An Introduction to Baptism
We know that many who attend Life Church Calvert have come from various church backgrounds and traditions. As a result, there could be some questions about what we believe and why. This is especially true regarding issues that tend to be debated in churches, like the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. To help you get to know us better, we’ve taken some time to clarify what we believe the Bible teaches on these subjects. We hope this brings you not only a greater understanding of these issues alone but also an increased awareness of who God is and our incredible hope in Jesus.
What is all about?
At first glance, the idea of Christian Baptism might seem strange. Where does the idea of baptism come from? Why should someone be baptized? Isn’t it just an antiquated ritual? If I believe in Jesus, why isn’t that good enough? Why do I have to get publicly soaked and wet? Couldn’t we use a super soaker?
We realize that the idea of baptism might seem foreign. But in the New Testament, baptism is the proper response to faith in Christ. It is an act of obedience whereby one who has put their faith in Christ publicly identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time for us to acknowledge that we have put our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, remembering that Jesus said, "whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matt. 10:32).
What We Believe
We believe it is our responsibility to baptize those who put their faith in Jesus since His last words to his disciples were to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).
We also believe it is the responsibility of one who has put their faith in Jesus to be baptized. Time and time again, the apostles urge people to believe and be baptized. In Acts 2, Peter urges the crowd to “repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38).
There are 10 detailed examples of conversion in the book of Acts, each of which contains a “believed and was baptized” pattern.1 Therefore, we are convinced each Christian should respond in obedience to God by believing and being baptized. In baptism, we remember that “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” We identify with his own death in baptism. The Apostle Paul teaches that “all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death... 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” (Rom. 6:3-4).
The association of salvation and baptism in the New Testament has led some to think that baptism is what saves. Let me clearly say that baptism does not save. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Baptism is simply the outer manifestation of faith in Christ. Like participating in the Lords Supper, baptism is something we are called to do in obedience to Jesus.
10 Detailed Conversions in Acts: the Jews in Acts 2; the Samaritans in Acts 8:5-12; Simon in Acts 8:13; the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40; Saul in Acts 9:1-18/22:1-16; Cornelius in Acts 10:1 - 11:18; Lydia in Acts 16:14-15; the jailer in Acts 16:25-34; the Corinthians in Acts 18:8; and the Ephesians in Acts 19:1-7).
Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism
Am I ready to be baptized?
This is probably the most frequent question we hear regarding baptism. And we think it is a good one! Since baptism is an outward declaration of an inward reality, it is important to ensure that you have put your faith in Jesus before you are baptized.
But let’s make a few things clear.
First, you don’t have to be a Christian for a certain number of years to be baptized. You don’t have to have it all together, and your faith doesn’t have to reach a certain level of strength or maturity. The Bible teaches that you are ready to be baptized when you put your faith in Jesus and ask for forgiveness! At that moment, you are forgiven, and God’s grace makes you clean. You are now free to proclaim through baptism, an outward washing, the cleansing God has already accomplished in your heart.
I was baptized as a baby; should I do it again?
We know that many wonderful Christian denominations practice infant baptism. And we know that many wonderful Christian people in our church have been baptized as infants. Of course, this raises several questions for a lot of us. It might be helpful to differentiate between the most common views on baptism.
- Baptismal Regeneration: Baptism accomplishes the forgiveness of sins. All infants should be baptized to communicate saving grace from original sin.
- Covenantal Baptism: Baptism is the oath sign of the new covenant, just as circumcision was the oath sign under the old covenant. As a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, all infants of believing parents should be baptized.
- Believer’s Baptism: Baptism should follow one’s profession of faith in Christ. It is an act of obedience to the command of Christ.
At Life Church Calvert, we believe the New Testament practice was baptism upon acceptance of the gospel (e.g., Acts 8), and it is an act of obedience that should follow one’s profession of faith in Christ. Therefore, we encourage everyone who was baptized as an infant to consider being baptized as an adult. In so doing, you consciously and personally identify yourself with Jesus Christ and symbolically declare in your baptism the faith you have put in Him.
Can my newborn be baptized?
Baptism is the public profession of faith and discipleship after conversion. Because of this, we do Child Dedications until a child is old enough to understand and choose to be baptized by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Do you sprinkle or dunk?
We practice full immersion. In addition to providing the imagery of being cleansed, baptism also paints the picture of one dying to oneself and being made new in Christ. Just as Jesus died and was resurrected on the third day, so will all who believe in Jesus die and be raised by the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. In the act of fully immersing someone in water, we acknowledge that in the same way one is buried with Christ, so will one also be risen in Christ. Every part of the individual is soaking wet, representing how every part of us is made brand new in Jesus Christ.
What does the Baptism service look like?
We start with a welcome, especially since so many family and friends come out to share this day with you. Each baptismal service will include a time for singing and worship, a time for those baptized to share their faith, a brief message from a pastor, and a time when those present will be baptized.
Do I have to say anything?
As you’ve noticed, we provide a time for each person to share their faith before they are baptized. We believe it is important for you to publicly profess the faith you’ve put in Christ (Romans 10:9). This can be as simple as you saying, “I’ve given my heart to Christ”, or as elaborate as sharing your journey to faith in Jesus. We ask that each testimony be no longer than 2 minutes to accommodate everyone who wants to share their story. Also, we ask that if you do decide to share, please be sensitive to those in attendance and be careful not to offend or insult any church or denomination from your past. You do not want to hinder anyone else's journey to faith in Jesus accidentally.
What should I wear?
A word on clothing. Remember that you will be dunked in what you wear to your baptism. A strong suggestion: Do not wear clothing that is lightly colored. Be sure that when your clothes get wet, they do not become see through!
Should I invite friends?
Absolutely! The good news of the gospel is clearly presented at each baptism, both in what is said and what is done. So yes, we think it’s a great opportunity for you to share your faith with your friends and family and to celebrate with your loved ones what God has done in your life.
Upcoming Baptism Dates
Take the next step and register for an upcoming baptism. Click on the date below and hit the register button.