First Baptisms of 2023
What is Baptism? Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is Baptism? A: The Bible shows us that it is a visible symbol of the changed heart towards Christ. John the Baptist would declare “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near (Mt 3:2).” And “And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.” The literal meaning of the word we find in Scriptures means to ‘dunk.’ The symbol shows us that our old sinful nature is washed away as we become a new creation in Jesus Christ. You are visibly identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. See Romans 6:1-11, 1 Peter 3:21.
We attempt to keep it as close to the Bible as possible with our symbol. We will dunk you, fully immersing you under the water. However, if you are physically limited and cannot enter our Baptismal, we fully understand and will work with you to best showcase the symbol of your Salvation.
Q: Who should be Baptized? A: Anyone who freely wishes to testify their Salvation and commitment to becoming a Christ-follower. If you were recently saved from your sins, this is a great time. If you recently came back to the Lord and recommitted your life to Him, go ahead and be baptized! If you were Baptized as a Baby, but now want to fully commit as a Christian, then you can be baptized. If you moved a great distance and now worship with new believers, you can also be baptized again. We recommend that you give your testimony of Salvation immediately before entering the water. This statement and symbol if fully yours and we will not Baptize if you feel coerced by another person.
Q: Do I need to be Baptized to be a Christian? A: No, it is but a symbol of your commitment to Christ. The thief on the cross next to Jesus was not Baptized, but he was welcomed into God’s Kingdom (see Luke 23:35-43). Likewise, you do not receive anything spiritually special upon Baptism. God’s Spirit comes upon his people when prayed over and with the laying-on of hands, and not immersion of water, as per every instance in the Bible. Baptizing does not make you a member either. If God requires Salvation to consider you a part of his Church, we also believe the same.
Q: What do I need? A: Your statement or testimony of your Salvation and promise to grow closer to Jesus. You need clothes to get wet in (make sure they are not transparent when wet). You need a towel to dry off with a change of clothes to change out of when you’re done. Please let Pastor know the full spelling of your name for a certificate. Please invite everyone close to you; family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends. You are publicly making a declaration of being a follower of Christ—they need to see you!
Any other questions? Please reach out! svacog@gmail.com room28ministries@gmail.com (814) 715-1775
