We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord's example in baptism. There will probably be other baptized with you. Hundreds of people like yourself have been baptized by our Pastor. God will bless you as you demonstrate your faith in Christ!
Use these links to to learn about baptism.
- The meaning of baptism
- Why be baptized?
- How are we to be baptized?
- Who should be baptized?
- When are we to be baptized?
- General questions
- The baptism process
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! 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
1. It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins... he was buried... and he rose again..." -1 Corinthians 15:3, 4
"...for when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." -Colossians 2:12
2. It is a symbol of our new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old live has passed away and a new life has begun!" -2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life!" -Romans 6:4
1. Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." -Mark 1:9
2. Because Christ commanded it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all the people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you..." -Matthew 28:19-20
3. Because it shows you are a believer.
"...many of the Corinthians who heard him and were baptized." -Acts 18:8
4. Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." -1 John 2:3
1. Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water." -Matthew 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(Example) "then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." -Acts 8:38-39
3. The word "Baptize" literally means "to dip under water".
The greek word "baptize" means to "immerse or dip under water."
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." -Acts 2:41
"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
"Simon himself believed and was baptized." -Acts 8:13
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
As soon as you have believed!
You shouldn't delay."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 eunuch 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 official answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." -Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase)
There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized.
1. What about being baptized twice?
Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. Every Grace Fellowship Church member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
2. 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, we do not encourage anyone to put their own baptism on hold while waiting for a family member to accept Christ.
The baptism process at Grace Fellowship has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. From the registration form to the baptism meeting, each step has been carefully planned with you in mind:
- Complete the baptism registration. Once we receive your registration form, we will contact you to schedule your meeting and baptism.
- Attend a meeting. After we receive your registration form, we'll contact you to schedule you for an informational meeting.
- Get baptized! Baptisms take place once every three months during a Sunday evening Celebration Service.