What is the meaning of Baptism?
1. 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)
2. 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.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order
that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so we also may live a new life.” (Romans 6:24)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God, not by our efforts, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Why should I be baptized?
1. To follow the example of Jesus
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John the Baptist.” (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey what Jesus commands
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. To demonstrate that you are a Christian
“…many of the people who heard him that day believed and were baptized.”(Acts 18:8) Baptism doesn’t make you a believer…instead it demonstrates that you already believe.
Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian, only your faith in Jesus can do that. Baptism is like a wedding ring…it is an outward symbol of the inward commitment you made with your heart.
Why be baptized by immersion?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." --Matt. 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) "...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
- The word Baptize means "To dip under water"
- The Greek work Baptize means "To immerse or dip under water".
- It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
3. The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the 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, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
Who should be baptized?
1. Every person who has believed in Christ.
- "Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." --Acts 2:41
- "Simon himself believed and was baptized..." --Acts 8:13
- "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
2. Because baptism is a believers act of following Christ's example, at BCC we recommend that children wait until 5th grade, age 10, to ensure they grasp the full meaning of Baptism.
In our fifth grade Sunday School class, a unit on baptism is presented to the children. Along with learning the Scriptural meaning and reasons for baptism, they are given an opportunity to attend a baptism service. If a younger child has a desire for baptism, parents should call Laura Mathias, Director of Children's Ministries (ext. 119) to meet and discuss the child's readiness.
As BCC does not minister infant baptisms, for parents who are seeking to acknowledge God's sovereignty over their child, we offer baby dedications. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed.
- "Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" --Acts 2:41
- "Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." --Acts 8:35-38
- There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you´ll never feel "good enough"!
Will I have to say anything?
At the beginning of the service, the Pastor will explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, ask you some questions and you will have an opportunity to briefly state your testimony and why you want to be baptized. Then the pastor will lower you just under the water. You then leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate in the mail. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.