Baptism, to put it very simply, is a symbol of beginning the Christian life. If you have received Jesus Christ into your life, that is, if you believe that he died for your sins and was raised from the dead to be your Savior and God, here is why you should now be baptized:
1. To obey the word of God as you begin living the Christian Life
Matthew 28:18-19; Acts 2:38
2. To follow the clear example of believers in the New Testament.
Acts 18:8, 2:41; 8:12, 35-38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 30-33; 19:5
3. To publicly confess your personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9
4. To graphically illustrate the truth about your new life in Christ.
GOOD QUESTIONS
“What if I don’t feel that I’m ready for this?”
Given the fact that baptism in the early church was practiced as soon as possible after someone believed the good news about Jesus, there is really only one valid reason to put off being baptized: if you haven’t yet put your faith in Christ! But if you have believed, you don’t need to delay being baptized until you know your way around the Bible, or have a deeper understanding of its teachings. Nor do you have to hold off until you can prove that you are a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Nor do you have to wait until your life’s all cleaned up and under control (would we ever get baptized?!). Baptism is the first step in a life of following Jesus. If you have received him as your Savior and God, go for it!
“What if I’ve been a Christian for a long time?”
While baptism should be encouraged and pursued as soon as possible after someone becomes a believer, it’s never too late to be obedient to the word of God. Now, you might argue that over the years you’ve done many things that were public expressions of your personal faith in Christ, so maybe baptism isn’t all that important at this point. Nevertheless, the command of your Lord stands. Why try to reason your way out of obeying it? Is it possible that being baptized even at this later stage in your Christian life will actually strengthen and encourage your faith?
“What if my family won’t like my doing this?”
If you happen to come from a family that holds to a different understanding and practice of baptism—or perhaps a family that is not Christian at all—they may not be too excited about your being baptized as a believer by immersion (the practice here at BranchCreek). First, remember that Jesus said, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). In other words, your primary allegiance must be with Christ and not your family, and baptism is, in a sense, a pledge of allegiance. But be praying that God would help you lovingly share with your family what you’re doing and why. And let them know that being baptized won’t change your love for them in any way other than increasing it as you grow as a committed follower of Jesus.
“What if I was already baptized as an infant?”
This may be at the heart of the prior question. Must you be baptized as a believer—that is, must your baptism be a public expression of your faith rather than your parents’ faith? What you’ll need to wrestle through is this: “Did my baptism as an infant adequately fulfill Jesus’ command and reflect the practice and meaning of baptism revealed in the Bible?” If your answer is “no,” make it a point to share with your family that you are not rejecting what they did for you as an infant. On the contrary, celebrate the fact that your parents were concerned about your spiritual well-being! But let them know that you’re doing this now as your decision, expressing your faith in Christ, as you seek to be faithful to your understanding of the Bible. And invite them to be there with you for your baptism as a believer.
“And my kids? Should they be baptized?”
Because we believe that infant baptism does not adequately fulfill Jesus’ command nor reflect the practice and meaning of baptism revealed in the Bible, we do not practice it here. We do however offer Parent/Child Dedications. More importantly, we believe that a child should be baptized when he or she is old enough to genuinely understand and respond to the good news about Jesus and then personally chooses to receive him (see John 1:12). That age will vary from child to child, but you should pray for wisdom and discernment as you examine and encourage the faith of your children.
“What’s the next step?”
If you have further questions about being baptized, or would like to know when the next baptism prep class is, contact Jeb Shore at 267-416-7829 or Jeb.Shore@branchcreek.org
Can a person who believes in Jesus as his Lord and saviour go to heaven if they are not baptized ?
Thank you . Nick
We’ll contact you shortly.
If you’re willing, let me know what all is behind your question (for example, has someone passed away that believed in Jesus but was never baptized, or are you or someone you know choosing not to get baptized, even though you/they believe in Jesus?)
But the short answer is “yes.” In Luke 23, one of the criminals crucified next to Jesus said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” to which Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This repentant man, who came to trust in Jesus, is promised heaven, but obviously without having been baptized.
However, Jesus, after his resurrection, made it clear that being baptized as one of his followers is very important. In Matthew 28:19 he said, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them . . .” He said this not because baptism is necessary in order for people to receive the gift of eternal life (see, for example, the famous verse John 3:16, where eternal life is promised to those who believe – not those who believe and are baptized). Rather he said this because going public with our commitment to Christ is an important part of living as one of his followers. It is a decisive act of commitment that sets the tone for our whole new life in Christ.
Plus, you’ll notice, if you read the book of Acts, that baptism was regularly encouraged or pursued after people came to faith in Christ. This simply suggests that it really makes no sense for a person who comes to faith in Christ, whether just now, or years ago, to NOT be baptized – unless, of course, they do not have the opportunity (such as the criminal on the cross).
Let me know if this helps. I would be glad to talk with you further about this – just let me know. I’ve also attached a bit more information on baptism, as we understand it here at BranchCreek (and we realize that not all churches approach it the way we do – we’re just trying to make sense of what the Bible teaches about this clearly important topic).
Warmly,
Dave Detwiler
As a Christian for many years, Ihave already been baptized as an infant , and then again as an adult when I joined my previous church. Is it necessary for me to be baptized in your church to become a member?
Our family is relocating from VT to PA. If we would decide to become a member of your church at some point, would we need to show a record of having been baptized by immersion. We have record of our son, but my husband and I never received one. I want to be sure to get that before we move if we will need it. Thank you.
No need to show us a record; we’ll take your word for it!
Thank you for getting back to me
My husband is already in PA and staying with my parents. He came to the 10:30 service today to check things out and liked it so much he stayed for the 12:00 as well!