Should I Be Baptized?

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Baptism

Baptism isn’t required for salvation, but is the first step of faith for believers. The baptismal waters don’t save anyone. It is Jesus that does that. Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and is a picture of the work that Jesus has done in a person’s heart.

Death

Baptism symbolizes our death to
our old life of sin and slavery,
after which one is buried.

Burial

Being fully immersed in water (lit. plunged under) symbolizes what happens to us when we become dead to sin.

Resurrection to New Life

The most important part of baptism is the raising up out of the water. It symbolizes new life in Christ, and that through Christ sin no longer has power over us.

“For ^{A)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28705A”>}I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died ^{B)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28705B”>}for our sins ^{C)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28705C”>}in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised ^{D)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28706D”>}on the third day ^{E)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28706E”>}in accordance with the Scriptures,”
– 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“Therefore, if anyone is ^{A)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28878A”>}in Christ, he is ^{B)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28878B”>}a new creation. ^{C)” data-cr=”#cen-ESV-28878C”>}The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

– 2 Corinthians 5:17

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer.

… it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn’t save you; Jesus does! Baptism is like a wedding ring, signifying a relationships rather than forming that relationship. We follow Jesus’ example in baptism. He was baptized, and commanded us to be baptized.

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
– Mark 1:9

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20

At First Baptist, we baptize by immersion.

That’s the example we see throughout Scripture, and is the basis for the meaning of the word “baptize,” which means to immerse (or dip under) in water.

Ready to be baptized?

If you’re a believer, you should be baptized! It doesn’t matter if you were saved 20 years ago or just last week… it’s time to take the next step in your faith journey.

We can normally baptize during any worship service. Don’t hesitate to contact us if this is something you need to do!

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