Baptism
To follow the example set by Christ.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan” Mk. 1:9
Because Christ commands it.
“And Jesus came and said to them… ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matt. 28:19-20
It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
“…And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8 “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” 1 Jn. 2:3
It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins…he was buried, [and] he was raised on the third day.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Col. 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Cor. 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.” Rom. 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn’t “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water.” Matt. 3:16
Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.
“…and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39
The word “Baptize” means to “dip under water.”
The Greek word baptizo means, “to immerse or dip under water”. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
Every person who has faith in Christ.
“So those who received his word were baptized…” Acts 2:41 “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip.” Acts 8:12-13
At Scotts Hill, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
At Scotts Hill, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.
As soon as you have believed!
“So those who received his word were baptized…” Acts 2:41 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”