Membership

Baptism Q & A

Q: Why should I be baptized? 
A: Because God commands it.

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. -Matthew 28:19

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. – Acts 2:38

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. – Mark 16:16

Q: What is the significance of baptism? 
A: Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He was raised on the third day. -1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. – Colossians 2:12

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. – Romans 6:4

“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.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Q: Who should be baptized? 
A: Anyone who has turned from sin and believes in Jesus Christ.

Those who accepted His message were baptized – Acts 2:41

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. – Acts 8:12

Simon himself believed and was baptized. – Acts 8:13

Q: How should we be baptized? 
A: By being immersed in water.

Every instance of baptism in the bible was by immersion (under water) for example:

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of water. – Matthew 3:16

Philip baptized him… When they came up out of the water… Acts 8:38

Fact: The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which means “to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge”.

Baptism does not make you a Christian; instead, it shows the world that you are one! Baptism cannot “Save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ceremony – the outward expression of an inward commitment.

Some of history’s most respected theologians agree that immersion is the best way to practice baptism.

• Martin Luther – “ I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

• John Calvin – “The word baptize signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

• John Wesley – “Buried with Him. Alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Q: What about being baptized twice?
A: That depends…

If you were baptized as a child or at some point before personally accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior we urge you to consider being baptized again. However, if you were baptized by immersion after your decision to follow Jesus there is no need to be baptized again.

Q: What is the process like?
A: Here is what you can expect…

When you indicate to a church leader that you are interested in being baptized they will make sure all of your questions about baptism are answered and that you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Once you are comfortable with everything we will schedule a baptism on a Sunday during one of our worship services. We generally baptize in a portable baptistery set up inside the building.

If you have more questions about baptism or would like to talk with someone about being baptized at Pillar Church please contact one of our pastors at j[email protected].