Dear Christian,
I am excited you are considering being baptized. For over 2,000 years, people who have converted to Christianity have been baptized in Jesus’ name. There is nothing mystical about baptism; it doesn’t “save” you. Only Jesus can save you from your sins (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is simply an outward expression of an inward commitment you have made to Christ.
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
During baptism, the water is a picture of the grave. When you are dunked under the water it
symbolizes that you are a believer in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Baptism illustrates being placed into the body of Christ.
The immersion into water symbolizes how that when you received Jesus as your Savior, you were
placed into the body of Christ, which is composed of everyone who has trusted Christ as their Savior.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:13
Baptism illustrates your new life in Christ.
Baptism also pictures the believer’s death to his old life and beginning of his new life in 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
Why Should You Be Baptized?
To follow Christ’s example.
Jesus was baptized because He wanted to demonstrate His submission to the Father. It was symbolic
of His obedience to God’s plan for our salvation through His death, burial and resurrection.
Christ commanded you to be baptized.
Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19–20
It demonstrates the reality of your conversion.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were
added to them. Acts 2:41
And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8
When they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12
Why Baptism By Immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Then Jesus, when He had been baptized, came up immediately from the water: and, behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting upon Him. Matthew 3:16
Every baptism recorded in the Bible was by immersion.
So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the
water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water...Acts 8:38–39
The word “baptize” means to immerse in water.
“Baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo which means, “to dip or immerse, to plunge or sink
into.”
Baptism by immersion best symbolizes a burial and a resurrection.
The action of being put under the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out
of the water pictures being raised with Christ’s resurrection.
Baptism declares your faith, shares Christ’s burial and resurrection, symbolizes death to your old life, your inclusion in God’s family and it celebrates your new life in Christ! So...What are you waiting for? Fill out the next page with your family information and write out your Christian testimony. When you have completed this packet, turn it in to one of Bay Farm Community Church’s pastors.
I can’t wait to dunk you in Jesus name!
Pastor John