What is Baptism?
Baptism is the biblical response of willfully surrendering ourselves to God through water immersion to join with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection into new life.
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Resources
Below are some resources to help you learn more about baptism.
Have A Child Interested In Baptism?
Congratulations! We want to empower parents to help their children make significant decisions about their faith. For this reason, we have created a simple resource for you to use as you have conversations with your child about this important decision.
Contact us below if you have any additional questions or when you feel your child is ready to take this step.
Baptism Questions
‘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 2.38
What is baptism?
Baptism is the biblical response of willfully surrendering ourselves to God through water immersion to join with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection into new life. We are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8) and baptism is the biblical expression of that faith and trust. It marks the beginning of new life in a follower of Jesus and their union with Christ (Matt 28:19, Romans 6:1–8, Titus 3:5).
The New Testament word for “baptism” is the Greek word baptizo, meaning “to immerse.
” Baptism represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:1–5). It is more than a symbol, it is a God-ordained response of faith that marks the beginning of a new life. Baptism by any method other than immersion does not align with the biblical model. So at Calvary, we baptize by full immersion to align with the New Testament examples.
Why should I be baptized?
Baptism is the normative biblical response to Jesus’ offer of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross (Acts 2:41). It is a public expression of trust in Him (Acts 8:12–13), and is accompanied with the following gifts: the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), assurance of salvation (Mark 16:16), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). It testifies to God’s work in a believer’s life (Rom. 6:1–8) and appeals to God for a clean conscience (1 Peter 3:21). We are not saved by the act of baptism itself. However, Scripture teaches that baptism is the biblical moment where grace meets faith and salvation is received (Acts 22:16).
Professor Jon Weatherly of Johnson University summarizes the need for baptism this way: “Baptism signifies the sinner asking the Lord for the blessings of salvation, and the Lord responds by granting those blessings. Baptism is more than ‘an outward sign of an inward grace,’ or ‘an act of obedience,’ though it is at least those things. Baptism is the divinely authorized act by which the repentant sinner approaches God and in which God fulfills his promises to the repentant sinner.
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Who should be baptized?
Baptism is for all who are ready to repent and confess Jesus Christ as Lord (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38–39). The New Testament presents baptism as a person’s individual decision to commit his or her life to God. Consequently, we believe that this must be a conscious choice of an individual and not one made for them by someone else. Therefore, individuals who were sprinkled as infants should be baptized by immersion to complete their commitment to Christ and to be faithful to the clear teaching of scripture.
What about children?
We believe that parents have the primary responsibility for their children’s spiritual development (Deut. 6:4–9). At Calvary, we seek to partner with families to help children take meaningful steps of faith. We believe that baptism should come from a child’s personal decision, not merely a parent’s desire.
Scripture sets no minimum age, so we do not either. Instead, we seek biblical readiness. We want children to be able to clearly explain what the gospel is, who Jesus is, and why they personally want to be baptized (Acts 8:37). This process involves prayerful discernment from both parents and ministry leaders to help ensure the child is making a genuine, informed commitment.
What about infant baptism?
In the Bible we find parents bringing 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 to baptize them. If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you trust in Christ for salvation. The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. ‘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.’
What do I wear?
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! Dark shirts and shorts work best. We’ll provide the t-shirt. We also have shorts available if you don’t have your own. Remember to also bring a change of clothes to wear home. There are changing rooms available. Arrive 10 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for some last-minute instructions.
Questions?
Do you still have questions about baptism? We’d love to talk with you about that. Click the button below, and our team will reach out!