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In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus commands to make disciples and baptize them. In virtually the rest of the New Testament, when we see someone come to Christ, the first thing they do is willfully get baptized.
An important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as their Savior is baptism. |
FAQs
What Does Baptism Mean?
In Romans 6:3-4, Paul writes, "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into 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 the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Christian baptism is a testimony of repentance and faith in Christ which also depicts the Gospel — His death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection. Immersion in the baptismal waters symbolizes the end of the old way of life. Coming up out of the baptismal waters pictures the new life found in Christ. The person who was previously dead in sin has been made spiritually alive by the same power that raised up Jesus from the grave. Water baptism identifies a person as a disciple of Christ and celebrates the passage from an old life into a new life in Christ.
Simply stated, it is an outward sign, a public declaration, of an inward change.
Baptism is not required to receive God's salvation. However, for those who have trusted Christ for salvation baptism is a step of obedience.
Why Baptism By Immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." — Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." — Acts 8:38-39
The word baptize means "To dip under water." The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water." It is best symbolized by a burial and resurrection!
Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism followed repentance and faith in New Testament times. Peter invited his listeners on the Day of Pentecost to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven" (Acts 2:38). Alliance churches follow the same practice subsequent to conversion to Christ. Those who have repented of sin and put their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life are encouraged to follow His example.
Though the Bible does not state a minimum age at which a person may be baptized, at Hope, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice infant baptism; this is a meaningful tradition in many families. The Bible teaches that baptism is symbolic of faith and repentance, something young children or infants are not able to do yet, so at Riverside we dedicate our children and practice believer’s baptism, which is meaningful to the individual.
People who have been baptized as believers before affiliating with an Alliance church do not need to be re-baptized.
When Should I Be Baptized?
"Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" — Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." — Acts 8:35-38
When you've chosen to receive Jesus as Lord, you can and should be baptized. There is no reason to delay.
What about Infant Baptism?
Because we believe that faith comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we choose to dedicate our children rather than practice infant baptism. While we understand that many people were baptized as infants, this does not preclude a person from choosing to be baptized again when they come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
You should also participate in believer’s baptism
The New Testament teaches that baptism was the first thing a new Christ follower did after accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Baptism is a chance for us to publically show that we have responded to His leadership in our life. We believe those who have accepted Jesus should engage in believer’s baptism as a step in becoming a fully devoted follow of Christ.
As modeled in the Bible, baptism is an act of obedience Christ expects of every believer.
Will I Have to Talk?
At the beginning of the service, our Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. The Pastor will introduce you and where time permits, each person will have the opportunity to answer a few questions which gives their testimony. Then the Pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
What Should I Wear?
You should wear shorts or a modest swimsuit and a top. We'd love it if you'd wear your Hope shirts! Don't have one? Let us know your size and we'll give you one! Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
How Do I Get Baptized?
1. Let us know you want to get baptized
2. Talk with Pastor Mark about your relationship with Christ.
3. We'll schedule a baptism Sunday.
In Romans 6:3-4, Paul writes, "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into 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 the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Christian baptism is a testimony of repentance and faith in Christ which also depicts the Gospel — His death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection. Immersion in the baptismal waters symbolizes the end of the old way of life. Coming up out of the baptismal waters pictures the new life found in Christ. The person who was previously dead in sin has been made spiritually alive by the same power that raised up Jesus from the grave. Water baptism identifies a person as a disciple of Christ and celebrates the passage from an old life into a new life in Christ.
Simply stated, it is an outward sign, a public declaration, of an inward change.
Baptism is not required to receive God's salvation. However, for those who have trusted Christ for salvation baptism is a step of obedience.
Why Baptism By Immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." — Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." — Acts 8:38-39
The word baptize means "To dip under water." The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water." It is best symbolized by a burial and resurrection!
Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism followed repentance and faith in New Testament times. Peter invited his listeners on the Day of Pentecost to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven" (Acts 2:38). Alliance churches follow the same practice subsequent to conversion to Christ. Those who have repented of sin and put their faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life are encouraged to follow His example.
Though the Bible does not state a minimum age at which a person may be baptized, at Hope, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice infant baptism; this is a meaningful tradition in many families. The Bible teaches that baptism is symbolic of faith and repentance, something young children or infants are not able to do yet, so at Riverside we dedicate our children and practice believer’s baptism, which is meaningful to the individual.
People who have been baptized as believers before affiliating with an Alliance church do not need to be re-baptized.
When Should I Be Baptized?
"Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" — Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." — Acts 8:35-38
When you've chosen to receive Jesus as Lord, you can and should be baptized. There is no reason to delay.
What about Infant Baptism?
Because we believe that faith comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we choose to dedicate our children rather than practice infant baptism. While we understand that many people were baptized as infants, this does not preclude a person from choosing to be baptized again when they come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
You should also participate in believer’s baptism
The New Testament teaches that baptism was the first thing a new Christ follower did after accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Baptism is a chance for us to publically show that we have responded to His leadership in our life. We believe those who have accepted Jesus should engage in believer’s baptism as a step in becoming a fully devoted follow of Christ.
As modeled in the Bible, baptism is an act of obedience Christ expects of every believer.
Will I Have to Talk?
At the beginning of the service, our Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. The Pastor will introduce you and where time permits, each person will have the opportunity to answer a few questions which gives their testimony. Then the Pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
What Should I Wear?
You should wear shorts or a modest swimsuit and a top. We'd love it if you'd wear your Hope shirts! Don't have one? Let us know your size and we'll give you one! Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
How Do I Get Baptized?
1. Let us know you want to get baptized
2. Talk with Pastor Mark about your relationship with Christ.
3. We'll schedule a baptism Sunday.