WHY SHOULD I GET BAPTIZED?
Once you become a Christian (or a new believer), one of the next steps is to be water baptized as Jesus commanded. Water baptism is an outward demonstration of the work of God in the life of a believer. It shows how we are saved from the consequence of sin by Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and cleansed by Jesus’ blood.
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
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All who claim salvation through Jesus Christ and are truly repentant.
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Infant baptism is not scriptural because an infant or toddler has not yet developed enough to understand salvation they have not confessed salvation through Christ and have not expressed faith in Christ.
ALL BAPTISMS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY:
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Profession of faith (Acts 8:37)
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Prayer (Acts 22:16)
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Vow of consecration (1 Peter 3:21)
*We encourage you to invite family and friends. Please be at Revival Church by 10AM on that Sunday.*
WHAT TO DO
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Read through this document.
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Complete and submit the baptism application.
WHAT TO BRING
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White Towel, Plain Black T-shirt and Black Pants
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Plastic bag (to put your wet clothes in)
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Blow dryer or bathing cap (if needed)
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Water shoes to wear in the pool (optional)
WATER BAPTISM DEFINITION
Water Baptism is one of two ordinances in the Christian Church. It is the ceremony of entrance into the Church. It symbolizes the death of the old sinful life and birth of the new life in Christ. When we invited Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Saviour, God cleansed us by His Holy Spirit with the blood of Jesus Christ. Water Baptism portrays this act. It is a sign of what has been done.
Water Baptism does not provide forgiveness for, or cleanse away sin. Baptize is the English form of the Greek word “baptizo” that is derived from the word “bapto” meaning “to dip” or “immerse”. It is a ceremonial or symbolic cleansing of a person in both the Jewish and Christian church. In both cases it is usually administered as a rite of induction into the faith.
TYPES OF WATER BAPTISM
There are three types of baptism mentioned in the scriptures.
JUDAISM
Converts were immersed up to their neck, and read the Law (Word of God; Holy Scriptures). Afterwards they were plunged beneath the water as a sign of being cleansed from the defilement of heathenism and the beginning of a new life as a member of God’s covenant people. (Exodus 19:10-14; Leviticus 8:6; Mark 7:3-4; Hebrews 9:10)
JOHN’S BAPTISM
John the Baptist called the people to repent for their sinful nature (actions and attitudes) and be baptized to prepare themselves to receive “the Kingdom of God” Jesus Christ (Luke 3:3; Isaiah 40:3). His job was to prepare the people to receive “THE WORD OF GOD” incarnate, Jesus Christ, in order that the seed of the WORD would have fertile soil to germinate, grow and bring forth fruit. Many of the religious leaders were offended by this request, since the law and tradition only required baptism of gentiles.
CHRISTIANITY
Similar to the Jewish baptism, this is a ceremony performed on converts. It symbolizes the death burial and resurrection of the Jesus Christ and the believer (Romans 6:1-4). Water baptism is to the believer as marriage is to someone who is engaged. When a person gets married it is usually a very elaborate and public ceremony. When the vows are exchanged the bride and the groom do not fall in love with each other, at that moment. There was a personal relationship that developed privately over time! The wedding ceremony symbolizes the love and the bond of unity that evolved between the couple and culminated in their commitment to each other. It is a display of the love that grew privately but is ready for public presentation.
BAPTISM PORTRAYS
Baptism is a sacred advertisement portraying:
REGENERATION
The new birth experience is described as a washing (bath) in Titus 3:5; Sins and the defilement of the old life have been washed away.
EXPERIENCE
It shows a spiritual identity and union with Christ (marriage); Christ died for sin so that man could die to sin; Christ rose from the dead that we might have new life (a righteous life in him).
SALVATION
Death to sin; burial via submersion; resurrection to new life in Christ via emerging (Romans 6:1-4).
TESTIMONY
Baptism should be a public display of what has taken place in private (Galatians 3:27). It is a formal public announcement of your allegiance to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.