Baptism

To follow the example set by Christ.  The bible says, “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

Because Christ Commanded it.  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

It demonstrates that I really am a Believer. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3)

A. It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 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)

B. 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.” (II 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)

C. Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring- it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart. (see Ephesians 2:8-9)

A. Because Jesus was baptized that way. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”  (Matthew 3:16)

B. 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)

C. The word “Baptize” means “to dip under water.”

D. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-11).

E. The founders of the major denominations agree, Martin Luther (founder of the Lutheran Denomination): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin (founder of Presbyterian denomination): “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse.It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him” alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized.  A believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God.  They have given up all 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 thing that can bridge the gap between them and God.  A Believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation.  If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13)

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it.  All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48). At the Bridge Church we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.  When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them into the Christian faith.

In the Bible we find parents bringing 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.  So it seems more Biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ as Savior has been made by the child.  If baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.

Baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

As soon as you have believed.  Acts 8:12 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.

No, but the Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer.  There is no reason to delay.  If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.