BAPTISM FAQ’S

1. To follow the example set by Christ.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

1. It illustrates Christ's death, burial & resurrection.

“ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16a)

“As Jesus was coming up out of the water...” (Mark 1:10)

2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(For example) “Then both Philip and the eunuch 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 or immerse”.

4. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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 6:3–4)

As soon as you have believed in Christ for salvation. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)

The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is ok to wait until the next scheduled baptism.

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. Believers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Christ.

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47–48).

At Grace we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.

In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone to baptize them.

Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.

If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

As supplies last, we will provide you with a t-shirt. But in case we run out, dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a black/dark shirt and black/dark shorts so we can keep things modest. Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home.

Please bring TWO towels.

There will be a registration table to sign in and where you will receive any additional items we need to give to you.