Baptism

The Bible teaches that every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized. Baptism does not save or wash away sins. It is an outward expression of your decision to accept Christ. It demonstrates that you already believe. If you have accepted Christ and never been baptized, you should choose to be baptized as soon as you can.

There are three biblical reasons to be baptized:

1. Christ command it. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

2. Believers in the Bible practiced it. “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” (Acts 2:41)

3. Christ was our example. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

The word “Baptize” is derived from the Greek word “baptizo” which means to immerse or dip under. Baptism in water by immersion best represents a picture of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Christ himself was baptized this way. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)

In the Bible, baptism took place right after salvation. There is no reason to delay. You should choose to be baptized as soon as you can after your salvation decision. (Acts 16:30-33)

While baptism is not required for salvation, it is an important step of obedience to Christ. By not being baptized, I am disobeying Christ and missing the blessing of committing myself to Him through obedience and losing the testimony I might have through my public identification with Him. (John 15:14)

You will be introduced to the congregation by the pastor. A question about your profession of faith may be asked requiring your response. For example, “Do you profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” At the end of your testimony the pastor will indicate for you to fold your arms and plug your nose (if you wish). For the baptism, he will say something like this: “(Your name), upon your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord we baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” At that point you will be laid backwards into the water and then immediately brought back up out of the water.

Please wear dark, modest clothing that can get wet. Other items you will need to bring include dry clothes, a towel, and any other needed toiletries for the remaining part of the service.

Please feel free to contact the church office at (765) 362-5494 if you have any remaining questions or concerns.