Baptism has great symbolism!
Like a wedding ring symbolizes unity, baptism symbolizes that you are united with Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Christ.
Baptism is a personal identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Just like Christ was buried when He died for our sins, our baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We have died to our old life and it has been buried, and we have a new life in Christ. Baptism doesn’t do this for you, it is an expression of your decision to follow Christ and the new life you have already received through faith in Him.
The Apostle Paul describes baptism as immersion in water as a means of which the believer identifies personally with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (see Romans 6:1–11). Going under the water represents Christ’s death—and a believer’s death to sin; coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection and the believer’s new life in Christ.
QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM
What is the Biblical Foundations of Baptism?
Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus.
Jesus’ final recorded words to His followers before His ascension to heaven express the importance, He placed on Baptism.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Baptism does not provide salvation but follows a personal salvation experience.
It follows this salvation experience as a personal and public statement of being a follower of Christ. The order is “believe and then be baptized” (Acts 2:38-41). Notice the order of salvation and then baptism in Acts 2:38-41 and Acts 8:36-38.
Acts 2:38–41 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. … ” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
The act of Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Do we practice Infant Baptism at The Well?
Throughout the life of Christ we find parents bringing their children to Christ to pray for them and bless them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me.” Jesus would hold them, pray for them, and bless them, but Jesus didn’t baptize them, nor did He tell anyone else to baptize them. Why is this?
Since the purpose of Baptism is to publicly identify as a believer in Jesus Christ, an infant or even a toddler is not capable of making that kind of decision.
If you were baptized as a child, clearly it was the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your baptism as an adult can be view as the fulfillment of your parent’s wishes. It in no way disregards or repudiates your baptism as a child but completes it.
Am I Spiritually Ready for Baptism?
An Egyptian official in the Bible had the same question!
Acts 8:36–38 (NKJV) Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Once you place your faith in Christ and trust Him as your Lord (leader) and Savior, you should be baptized. It is a public testimony for people who have become followers of Christ.
Christ followers are those who have realized that their sins have separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through their own good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins and His resurrection is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A Christ follower (believer) is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation. If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. If this is the case, then your baptism is a time of celebration!
How do I get baptized at The Well?
If you are ready to get baptized, you will need to complete the following three steps:
STEP ONE: Complete a Baptism Registration Form
STEP TWO: Attend a Baptism Information Meeting with one of the pastors.
STEP THREE: Get Baptized!