baptism does not "save" you, your faith in Christ does that. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows to others that you already believe. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

  • "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."  -Ephesians 2:8,9

Why should I Be Baptized by Immersion?

Because Jesus was baptized that way.

  • "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."  -Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

  • "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." -Acts 8:38-39

The Greek word for baptize (baptizein) means "to immerse or dip under water". This form of Baptism (immersion) best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

When Should Someone Be Baptized?

When they have believed in Jesus.There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have surrendered your life to Christ, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you´ll never feel "good enough”!

  • "Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…”  -Acts 2:41
  • "Simon himself believed and was baptized..."  -Acts 8:13
  • "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."  -Acts 8:12

As soon as you have believed.

  • "Those who believe...were baptized...that day!"  -Acts 2:41
  • "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 man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him."  -Acts 8:35-38

At First Baptist, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

What is my next step?

At First Baptist, we require those being baptized to set down with one of our elders or pastors to discuss the things previously listed and your story.


Here’s what you can expect the day of:

When to Arrive

  • You will arrive at least 15 minutes before service to meet with the pastor and get changed for your baptism.

Clothing 

  • You will be provided a First Baptist printed shirt to wear. You will need to bring shorts or swim trunks, a change of clothes and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

Sharing testimony

  • At the beginning of the service, one of the Pastor's will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. 
  • Then a 2-3 minute testimony video will be played to share your story of coming to faith. This video will be made prior to the service, with the help of the staff. (This is helpful not only for you, in getting the opportunity to share your testimony, but also for the congregation as they celebrate what God has been doing in your life.)

Baptism

  • The person baptizing you will say, “Upon your profession of faith in Christ, I baptize you my (brother/sister) in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; buried in the likeness of His death (at this point you will be lowered under the water and then raised up) and raised to walk in the newness of life.


We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.


To take the next step to baptism, contact us using this form.