Water baptism is one of the most significant steps in the journey of faith in christ.
What does water baptism mean?
Water baptism is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Christ died for our sins... He was buried...He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“...having been buried with Him in baptism in which you were also raised with Him...” (Colossians 2:12)
Water baptism is a symbol of a person’s new life as a follower of Jesus.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Baptism doesn’t make a person a believer, it shows that a person already is one.
Baptism does not save a person - we are saved only by the grace of God, through personal faith (trust) in His Son Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism then can be likened to a wedding ring... It’s an outward symbol of our heart’s commitment to following and trusting Jesus with our whole lives.
Who should be baptised?
Those who have made the decision to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as their Saviour.
“So those who received his word were baptised...” (Acts 2:41)
“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised...” (Acts 8:12)
The one requirement for baptism is a person’s faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
For this reason we choose to dedicate infants and young children to God rather than baptise them. Once a child is old enough to understand their personal faith in Jesus, they are welcome to be baptised.
Why be baptised?
To follow Christ’s own example.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
To follow Christ’s command.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” (Matthew 28:19)
To identify your life with Christ’s.
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
How should a person be baptised?
Like Jesus was baptised, by being immersed in water.
“And when Jesus was baptised, immediately He went up from the water...” (Matthew 3:16)
Every water baptism in the Bible was by immersion (under water). The Greek word for baptism (baptizo) literally means to dip under water or immerse. Immersion in water is the most complete picture or symbol of identifying your life with Christ and in Christ. Immersion in water and emergence from water is a picture of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Can a family be baptised together?
Yes! If each family member understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. We celebrate and encourage family members to be baptised together as it’s a wonderful expression of their personal commitment together.
How do I organise to be baptised?
You can contact newHope’s Pastor on info@newhope.family // 0426-248-724 or complete the form below.
Every baptism celebration looks a little different so we cater each one to suit factors such as timing, personal requests and practical availability of a baptism pool.
Baptism is a wonderful and powerful milestone / step in the life of a follower of Jesus. If you haven’t yet been baptised, we hope this information encourages you to make this amazing step. If you have more questions or would like to discuss baptism further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if the phone number or page listed above.