BAPTISM
What is baptism?
Baptism is an important event in the believer's walk with Jesus Christ. The Bible talks about both water immersion baptism in which a believer makes a public confession of their faith. Baptism is an Outward Expression of an Inward Change. Water Baptism is a public demonstration of ones faith. It’s the next step after Salvation. Baptism declares to the world you’ve trusted Jesus, joined God’s family, and made a commitment to follow Jesus with your heart and soul. It’s pretty special!
What is the significance of baptism?
A move from death to life:
Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb and His resurrection from the dead.
“Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive – right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross.” Colossians 2:12-14 MSG
A brand-new life:
It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the “old life” and we rise to walk in a “new life”. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.
Here is one simple way to explain baptism:
Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that that you love, trust and have put your hope in Christ. It’s like a wedding ring.
Let’s say I’m not married right now, but if I put a wedding ring on my finger, would that make me married? No, of course not. Similarly, I can be baptised in a church, but that doesn’t make me a true believer in Christ. Imagine that I really was married, though. My husband and I really did go through the marriage ceremony, but I just didn’t have my ring on my finger. Would that mean I wasn’t married? No way, of course I would still be married. Similarly, I can be a believer in Christ, but not baptised, and my sins are still paid for and forgiven by God. But imagine that I truly was married and I really, really loved my husband. Would I wear my wedding ring? Of course! I would love my husband and want the whole world to know it! In the same way, if I have trusted Christ to save me from sin, and He is the lord and joy of my life, then I’ll want everyone to know about it. So baptism is a statement to everyone who sees it that I have trusted Christ for my salvation and I’m committed to living for Him.
“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.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
A Blessed life:
In baptism, the believer has the triune name of the triune God placed upon them: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the name of the Godhead (one God in three persons). The Gospels tell us to baptize believers “into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Baptism confirms our position “in Christ” and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children.
A New family:
Baptism also connects us to the “body of Christ” – his people in the earth. In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey.
“For we we're all baptized by one Spirit into one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
If you've decided you can stand before God with your sins forgiven because of Jesus' sacrifice, then it's time to get baptized.
Water Baptism is a major step in your life as a Christian. As you are fully immersed in the water, it's a symbol of your decision to give yourself completely to Christ. Water is known as a symbol for cleansing and when you are water baptized it symbolizes Christ cleansing you from all sin.
Water Baptism is a public statement that you are walking away from sin and everything that blocks you from knowing God. You are accepting Jesus Christ to be in charge of your life and choosing to live His way.
Why should I consider getting baptised?
Following Christ:
In order to understand the reason for being water baptized it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it: Jesus himself was baptized He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow.
At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Mark 1:9 MSG
An act of obedience:
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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 am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
A public declaration:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.
Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptised is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.” Mark 16:16 MSG
We celebrate baptism at Quest for three reasons:
Find out what it's all about and we'll celebrate your new life in Christ together!
-
For a person who has accepted the love and forgiveness of Christ into their lives, it is a natural next step and a tangible step of faith and obedience to God.
-
It invites God’s blessing on your life.
-
It is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ.
If you’re ready to take this step of obedience in your walk with Jesus, you need to do two things:
First, attend the Next Steps: Essentials class. Next Steps: Essentials is held the second Sunday of every month at 11:00a This class will help you better understand what baptism means and allow you to ask your questions. At the end of the class a ministry staff member will contact you with all the details for the baptism process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism. If you would like to be baptized please complete this brief Baptism Interest Form or if you have any questions about baptism, please Contact Us.
“I've been baptized, so now what's next?”
Going public for Jesus takes boldness, and we want to encourage you to continue making bold moves for Jesus. At Quest, we are no ordinary family, and we would like to invite you to join us on the journey of faith as we follow Jesus together. If you've been baptized, your next step may be to attend Connect and then to Join a group.
The Bible talks about both water immersion baptism in which a believer makes a public confession of their faith. Jesus lead the way in example of water baptism! If you are wondering what it means to be baptized in the Christian faith, these verses should point you in the right direction and help you understand what it means to be baptized.
Scripture References About Baptism