BAPTISM
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”
Being baptized means you’ve decided to accept and follow Jesus, and are ready to declare that decision publicly. Baptism is kind of like a wedding ring: it’s an outward symbol of an inward commitment. It shows we identify with Christ’s death and resurrection into new life. Your decision to be baptized or to have your child baptized is one of the most important decisions of your life, second only to your decision to follow Christ.
BAPTISM FAQ'S
I have some questions about baptism
No. At the beginning of the service, one of the pastors will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait on stage for your turn to be baptized. As you approach the baptismal your “story” will be shown on the screen. The Pastor will briefly lower you just under the water and raise you up again, and then you will leave the water, and go dry off and change clothes. We encourage you to invite all of your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
You should wear clothes you feel comfortable in when you are wet. You could wear shorts and a top that is not white (white becomes transparent when wet). Bring a change of clothes, a towel, hair dryer (if needed), and any other toiletries you may require. Also bring a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
Yes. We will have a photographer on-site who will take pictures of your baptism and we will provide those pictures to you, but your family and friends are welcome to take pictures also.
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried…and He rose again.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” — Colossians 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!” — Romans 6:4
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8,9
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” — Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”
Acts 8:38-39
The word aptize means “To dip under water” The Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water”. It is best symbolized by a burial and resurrection!
Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them.
Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…” — Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” — Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” — Acts 8:12
At Springwell, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.