What is Baptism? Why should you be Baptized?
(1) Baptism is commanded by Jesus and the Apostles.
Disciples of Jesus are to be baptized.
The New Testament does not conceive of a Christian who has not been baptized.
Matthew 28:19-20
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Acts 10:47-48
47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
(2) Baptism is for believers.
In the New Testament, people are baptized after they believe the Gospel—baptism follows faith.
In the New Testament, only believers are baptized (never infants).
Acts 2:41
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.
(3) Baptism is by immersion.
The word “baptize” means “to plunge or immerse in water”
Jesus was baptized by immersion:
Mark 1:9-10
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
You should be baptized if you believe the Gospel (that Jesus died for your sins and was raised from the dead). Jesus desires for all His followers to be baptized.
If you want to be baptized or have more questions about baptism, please talk with the Pastor.
