Baptism

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

Baptism illustrates your new life as a Christian.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Romans 6:4

Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Colossians 2:12

Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Why Should I Be Baptized?

To follow the example set by Christ.
Mark 1:9

Because Christ asked you to.
Matthew 28:19-20

Baptism demonstrates that you are a believer.
1 John 2:3

Why Be Baptized by Immersion?

Jesus was baptized that way.
Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
Acts 8:38-39

The word “baptize” means “to dip under water.” It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
Romans 6:1-11

Who Should be Baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized.
Acts 2:4 – Acts 8:12-13

What about Children and Infants?

The New Testament shows no examples of baptism when the candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation (Acts 10:47-48). At Team Church, we wait until a child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism. Once a child has made the decision to trust Christ, we will gladly baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This custom began about three-hundred years after the Bible was completed. This is when the parent pledges their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this is not Christian baptism. Team Church offers a similar opportunity for parents through our child dedication services.

In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them, and He told us to welcome them, but He did not baptize them nor tell anyone else to. It is appropriate to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ has been made by the child. If baptism signifies salvation as the Bible teaches, only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.