Baptism

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

How Can I Get Baptized?

If you would like to be baptized here at Church In The Son please join us in our spiritual formation class called Roots. In Roots you will learn everything you need to know about water baptism and at the end of the sessions be baptized in water during one of our Sunday worship experiences.

WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?

To follow the example of Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:9) Christ commanded every believer to be baptized in water. (Matthew 28:19-20) Water baptism identifies us with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:4)

BAPTISM – OUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Baptism does not save us, only faith in Jesus Christ can do that. Baptism does not make us a believer; it only indicates that you already believe. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it is an outward symbol of a heart commitment.

BAPTISM FAQ

People often have questions regarding baptism. Take a few minutes to read the answers to the 6 common questions about baptism.

What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!

Why should I be baptized?

Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).

When’s the best time to be baptized?

For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).

Do you baptize children?

As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9).

Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Church In The Son, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.

What’s the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?

Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).

Do I need to be baptized again?

If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.

God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.