baptism
Baptism is a Christian’s way of showing to the world and to God that we are serious about our relationship with Him. It is our outward confession of our inward faith. When you are under the water, it symbolizes a spiritual burial with Christ; and when you come out, it symbolizes a spiritual birth. God gave us baptism to show everyone the new life that He has already begun in us. The Bible is very clear: it says that we should “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) when we want salvation. Therefore, baptism is the first command we should seek to obey when we are saved.
BAPTISM FAQ
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1. 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
2. Because Christ commands it.
“ Jesus said, “Go then, to all 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 demonstrates that we really are Christians.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”—1 John 2:3
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. Baptism illustrates (symbolizes) Christ’s death and resurrection.
“ …Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and…He was buried and…He was raised on the third day….”—1 Corinthians 15:3-4
2. Baptism illustrates your new life as a Christian.
“ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away.…”—2 Corinthians 5:17
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
1. Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41
2. Our children only when they are old enough to believe and understand.
Note: Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children, a ceremony that is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. In this, the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until he or she is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed, and it is very different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Beachcities usually dedicates an entire weekend every 12-18 months to perform baptisms as a church family. Please stay tuned for information about the next baptism in 2012.