BAPTISMNEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE WHY BE BAPTIZED? * A desire to follow Christ's example."At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." Mark 1:9 * Christ commanded it."Jesus said, 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.'" Matthew 28:19-20 * Baptism declares you are a believer."...Many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8 * Obeying Christ's command shows you know Him."We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3 WHAT IS THE SIGNIGICANCE OF BAPTISM? * Baptism is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection."...Christ died for our sings...He was buried ...He was raised on the third day..." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 "Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:12 * Baptism is a symbol of your new life as a Christian."'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 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 * Baptism does not make you a believer. It shows that you already are one! 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 made 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 HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED? * As Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water."As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16 * Every instance of baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.(Example) "...Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...." Acts 8:38-39 The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means "to immerse or dip under water." * Immersion is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.The founders of denominations agree: Martin Luther: "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and mystery signifies." John Calvin: "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church." John Wesley: "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church. WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED! * Each person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.'Those who accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41 "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 "Simon himself believed and was baptized." Acts 8:13 *The one requirement for baptism is a belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe in Christ for themselves. WHEN SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED? As soon as we have believed! WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED TWICE? Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion in a Baptist church since you became a believer. It does not devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every Northside member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrates and commanded us to follow. even if you were baptized as an infant, this decision should be made by you as a believing adult. CAN A FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER? Yes! If each family member 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. WHAT IS THE PROCESS? While we recognize every believer is ready to be baptized, we feel the significance of baptism should be clear to each participant. A one on one discussion time with the pastor concerning the ordinance of baptism will help prepare you for baptism. Part of your commitment in being baptized and joining our fellowship is to complete our New Member's Class - Class 101. WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING? No. At the beginning of the baptismal service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. GOD WILL BLESS YOU AS YOU DEMONSTRATE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST! |
