NEXT STEPS
WATER BAPTISM
The Mission Church
The scripture instructs us that all born again believers must be water baptized. The New Testament teaches that baptism is the immersion of the believer in water. The act of immersion is the sign and seal of the believer’s conversion and faith.
Scripture teaches us that:
Baptism portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Baptism also portrays our personal identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 6:4-5).
Baptism is a public statement; a public announcement of our faith in Christ
WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?
The New Testament teaches that water baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. This act of immersion is the sign and seal of the believer’s conversion and faith. It is the opportunity to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus Christ”.
WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS A CHILD WITH THE SPRINKLING OF WATER?
Whenever the Bible speaks of water baptism it speaks of the immersion of the believer in water (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:38). Remember, water baptism is a response to salvation, we are not saved through baptism. This means that a person should be of the age that they understand for themselves the choice they are making to be baptized. We encourage everyone who was baptized as a child through the sprinkling of water to be baptized again by their own choice and decision to follow Jesus Christ. Reach Church will not water baptize any children under the age of twelve.
WHY IS WATER BAPTISM IMPORTANT?
Jesus commanded us to be baptized and for us to go and baptize others (Matthew 28:19-20). Additionally, the scriptures teach that it is normal and customary for someone who believes in Christ as their Lord and Savior to be baptized (Mark 16:16).
Baptism is important because it also portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:3-6 says, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized in Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Baptism in water by full immersion is a public statement of our faith in Jesus Christ. As one who has been born again, forgiven by Jesus Christ, it is our joy to tell others of the great things that God has done in our life..
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WATER BAPTISM SERVICE?
- Arrive at church one half hour earlier than the start of the service.
- Bring a change of clothes.
- Bring 2 large towels.
- Dress appropriately by wearing dark clothes that will not be form-fitting and that will cover you completely.
- You will be given the opportunity to share a short testimony of no more than three minutes.
- Invite your friends and family!