WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has BELIEVED in Christ and has repented should be baptized.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 (NIV)
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13 (NIV)
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12 (NIV)
At The Calvary Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Because the Bible indicates water baptism is part of SALVATION.
“… the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ …” 1 Peter 3:20-21 (KJV)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16 (KJV)
Because Jesus COMMANDS it.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)
“… except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 (KJV)
Because the Apostles COMMAND it.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:48 (KJV)
To follow the example set by JESUS.
“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River.” Mark 1:9 (NLT)
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed and repented!
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 (NIV)
“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 (NIV)
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have repented of your sins, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you will never feel “good enough.”
HOW WILL I BE BAPTIZED?
By being IMMERSED in water and having the name of the Lord Jesus Christ called over you.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
Because JESUS was baptized that way.
“… when Jesus was baptized, He went up at once out of the water …” Matthew 3:16 (Amp)
Every baptism in the BIBLE was by immersion.
(Example) “… he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down to the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him; and when they came up out of the water …” Acts 8:38-39 (YLT)
The word “baptize” means to DIP UNDER water.
The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.”
It best symbolizes a BURIAL.
Baptism is how my sins are WASHED AWAY.
“…be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“…arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16 (KJV)
Baptism is how I am BURIED with Jesus.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried…and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized.” Colossians 2:12a (NLT)
“Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death…” Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?
It is the baptismal formula taught by Peter.
“…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ….” Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (KJV)
This was the baptismal formula taught by Paul.
“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” I Corinthians 1:13 (KJV)
Paul teaches that we should be baptized in the name of the one who was crucified for us.
Notice Paul’s own baptism:
“And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16 (KJV)
No other baptismal mode was practiced in the Bible.
“For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 8:16 (KJV)
“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:48 (KJV)
“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:5 (KJV)
“…so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3 (KJV)
BAPTISM FAQ
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member has repented, 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 repent, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.
What should I wear when I am baptized?
We provide baptismal robes to be used for the baptism. You may want to bring along a change of clothes to wear under the robe.
Will I have to say anything?
No. At the beginning, someone will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. A minister will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and after a time of prayer, you can leave the baptismal, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be given a certificate of your baptism. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism. Most people have a moment of prayer after their baptism to thank God for forgiving them of their sins. This is a great time to seek for the Holy Spirit, if you have not already received it.
Special needs?
A private baptism can be accomplished in special circumstances.