Baptism Information
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Jesus (Mark 1:9)Christ commands it (Matthew 28:19-20)
Baptism demonstrates to others that I am a Christ follower (Acts 8:36-38; 18:8)
What does baptism mean?
Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a visual object lesson of what Christ has done for me. (Colossians 2:12) Baptism also illustrates what happened when I gave my life to Christ and asked Him to be my leader and my Lord. It portrays dying to an old way of life and being born to a new life in Christ. (Romans 6:4).Does baptism make me a Christian?
Absolutely NOT! Baptism illustrates outwardly what has happened inwardly. Just as a wedding ring is worn to show that a commitment has been made to another, so baptism is symbol of a commitment made to Christ. Only faith in Christ saves me. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10,13)When should I be baptized?
After I have believed in Jesus Christ as my savior and have committed my life to Him, I should be baptized. Every baptism in the New Testament occurred after the person had consciously committed his or her life to Christ. (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13, 38; 10:46-48; 16:14-15; 18:8)What about sprinkling?
New Covenant Community Church practices baptism by immersion (under water) for the following reasons:- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. The Greek word "Baptizo" literally means to "dip or plunge under." That word is used to describe that act. The Greek words "Cheo", which means "to pour"; "Raino", which means "to sprinkle"; and "Hudraino", which means "to use water regardless of the manner"; are never used in the Bible in connection with baptism.
- Jesus was baptized by immersion. (Matthew 3:13-16; Mark 1:10).
- "Sprinkling" was introduced in A.D. 251 with the baptism of Novation who was sick. It was called "clinical" baptism as it was reserved for the sick -- those who could not be immersed. Gradually, through the years, sprinkling became a matter of convenience and replaced immersion for many denominations.
- This "mode" of baptizing is not an issue to go to war over. This may be one of those gray issues that we would agree to disagree on and move on to more important matters.