If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized.
Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings,
you should also want to show the world through baptism of your union with Christ. Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you.
This information is designed to review the biblical basis for baptism and answer some questions. It will also discuss some of the logistics of your baptism. When you are ready, just fill
click here and we'll help you get ready for your baptism.
Bible Passages about Baptism
In
Matthew 28:19—20, Jesus commands his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit...” Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In passages such as
Acts 2:41,
Acts 8:12, and
Acts 10:47-48 it is evident that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation. In
Romans 6:1—11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion mode of baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under the water represents Jesus’ death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection. The immersion mode of baptism best illustrates the work of Jesus, but the value of the sacrament of baptism is in the life and heart of the believer, not in the water of baptism. Peter describes it this way in
I Peter 3:21-22: “this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also - not the removal
of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand
- with
angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” Baptism is to having Jesus in your heart, what exchanging rings are to becoming man and wife. When the inner commitment to trust Jesus alone for salvation has been made, then the outward symbol of baptism should be as valued and as visible as the gold ring on a newlywed’s finger.
How we Baptize
Journey’s Crossing practices immersion for baptism, believing that this biblical practice has significance even beyond symbolism, involving the whole person in a complete covering with water, which signifies washing with the sacrifice of Christ. We do not stand in judgment of other modes, but we believe every follower of Christ has a wonderful opportunity to experience immersion as practiced in the New Testament.Paul explains how the immersion mode of baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under the water represents Jesus’ death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection.
About Infant Baptism
If the purpose of baptism is to publicly identify a believer in Jesus Christ, you may well be asking yourself, “What was the significance of my baptism as a baby?” In the bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you were baptized as a child, it was the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your baptism as an adult can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. It in no way repudiates the baptism you received as a child.
Ready for Baptism?
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