Display Your New Life in Christ
Baptism displays the work of Christ in our lives that takes our death, gives us life, forgives our sins, reconciles us to right relationship, and makes us alive (Col. 2:12-15).
Baptism
Do you want to be baptized?
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an OUTWARD sign/symbol of an INWARD change.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17
Baptism declares what God has done in our lives:
Rescued Us, Redeemed Us, Forgiven Us: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col.1:13-14
Made Us Alive: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:1-10
Adopted Us: “So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Gal. 3:26-4:7
Made Us One: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Cor. 12:13
Jesus calls those who follow Him (disciples) to be baptized.
“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.” Matt. 28:19-20
In Exodus, the Israelites were delivered from bondage and slavery as they crossed the Reed Sea into God’s promise of life and liberty. Just as the Israelites went through the waters of the sea in Exodus, believers in Jesus portray a picture of joining in the death and burial of Jesus and being raised in His new life. In this process, we reveal how we have left behind our old lives of bondage and slavery, and have entered into a life of freedom, hope, and promise because of Jesus.
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” 1 Cor. 15:3-5
“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 6:4 (NIV)
Why Be Baptized?
Follow the Example of Jesus
As followers of Jesus, we imitate His way of life. This includes His example of being baptized, receiving the presence of the Holy Spirit, and living as God’s beloved (Mt. 3:16-17).
It’s the Next Right Step
The Biblical pattern of Baptism as shown in Acts of the Apostles, begins with the teaching of the gospel to the people, then those who receive the gospel and believe it to be true, are baptized in water as an outward sign of their inward conversion, or new birth.
FAQ’s About Baptism
Some were baptized as infants, others as very young ages, and still others at later age. If you are desiring to be baptized again, the person you are now in Christ is not the same you were then. You are a new person and to declare that in the community of faith is the point of baptism. The Bible doesn’t tell us how often to be baptized, but that we should do everything in our faith sincerely.
Baptism should be done when a person understands the basic foundations of their faith and is capable of sharing them.
During our worship service, we will host water baptisms in which we will invite you to come forward to our baptismal. We will help you enter the baptismal and once you’re in the water we will ask a few questions such as:
Then, a pastor (along with your family members, friends, etc.) will baptize you by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
- Do you believe He died on a cross for your sin, was buried, rose again, and lives in you?
- Have you accepted these truths and declare them publicly today?
Other significant members of your faith journey are encouraged to be present with you near the baptismal. Please prayerfully consider who you’d like to be there and let the pastoral team know so they can welcome them forward with you.
The act of baptism is not restricted to the clergy. In many cases, the person who led a believer to Jesus or a family member/close friend can baptize the person. At Commission Church, we will have pastors doing baptisms and invite one or two people of close accountability and discipleship forward to be with you.