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What is Christian Baptism?
Christian baptism is immersion in water
as a public statement of one’s new identity in Christ, having received
Him by faith as Savior and Lord. Baptism does not save a person. Rather,
baptism is the first act of obedience for one who has been saved. The
model given to us in the Bible is that baptism immediately follows
conversion.
“Those who accepted
his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their
number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
Why Should I Be Baptized?
- To follow the example set by Jesus.
“At that time
Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the
Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
- Because Christ
Himself commands it.
“Then Jesus said
to them… ‘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.'"
(Matthew 28:19)
- To publicly
demonstrate that I really am a believer.
“And many…
who heard him believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8)
- To openly
demonstrate my desire to obey Christ and my willingness to come
under His Lordship in my life.
“Why do you
call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke
6:46)
- Baptism is
the act that initiates the Christian into the fellowship of
the believers.
“For we
were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…” (I
Corinthians 12:13)
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
- It illustrates
Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“Christ died
for sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… he was
raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(I Corinthians 15:3-4)
“… Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with
Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from
the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
This is why
baptism is done by immersion rather than by sprinkling.
- Baptism
illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone,
the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17)
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into
death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:5)
Who is a Candidate for Baptism?
- Those who
hear the Gospel.
“… and
many… who heard him believed and were baptized.”
(Acts 18:8)
- Those who
believe in Christ.
“Whoever
believes and is baptized will be saved...” (Mark
16:16)
- Those
who confess Christ with their mouth.
“…
If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and
believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead you will
be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
- Those
who in good conscience pledge their life to Christ.
“…
Baptism that now saves you… not the removal of dirt from
the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward
God.” (I Peter 3:21)
How Can I Schedule a Baptism?
At
Higher Ground, we desire to do everything we can to help
you with this very important time in your life. We have
provided several scheduling options for your convenience.
- You may stop by the Counter in the
main lobby on Sunday mornings. One of our volunteers
will be there to help you.
- You may check the “Interested in
baptism” box on your Sunday morning attendance card.
- You may contact the office during
weekday hours, Monday through Friday, at (951)
924-1977.
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