BAPTISM FAQ
Why Should I Be Baptized?
TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY JESUS.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” — Mark 1:9
BECAUSE JESUS COMMANDED IT.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples on all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.””
—Matthew 28:18-20
IT DEMONSTRATES THAT YOU ARE TRULY A BELIEVER AND FOLLOWER OF JESUS.
“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. “ — 1 John 2:3
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
IT ILLUSTRATES THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS.
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
— 1 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 2:12
IT ILLUSTRATES YOUR 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 6:4
Will Baptism Save Me?
No, baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. You are saved through your faith in Jesus. Only by trusting in His gift of salvation are you made a Christian. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart and with your life.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” — Ephesians 2:8
Why Be Baptized by Immersion?
BECAUSE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION.
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water…” — Matthew 3:16
BAPTISMS IN THE BIBLE WERE BY FULL IMMERSION.
“…they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water… — Acts 8:38-39
THE WORD “BAPTIZE” MEANS" “TO DIP UNDER THE WATER”.
IT BEST SYMBOLIZES A BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.
For further understanding, read Romans 6:1-11.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in, trusted, and surrendered to Jesus as their God and Savior. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus’ 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 Jesus alone for salvation. If you have come to that point, then you are ready to be baptized!
Should my Child be Baptized?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48).
At River Church, we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the gospel, to trust Jesus alone for salvation, and to understand the proper meaning of baptism. When a child makes the decision to follow Jesus, we gladly baptize them according to the Scriptures.
Should my Infant be Baptized?
In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them, 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. It is biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Jesus for salvation has been made by the child.
If baptism signifies salvation, as the Bible teaches, only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. If you have not experienced believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced 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 follower of Jesus.
When Should I Be Baptized?
You can be baptized as soon as you have believed. Baptism should follow your decision to trust Jesus for salvation. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you feel good enough, you will never be ready for baptism. (See Acts 2:41; 8:35-38) If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are already good enough because Jesus paid the price, not by what you have done.