Baptism has been an important symbol in the church dating back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry here on earth. Even before Jesus, in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Israelites would cleanse themselves with water to remove ritual impurity. However, when Jesus came to earth, he told his followers to “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus gave baptism a new meaning. Now, baptism is the symbolic act that follows repentance (Acts 2:38), showing to others that we are made new. Baptism on its own does not bring salvation or new life to us, but it is an outward expression of an inward transformation.

We get baptized in water because Jesus commanded it and set the example by being baptized Himself. As His followers, we are called to imitate Him, demonstrating our obedience and identifying with His life, death, and resurrection. We do it out of obedience and imitation.

Through this obedient imitation, we are following Jesus. Baptism is symbolic of the fact that our old sinful and disobedient selves are dead and are buried under the water. The person who comes out of the water is a born-again follower of Jesus. This is the first step in the life of a follower of Jesus who is committing to live like Jesus in obedience. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to follow the example of Christ, and part of Jesus’ example was being baptized in public.

Even though baptism doesn’t save you or change it, it will help grow your faith. It is similar to the symbolism of a wedding. A wedding doesn’t make you committed, faithful, or in love with your spouse, but it is a symbolic event where you and your spouse commit to being all those things in front of people who will support you on that journey. Baptism is symbolic of us uniting and imitating Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12-13). Baptism doesn’t make you a follower of Jesus, rather it is the first major step in the life of a Jesus follower, and it does give you the resolve and community to walk forward in faith for the rest of your life! So, even though baptism is simply a symbolic act, it is very important as an act of faith and obedience in the life of anyone choosing to follow Jesus.

We must always remember that there is nothing we can do to be saved or to earn God’s favor, including being baptized. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us it is only faith that saves us as the free gift of God. Baptism is a symbol of this work and gift God has given us. Baptism still produces deep and powerful emotions in us because it is a powerful and sacred reminder of the work Jesus did for us and because of that work, we have been set free from sin.

Those who have made a conscious choice to follow Jesus should be baptized. Baptism is for those who have repented of their sins and are choosing to live as disciples of Jesus. In the Bible, Christians are baptized the same day they understand the good news of following Jesus. For example, in Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 10:47, and Acts 16:31-33 we see examples of individuals who are baptized almost immediately after accepting Jesus as their savior. Baptism is not meant to be done when a Christians feels holy enough, righteous enough, or good enough. Baptism is done when people are still baby Christians in their faith to show that they have been born again and will now grow into someone new and more mature.

Commit to becoming a disciple of Jesus, following him for the rest of your life as you become a new person, living not for yourself, but for Jesus, your new King and Savior.

You believe Jesus died and was raised back to life so that you can have eternal life.

You know that eternal life is a gift that you don’t deserve and can’t earn.

You have decided to become a follower of Jesus.

You understand the importance of baptism as a public symbol that your old sinful self is dead, and you are now alive because of Jesus.

- Towel
- Change of Clothes
- Wear Baptism Shirt
- Wear Comfortable, Modest Clothes
- Sandals (recommended)
- Bag for Wet Clothes
- Arrive 30 Minutes Before Service Starts
- Meet Jane by the Music Hall
- Invite Family & Friends
- Expect God to Make You New!