Baptism

Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.

What is baptism?

The word “baptism” is a verb that means: to dip, immerse. So the outward expression of our commitment to making Jesus Lord of our life is the following: you stand in water and allow another believer to lower you under the water and then bring you back up out of the water. This act symbolizes what is described in Romans 6:1-11, where the apostle Paul describes the immersion of Baptism as a means through which the believer identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under the water represents Christ’s death – and a believer’s death to sin; coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection and the believer’s new life in Christ.

Why Baptize?

Being baptized does not save you, it is an outward act that reflects the decision you have already made. As a believer, you have acknowledged that your sin separated you from God. You have given up all efforts to reach God through your own good works or religious activity. You have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for your sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between you and God. You have chosen Christ alone for your salvation.

Other scriptures that demonstrate a believer’s decision to be baptized after making a decision to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation: Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47-48.

Can any age be baptized?

At Lifeway, because we believe it is a decision that a person is making for themselves, we ask for a person to be of an age where they fully understand the outward act they are taking. Proverbs 20:25 says “It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows.” So if a child is asking to be baptized we are committed to partnering with parents and making sure this decision is the child’s and that they understand why they are wanting to be baptized before we proceed.

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