Through baptism, we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It’s like saying to the Lord Jesus, “Your death is my death — I no longer have to die for my sins. Your life is my life — I now have your eternal life, and I will not die for my sins.”

As you are immersed under water, you bury your old sinful nature. When you come up out of the water, you experience the new life and resurrection that belong to you through Jesus.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?

Baptism is a symbol of a covenant and commitment, much like a wedding ring. When a couple marries, they give each other a wedding ring. This ring does not make them married; the promise and covenant they made to each other does. But the ring is a symbol to others of that promise and covenant they made in their hearts to each other.

Like the wedding ring, baptism is a symbol which testifies before God and man of the promise and covenant a person has made in his hear with Jesus. At the same time, baptism is more than just a symbol. There is a very real spiritual work that is accomplished in the waters of baptism. According to Colossians 2:11-12, God cuts away our old sin-loving nature from our hearts.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

All those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lord, by turning away from sin and trusting in Him, should be baptized. For this reason, we do not baptize babies or children who are too young to make a conscientious decision to follow Christ. While babies may be dedicated to the Lord from birth (1 Samuel 1:21-24), we believe that baptism is reserved for believers. Once you have committed yourself to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord by turning away from sin and trusting in Him, you are ready for baptism.

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Jesus, the creator of the universe, was baptized (Mark 1:9-11), and He commands all believers to follow His example (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:21). Baptism is an act of confession and identification with Christ. It is a demonstration of your covenant with God and your commitment to Christ.

HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism is to be done by immersion in water because the Greek word “baptize” literally means to immerse or dunk. Jesus was immersed (Matthew 3:13-17), the early church immersed (Acts 2:41), and the New Testament teaches nothing but immersion.

WHEN SHOULD I GET WATER BAPTIZED?

You should get water at your first opportunity after you have received Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 8:35-39, 16:30-34. 18:8).