“Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with Him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
Romans 6:3-4
Baptism is an important step in your journey as a follower of Christ and an outward symbol of the work He has already done in your life. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of baptism as our identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. When you make the decision to accept Christ as your Savior, the Bible says that your old way of life is dead, and you are beginning a new life with Christ.
Accepting Christ as your Savior means you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and that by His death and bodily resurrection, He bridged the gap between you and God for all time. If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, you are ready to be baptized. At Freshwater, we come together to celebrate your commitment to your new life in Christ.
Baptism expresses publicly what you have experienced personally as you committed your life to Jesus Christ.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE SET BY JESUS.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9
2. BECAUSE CHRIST COMMANDED IT.
“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 am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
3. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT I REALLY AM A CHRISTIAN
“… many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” I John 2:3
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST’S BURIAL AND RESURRECTION.
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” I 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 LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” II 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 also we may live a new life!” Romans 6:4
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.” Matthew 3:16
2. EVERY BAPTISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 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
3. THE WORD “BAPTIZE” MEANS “TO DIP UNDER WATER”.
• The Greek word, “baptize” means to immerse or dip under water.”
• It best symbolizes the burial and resurrection!
4. The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther … “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imparts 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?
Every person who has accepted Christ should be baptized.
“Those who 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
At Freshwater, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. The purpose of believer’s baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you believe!
“Those who accepted His message were baptized … that day!” Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with that very passage and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water!” Why shouldn’t I be baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38
As soon as you decide to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are perfect, you will never feel good enough!
CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Something similar to a t-shirt and shorts is suggested to wear. We provide the white robe for you to wear during your baptism.
CAUTION: Wet clothing becomes transparent so wearing undergarments and avoiding thin shirts is recommended.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, a plastic bag for your wet items, and any toiletries you may need.