Baptism Q&A
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It is a testimony to others that you have received Christ into your life. In Matthew 10:32, scripture tells us that we are called by Christ to "acknowledge Him before men." Baptism is a public acknowledgement that you have received Christ into your life.
What Baptism Means and Doesn't Mean
Baptism is a symbol of salvation that has already taken place in your life! Baptism does not save you. The only thing that saves you is having faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Baptism is an outward sign that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. More specifically, baptism symbolizes what takes place inwardly at the time of salvation.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20), baptism is also seen as an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, baptism demonstrates our submission to God.
A good way to understand baptism is to look at the example of a wedding ring. Wedding rings are worn as a symbol of lifelong love and commitment between two people in marriage. The ring doesn't make them married, but it shows a reality (their marriage) that has already taken place. So it is with baptism. Baptism doesn't save you; it shows that your salvation in Jesus Christ has taken place.
Baptism is an outward sign that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. More specifically, baptism symbolizes what takes place inwardly at the time of salvation.
- Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- Sharing in His death and resurrection.
- Being symbolically washed clean of your sin.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20), baptism is also seen as an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, baptism demonstrates our submission to God.
A good way to understand baptism is to look at the example of a wedding ring. Wedding rings are worn as a symbol of lifelong love and commitment between two people in marriage. The ring doesn't make them married, but it shows a reality (their marriage) that has already taken place. So it is with baptism. Baptism doesn't save you; it shows that your salvation in Jesus Christ has taken place.
The "When" of Baptism
Baptism should occur a short time after accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?' And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. -Acts 8:35-38
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.-Acts 2:41
The "Why" of Baptism
Christ Commanded It.
Go therefore and make disciples of 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.-Matthew 28:19-20
It Follows Christ's Example.In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with whom I am well pleased."-Mark 1:9-11
It is a Public Proclamation of Your Faith.Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.-Acts 18:8
The "How" of Baptism
The Greek word for baptism, baptize, literally means to immerse or dunk, and this is the word used to describe Jesus' own baptism by John the Baptist. Because Jesus modeled this act for us, we baptize by immersion. The Bible gives us the method of baptism in the baptism of Jesus.
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.-Matthew 3:16
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
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
In the New Testament, particularly in the four gospels, we witness as Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist (Mt. 3:13-17, Mk. 1:9-11, Lk. 3:21-22, and Jn. 1:32-34). But why did Jesus get baptized? Wasn't He the Son of God, who had no need for repentance? Yes, He was and is completely pure and needed no forgiveness for wrongs or sins committed. But there are powerful reasons as to why Jesus was baptized.
First, when Jesus was baptized it was the inauguration of His rule and reign in the Kingdom of God.
Second, He sympathized with sinners, those who were coming and confessing their sins.
Third, He links His ministry to the ministry of John the Baptist's ministry. He made it known they were one in the same.
Finally, the Spirit of God falling upon Jesus was significant and did two things. It anointed Jesus as Israel's King and Messiah. Also, it commissioned Jesus as God's righteous servant seen in Isaiah 42:1-4.
First, when Jesus was baptized it was the inauguration of His rule and reign in the Kingdom of God.
Second, He sympathized with sinners, those who were coming and confessing their sins.
Third, He links His ministry to the ministry of John the Baptist's ministry. He made it known they were one in the same.
Finally, the Spirit of God falling upon Jesus was significant and did two things. It anointed Jesus as Israel's King and Messiah. Also, it commissioned Jesus as God's righteous servant seen in Isaiah 42:1-4.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.-Isaiah 42:1-4
What About Being Baptized Again?
Coryell Community Church recommends that you be baptized if you have not been baptized by immersion AFTER accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You don't need to be baptized again if you have been baptized after accepting Jesus Christ. Many of us have struggles and at times we neglect our relationship with God, but this does not require us to be baptized again. We can all make a rededication to following Jesus with our lives. If you are seeking to rededicate your life to God the best action is to get connected with a small group of believers and focus on growing in your relationship with God.
Interested in being Baptized?
You may fill out the baptism form using the link below so that one of our pastors can follow up with you.