What is the meaning of baptism?

1.  It illustrates Christ’s DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION.

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”   Colossians 2:12

2.  It illustrates my NEW LIFE as a follower of Christ.

 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

 “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!”  Romans 6:4

 Baptism doesn’t make you a believer — it shows that you already believe.  Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

 Why Should I Be Baptized?

 1.  It demonstrates my belief in JESUS.

 “..Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”  Acts 18:8

 “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”  1 John 2:3

2.  JESUS says I should be.

 “Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:19-20

 3.  To follow the example set by JESUS.

 “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”  Mark 1:9

Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

 1.  The word “Baptize” means to DIP UNDER water.

 The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.”  It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

 2.  JESUS was baptized that way.

 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”  Matthew 3:16

 3.  Every baptism in the BIBLE was by immersion.

 (Example)  “…Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…”  Acts 8:38-39

Who Should Be Baptized?

• Every person who has BELIEF in Christ should be baptized.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…”  Acts 2:41

 “Simon himself believed and was baptized…”  Acts 8:13

“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

At The Ridge Fellowship, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

 Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children.  This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child.  The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.  This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.  This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

When Should I Be Baptized?

• As Soon as You Believe! 

 “Those who believed…were baptized…that day!”  Acts 2:41

 “Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus.  As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water!  Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’  Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’  The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’  So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”  Acts 8:35-38

 There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”

 Can my family be baptized together?

 Yes!  If each family member 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 accept Christ, particularly children.  This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

 What should I wear when I am baptized?

 Something you don’t mind being wet in.  Women can wear a swimsuit and a tee-shirt.  Men can wear a swimsuit and a tee-shirt.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

 Will I have to say anything?

 No.  At the beginning of the service, a pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism.  You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized.  A pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, 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.

 Special Needs?

 We can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.

For questions or for more information, please comment below or go to www.ridgefellowship.com

 Sources:  

New International Version

Saddleback Resources, CLASS 101