Baptism is a rich, symbolic act performed by most Christian groups because it is taught in Scripture.  Indeed it is a command of Jesus (Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:18-20). 

In the first churches, people were baptized when they came to faith in Jesus.  Later, as Christianity was made the “official” religion of the Roman Empire, Christians began to     baptize or “christen” infants. 

In the seventeenth century, as people read the Bible carefully, they noticed that the Bible does not, in fact, teach this!  In the Bible the pattern is this:  people ...

	· hear the good news about Jesus,
	· believe in Jesus as Saviour, and
	· are baptized (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, 2:42, 8:12, 8:36-38, 10:47-48, 18:8).

“Baptists” emerged as a group of Christians who believed that baptism of believers ought to be the norm.  That is what the Bible actually models and teaches!

What is Baptism?

People of God have used symbolic washing as a symbol of the forgiveness and spiritual   cleansing of God for centuries, even before Jesus’ time  (Exodus 24:4, Leviticus 16:4, 1 Kings 5:1-14). 

John the Baptist came, preaching such a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus was baptized by John — not because He sinned, but because He chose to identify Himself with sinners.  And Jesus was already looking forward to when He would take sinners’ place on the cross (Matthew 3:13-17).

Baptism is symbolic of God’s cleansing.   It symbolizes the regeneration you experience when you accept Jesus as your  Saviour.  The old you (the person that didn’t believe in Jesus and was spiritually dead) dies, and the new you (the person who believes in Jesus; who is spiritually alive) rises to new live (Romans 6:1-11, 8:1-16).

Baptism is symbolic of the new life that you have in Jesus Christ.  Baptism does not save you!  You are saved by faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-10) whether or not you are baptized!  But baptism is important for a believer.  It is

	· a  step of obedience to Jesus Christ, and
	· a step of commitment and witness.

Who Should Be Baptized?

The biblical pattern is that people: hear the good news about Jesus, believe in Jesus as their personal Saviour,  and then are baptized. 

Therefore Baptists believe that the Bible models that a person should be mature enough to be able to hear and understand the good news about Jesus, and make their own choice about their faith.  You  decide for yourself to believe in Jesus.  Baptism is for believers. 

How do we conduct a Baptism?

Baptists normally baptize by immersion.  Why? 

· The Greek verb “baptizo” normally means “dip under,” or “immerse;”

· Several biblical references imply immersion (Mark 1:10, John 3:23, Acts 8:38-39);

· The imagery of Romans 6:1-11 and 8:1-16 likens baptism to death, burial and resurrection.  Baptism by immersion captures something of this word picture as your old life is “buried” under the water and your new life, eternal life with Jesus, is “resurrected” when you are raised up from the water.

Baptism symbolizes how your spiritual cleansing comes about – by being buried and rising again to newness of life with Jesus as your Saviour.  Under exceptional circumstances (such as health reasons), we can use other modes of baptism.

What About Infant Baptism?

Some Christian traditions practice infant baptism.  Normally these churches have “Confirmation” later on, when people make their own faith decisions.

Different traditions understand infant baptism differently.  In some churches, this baptism is seen as essential to salvation, and saves the child; thus all children must be baptized as soon as possible.  In other churches, only the children of believing parents are baptized, and it is believed that the children are saved by their parents’ faith.  Still others believe that infant baptism is a promise of future salvation!

The challenge with these views is finding biblical support.  This is why the first “Baptists” championed baptism for believers!  It is difficult to find biblical support for any other view!  Believers’ baptism by immersion simply is the   biblical pattern.

Why should I be baptized? 

If you believe in Jesus as your  Saviour you should be baptized! 

	· It is a command of your  Saviour, Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).  We ought to obey His command!  Baptism is an important first step of  obedience (John 14:15).
	· It follows the example of your Saviour, Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:13-17).  Jesus was baptized — why not you?
	· It is a public testimony of your faith in Jesus as our Saviour.  It is good for you to acknowledge your faith publicly.  It solidifies your decision.  And it is a    witness to others.  When you are baptized you are publicly proclaiming your faith – which is very influential to others.
	· It is a public expression of your desire to make Jesus Lord of your life – to live a Christ-like life! This will not be easy!  But it is good to make that public  declaration.  You can expect encouragement and support from your Christian brothers and sisters.

I would like to be baptized: what do I do?

If you would like to learn more about baptism — or you know already you would like to be baptized — talk with one of the pastors.  One of the pastors will help you prepare for baptism, teaching you more about our faith, walking with Jesus, and what baptism means.  Together with the pastor, we will set a date for your baptism — normally in a regular worship service.