Baptism

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward sign showing what God has done to save a person from sin through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a symbolic picture of a believer’s union with Christ – a physical sign of a spiritual reality.

• It is symbolic of a believer’s spiritual baptism (Romans 6:3-5).
• Spiritual baptism is a one-time event which occurs at salvation for all true followers of Jesus. It places believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13) and into union with Christ, his death and resurrection (Colossians 3:1-4).
• All believers from the moment of salvation are permanently and fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit who lives in them (John 14:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19).
• There is only one real baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

Baptism is one of only two formal activities (ordinances) given to the church. The other is the Lord’s supper (communion).

Baptism has no saving power on its own – it does not bring salvation – it does not save people from sin (Ephesians 2: 8,9; Romans 3:28, John 3:16).

Who Should Be Baptized?

• All followers of Jesus Christ (believers, Christians)(Acts 2:37-41, 12-13, 36-39, 8:37-40, 10:37-48, 16:30-33).
• At Crossway, we ask that you study through our Baptism Lesson with someone who can lead you through it or you attend a Baptism Class when several people are ready to study it together.

Why Should Every Believer Be Baptized?

• Obedience to Christ’s command and example (Matthew 28:18-20, 3:15-17).
• Commanded to the early church and followed true faith and repentance (Acts 2:38).
• Identification with church family (Acts 2:41).
• It shows a first step of public obedience – proclamation.
• It is an amazing testimony to the unbelieving world (those who are not yet followers of Jesus).

When Should Every Believer Be Baptized?

• After they have surrendered their life to Jesus for salvation by faith (Acts 10:44-48, 8:36-37).
• Soon after receiving and embracing Christ (Acts 8:36, 16:33, 22:16).

How Should Every Believer Be Baptized?

We believe that the Bible teaches believers should be baptized by immersion.

• The English word “baptize” (or “baptized,” “baptizing,” and “baptism”) comes from the Greek word “baptizo” (bap-tid-zo) (or derivatives of baptizo), which means to immerse. It comes from the root word, “Bapto,” which means to dip, dye, or to cover wholly with fluid. It is the only Greek word in the Bible used in context with the ordinance of baptism.
• Baptism was always done in a body of water (Acts 8:38,39; John 1:28; Matthew 3:13,16)
• Historical evidence: the New Testament church baptized by immersion.
• The Greek words for sprinkle, pour, and wash are not used in any passage about baptism.

The Celebration

• When we schedule your baptism, it will be an opportunity for you to be obedient to Christ and proclaim your faith in him.
• We will encourage all baptisms to be done during the larger church gathering so that the most people possible can celebrate with you, support you, and bear witness with you.
• All baptism candidates will be evaluated under the oversight of a pastor.
• Baptism services will be led a pastor but we are delighted to have any mature believer baptize you. We encourage you to choose someone who has be instrumental in your life of following Jesus if they are available.
• Invite your friends and family! This is an amazing opportunity to share the good news of what God has done in your life.
• Be prepared to share your testimony and why you are being baptized. The baptism lesson will help you with this.