What is Baptism all about?
Some history…
In the Old Testament, the people of God ceremonially washed themselves when they came to worship at the temple or synagogue as a symbol of their need to be spiritually cleansed.
In the New Testament, following Jesus’ lead and command, people immersed (baptized) themselves in water as a one-time act to show that they were now putting their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and the receiving of God’s Spirit into their hearts.
Baptism expresses two things…
1. Baptism is a public expression of a commitment to believe in and follow Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism is an outward (physical) picture of an inward (spiritual) reality taking place in a person’s life.
Baptism is a picture of spiritual realities taking place in your life:
1. Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection
In a way, when we are baptized we are re-enacting Jesus’ death and resurrection, claiming the promise of being resurrected to eternal life through Jesus for our own life as you come up out of the water(Romans 6:3-4).
2. Forgiveness and Cleansing of Sin
Baptism is also a symbolic bath, like the ceremonial washing of the Old Testament. It’s a picture of our hearts being washed clean of sin in God’s eyes on account of Jesus’ blood being shed on our behalf as payment for sin. When received by faith, Jesus’ blood provides a permanent cleansing that satisfies God, where we never need to again worry whether we have peace with God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sake (1 Corinthians 6:11).
3. Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
When Jesus came up out of the water at his baptism, he had a fresh experience of God’s Holy Spirit. Water is a common word picture in the Bible for God’s Spirit. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our life – baptism is a further step of receiving more of God’s Spirit in our lives as we identify ourselves with Jesus (1 Cortinthians 12:13).
Why is it Important to be Baptized?
1. To follow Jesus’ example
Matthew 3:15-17, Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
2. To follow Jesus’ command
Matthew 28:18:20 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When Should I be Baptized?
Believe, Repent, be Baptized…
A person should be baptized as soon as they are convinced that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and when they have chosen to put their faith in him. Some Christian traditions encourage baptism on account of a parent’s faith, leaving the person to confirm their faith in Jesus Christ and the relevance of their baptism at a later coming of age. The New Testament repeatedly lays down a different pattern of first believing and turning to God, and then baptism. Jesus himself was not baptized until he was approximately 30 years of age – an act of his own obedience to God the Father.
Examples of the New Testament’s pattern of belief, then baptism…
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
How do I fulfill Baptism at North Shore Alliance Church?
1. Confirm in your own heart that you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that you have invited him to become the Lord of your life, trusting in him for salvation and peace with God.
2. Write out your spiritual journey in approximately 1-2 pages – touching on highlights and key moments that God used to show you his love and your need for the salvation that comes by Jesus Christ – include a meaningful Bible verse.
3. Request a confirmation interview with the church office where you will meet with a pastor and an elder for 45 minutes to hear your story and your faith, to ask about your understanding of baptism, and to pray and bless you in taking this step.
4. Confirm with the church office the date and details of the worship service you will be baptized at.
5. Enjoy this beautiful step of identifying your life with Jesus Christ and the love of God!
