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Baptism
Following Jesus' Example
Why should I be baptized?
Jesus was baptized and commands us to be baptized to be identified with Him. Baptism is an act of obedience. We prove that we love Jesus by keeping His commands.
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"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Matthew 28:19 KJV
What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward symbol of an inner experience of death through Christ to the old life, and resurrection with Him to a new life. Baptism serves as an open declaration of your faith in Christ. The act of baptism does not save you, but it shows that you are saved.
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4 KJV
Baptism is like a wedding ring—it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. Wearing a wedding ring does not make you married, but does indicate that you are. Baptism does not save you, but it does identify you as being saved.
Why be baptized by immersion?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water…” Matthew 3:16 KJV
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2. Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.
“… and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39 KJV
3. The word "Baptism" in Greek (baptizo) literally means "immersion" or "to dip under water". Biblical baptism is complete submersion of the person in water.
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
Scriptual Baptism is by immersion and after Salvation.
Who should be baptized?
Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with him.
"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:32-38 KJV
Can children be baptized?
At Journey, we allow anyone who is born again to be baptized. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents commit to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different than the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those who believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
At Journey Fellowship Baptist Church, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior. Don’t delay this first step of obedience. Speak with Pastor John or a minister during a church service. If further discussion is needed, we will arrange a meeting to speak to you about baptism. On baptism day, please arrive 15 minutes early in sanctuary, bring clothing to wear under your baptismal robe (shorts, and dark colored t-shirt are suggested), and invite all your family and friends. For further questions please call Pastor John Lemmings at 770-314-5115