THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BAPTIZED

Tim Fletcher

Use the following to go directly to key topics in this study:

Why Should I Be Baptized?

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

Why Be Baptized that Way?

Who Should be Baptized?

Practical Questions about Baptism

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 BELIEVE THE WORD.

Those who accepted the word were baptized.  Acts 2:41

 “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.”      1 John 2:3

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

1.  IT ILLUSTRATES CHRIST’S DEATH, BURIAL, AND 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 according to the Scriptures...,”     

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

2.  IT IS THE BEGINNING OF MY NEW LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”      2 Corinthians 5:17

“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

The water does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ and God’s grace does that. When we believe in Jesus and are ready to live under His Lordship (Repent) we confess that faith and are baptized into Christ. We are raised from the water to live a new life.

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”      1 Peter 3:21

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.”      Ephesians 2:8-9

3.  IT IS FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND TO RECEIVE THE GIFT OF

THE HOLY SPIRIT.

“Peter replied, "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.”  Acts 2:38

WHY BE BAPTIZED THAT WAY?

1.  BECAUSE JESUS WAS BAPTIZED THAT WAY.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” Matthew 3:16

2.  BECAUSE EVERY BAPTISM IN THE SCRIPTURE WAS BY IMMERSION.

(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.  BECAUSE THE WORD “BAPTIZE” MEANS “TO IMMERSE” IN WATER.

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.”

4.  BECAUSE IT IS A BURIAL AND RESURRECTION

“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

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

1.  EVERY PERSON WHO HAS BELIEVED IN CHRIST.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”      Acts 2:41

“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.” Simon himself believed

and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere,

astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.”      Acts

8:12-13

2. EVERY PERSON WHO HAS COUNTED THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST.

Luke 9:23-25

At SCOC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At SCOC, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though some may have been previously “confirmed” as children.

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM

1. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?  AS SOON AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”      Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture 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? Phillip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” 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

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to follow Christ with your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect” you’ll never feel “good enough”.

2. CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes!  If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his or her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Your children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with an elder or minister for a pre-baptism conversation.

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 undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

3. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?

You will need to bring a change of clothes that can get wet.  Also, a blow dryer and any toiletries you may require.

4. WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

At the beginning of the baptism someone will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will only respond to the question, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God?” You will be briefly lowered just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and get dressed.  We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

5. WHAT IF I HAVE SOME SPECIAL NEEDS?

We can perform a private baptism in special circumstances, day or night, any day of the week.