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BAPTISM


Baptism is one of the most important and meaningful experiences of obedience in the Christian life. There are many questions people have regarding the significance, meaning and even the mode of baptism. The Bible provides the answers to these questions regarding this fascinating and pivotal topic.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38


Who Should Be Baptized?

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is reserved only for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

It should quickly become clear that the Bible teaches that in order to be baptized the Biblical way, a person must first accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. An infant or person who does not understand or has not accepted God's plan of salvation is not a candidate for baptism. The Scriptural order is to believe and then be baptized.

41 Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:41

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:12

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 8:35-38

Why Should We Be Baptized?

1. It is commanded by God.

2. Baptism is a memorial of what Jesus did for us.

3. Baptism is a symbol of what has transpired in our lives when we were saved.

4. Baptism is also a prophecy of the resurrection of the believer.




Obedience to God

The Baptism of Jesus displays this obedience.

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whome I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:13-17


19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:47-48

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:4-5

How Should We Be Baptized?

Some churches teach that sprinkling is baptism. Others have said that it should be done by pouring water over a person's head. Still others practice total immersion or submersion of the body into the water. With all of these variations, the question to ask is which one(s) does the Bible teach? Please take some time to read the following verses and see what the Bible has to say about how we should be baptized.


The very word "baptism" means to dip, to plunge, to submerge, or to immerse. Nowhere in the Bible is the sprinkling of babies or adults taught. Immersion is the only method of baptism that properly identified the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.



31 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 8:38

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12


What If I Refuse To Be Baptized?

First of all, refusing to be baptized is direct disobedience against God.

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 4:17

Secondly, refusing to be baptized causes a loss of testimony. Disciples of Christ are known for their obedience. This testimony is based upon faithful choices to follow after the Savior.

31 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:31

Lastly, refusing to be baptized will cause a loss of fellowship with God.

18 If I regard iniquity in my hearth, the Lord will not hear me:
Psalm 66:18


God Knows

God knows that if we follow Him and obey His Word that we will be protected from the problems that sin brings. Our obedience also brings God's blessings into our lives and we know that our prayers will be heard and answered as we talk together with Him.

Who would want to give up all the benefits associated with following after God? Sin promises the world, yet never delivers. God promises His presence and never leaves us or forsakes us. The obedient Christian life is, quite honestly, the greatest, most joyful life one can ever find.

Get In Touch

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:15-16

We believe that salvation is the gift of God, brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins.

Mission Statement

Across the country people are looking for answers to their deepest spiritual questions. We believe the answer is Jesus Christ and the incredible gift He made available to everyone at the cross of Calvary. It is possible to know for sure where one will spend eternity, and we hope to share with each visitor how they can one day enter Heaven.