WHAT IS BAPTISM?
After you begin a relationship with Jesus, it starts the process of a life-long relationship with God. That relationship involves a continual process of getting to know Jesus and taking next steps in your relationship. In the book of Acts in the Bible, the very first step to reflect that relationship with Jesus was through baptism. It baptism is like a wedding ring. It's an outward symbol of an inner change; a display of the commitment you make in your heart.
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Jesus’ death, 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 raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
It’s a living picture of my new life as a follower of Jesus. See Romans 6:4.
Baptism doesn’t make you a follower of Jesus, it demonstrates that you already have decided to follow. It’s important to understand that baptism does not secure a relationship with God. It doesn’t help you get in with God. That relationship with God happens only by grace through your faith in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross. “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
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
At The Journey we believe that baptism is a great way to let others know of your commitment to follow Jesus. As soon as you have decided to follow Jesus by personally accepting what He did for you on the cross, you can be baptized. It follows Jesus’ example. (Mark 1:9 ). We are baptized because Jesus expected it & it demonstrates that we’re really following His lead. (Matthew 28:19-20 , 1 John 2:3). You are welcome to be baptized as soon as you have believed! (Acts 2:41).
WHY BAPTISM BY IMMERSION?
Being “dunked” under the water. Jesus was baptized that way. (Matthew 3:16) Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39). The word “baptize” actually means “to dip under water”. Immersion best symbolizes a death and resurrection. “. . . 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).
WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?
In the Bible, people were baptized following their belief in Jesus. We believe that baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation. An infant, although treasured by God, is not yet capable of making that decision. Infant baptism is a ceremony intended to emphasize a commitment between the parents and God, on behalf of the child. During this ceremony, the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal decision about Jesus.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Any other questions about baptism? Want to be baptized? Wondering what your next step might be? Attend the next baptism meeting. It will be a 10 minute information session. Register here and we will alert you of the next meeting and baptism gathering. We’re excited for you as you consider your next steps!