About Water Baptism
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened... And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”
Matthew 3:16-17
Why Be Baptized?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example, like in Matthew 3:16-17, and obeying His command.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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 28:18-20 NLT
What is the Significance?
You are a follower of Jesus Christ.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41
You are beginning a changed life in Christ.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
You are part of a new family.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27
Why be baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“...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
The word baptize means “to dip under water” and the Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.” Immersion best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
“I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.” Martin Luther
“The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Calvin
“Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.” John Wesley
Bring a towel & change of clothes, and invite your friends & family to come and celebrate with you.
Common Questions
I have already been baptized. Should I be baptized again?
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.
Can my child be baptized?
We will baptize anyone who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our One Hope Kids and Students ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
Can my infant be baptized?
Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22-40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16-17).
We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment 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 or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.
So at One Hope we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. To schedule a child dedication, contact our .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
