Water Baptism FAQ's
Christ gave the church two visible symbols as reminders of our relationship with Him and His finished work. They are called ordinances because they are religious practices ordained or established by Jesus Himself. These two ordinances are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In fulfilling these spiritual services, Christians are reminded of an important work that has already taken place in the heart of the believer. First, let’s look at Baptism.
The Importance of Being Baptized
1. To follow the example set by Jesus.
Mark 1:9 “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”
2. Because Christ commanded it.
Matthew 28:19,20 “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
3. It demonstrates that I really am a Christian.
Acts 18:8 “…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”
I John 2:3 “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”
The Meaning of Baptism
1. It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”
Colossians 2:12 “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”
2. It illustrates my New Life as a Christian.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand-new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”
Romans 6:4 “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!”
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 made in your heart.
Ephesians 2:8,9 “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.”
Why Baptism By Immersion?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Matthew 3:16 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
Acts 8:38,39 “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”
3. The word “baptize” means “to Immerse in water.”
The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water”.
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
Martin Luther…I would have those who are to be baptized, to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signified.
John Calvin…The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.
John Wesley…Buried with him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
Acts 2:41 “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…”
Acts 8:13 “Simon himself believed and was baptized…”
Acts 8:12 “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
At Freedom Church, 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 in 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. At Freedom Church we practice baby dedication but not baptism confirmation.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible that was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
At Freedom Church, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us may have been ‘confirmed’ as children.
COMMON QUESTIONS
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed.
Acts 2:41 “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!”
Acts 8:35-38 “Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are ‘perfect’, you’ll never feel ‘good enough’!
Is there a class?
At Freedom Church, we celebrate baptisms with our church family – typically in our worship services on a designated Sunday morning. This is a highlight event for us. There is no greater reason to celebrate than when people make a commitment to Christ as their Lord and Savior. A mandatory pre-baptism class precedes each Baptism Celebration. Please call the church office and get registered for the next Baptism Sunday.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes, if each family member 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 tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them and delays your obedience. Also, young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Children’s Pastor for a pre-baptism conversation.
What should I wear when I am baptized?
Dark colored pants or shorts of an appropriate length and dark colored shirts are suitable for men and women. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We will provide changing rooms.
Will I have to say anything?
Prior to your baptism day, you will be interviewed and given the opportunity to share a brief testimony of what God has done in your life. This is a powerful way to declare your faith and trust in Christ. We encourage you to invite your relatives and friends to attend your baptism. If you are interested in being baptized in water, please contact the church office to find out when our next classes begin.
What will happen at the baptism service?
At the beginning of the service, Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the baptism pool for your turn to be baptized. You will then step into the pool and one of the pastors will lower you under the water. Then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. You will be given a certificate of your baptism. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
Special Needs?
All of our Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.