One of the most powerful things about baptism is being able to share your story with others. It is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to share in what God has done in your life. At Rockharbor Church, baptism is all about a celebration. We make a big deal about Baptism because it is an opportunity to publicly declare the transformational work of Christ in your life. Simply said, Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change of heart.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow Jesus' example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
Jesus commanded it.
“Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
It demonstrates I am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” (1 John 2:3)
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates the gospel message.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…” (1 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)
Why do we baptize by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
Every Biblical example was by immersion.
“Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water and Phillip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
The word “baptize” literally means “to dip or immerse”. It symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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 6:3-4)
Who should be baptized?
Anybody who calls themselves a follower of Jesus. Baptism is a step of obedience that publically shows others that someone has personally trusted Jesus for their salvation. Every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized. Having decided to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, they follow Him in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Him.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
What about children?
Scripturally, all instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation. At Rockharbor Church, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
