What is baptism?

"There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all." —Ephesians 4:5-6

Baptism is a symbolic act that publicly declares your decision to have a new life in Jesus Christ. It's a way to tell everyone, "I believe that Jesus saved me, and I'm committed to Him now." Jesus commanded His followers to teach others God's Word, make disciples, and baptize those disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Even Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:1-22), so His followers ought to be baptized too (Acts 2:41).

Anyone who has accepted Christ as their Savior can (and should) be baptized. It's not a "requirement" for salvation or even for receiving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 12:13). But baptism is still an important part of our spiritual journey.

Baptism is a way for us to obey God by making our faith in Christ public and expressing our commitment to Him. It's a way for us to identify with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17).

What Baptism is NOT

Baptism does NOT earn our salvation, grant us the Holy Spirit, or forgive our sins. It will not heal physical ailments.

Baptism doesn't make obeying God automatic. It doesn't make loving or forgiving others any easier. It doesn't change our character, and it isn't going to make us "feel saved."

Baptism doesn't save us from future struggles with sin. It isn't a magical performance that makes us "good enough" or checks a box for good works.

Resist the urge to make baptism into something it isn't.

Baptism CAN be a heart-changing expression of worship between you and God and those present with you. It CAN be a day of celebration!

What is baptism like?

Weirdly, there are a few conflicting views about how to perform a baptism. The different methods people talk about are sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Whatever they do though, water is always going to be a part of it. Everyone agrees on that at least!

Some churches perform a "sprinkling" or "pouring" baptism on infants or small children, where water is just dripped onto their head. But this isn't really the kind of baptism we're talking about. After all, to be baptized, we need to understand what we're doing, and a baby can neither understand baptism nor make the choice to be baptized. So this is more of an act for the parents to express their commitment to raising their child for the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).

Since the word "baptism" literally means "immersion," we believe that a biblical baptism is one where the believer's entire body goes under water then is quickly brought out. Going under the water is symbolic for dying and being buried with Christ. Coming out of the water symbolizes being resurrected with new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Any body of water will do—a pool, the ocean, or even a hot tub. (Personally, I was baptized in a duck pond—complete with ducks!)

Who can baptize me?

Any follower of Christ can perform the baptism for you. It could be your youth pastor, a family member, or even a beloved Christian mentor. They will likely say the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" right before or while you're going under water. This phrase is from what Jesus told His disciples:

"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

When can I get baptized?

If you've accepted Christ as your Savior, you understand what baptism is, and you're ready to be baptized, talk to your parents, a Christian friend, or a pastor at your church. Hopefully, they'll be excited about your willingness to take that next step of faith and can help make it happen.

If you're going to be baptized at a church, they may have a class for those who desire baptism. These classes help to ensure that the believer fully understands what they're doing and how it works at that particular church. They may have scheduled times of the year when they perform baptisms regularly. So you can schedule your baptism with them.

If you wish to be baptized right away, you can certainly do that! Talk to whoever will be baptizing you about when and where will work best for everyone. Invite friends, family, and whoever you would like to help you celebrate your new life in Christ.

Please remember that baptism is your public proclamation, your obedient response to God's command, your expression worship—NOT a requirement for your salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you were die before you were able to be baptized, you would still immediately appear in God's presence in Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." —Romans 6:4

Tell us your baptism story HERE!

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