Baptism

1. To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

2. Because Christ commanded it.
“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 28:19–20).

3. It demonstrates I am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” (1 John 2:3)

1. It illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that 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)

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16a). “As Jesus was coming up out of the water…” (Mark 1:10)

2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
For example, “Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38–3)3. It demonstrates I am a Believer.

3. The word “baptize” means “to dip or immerse”.

4. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.
“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.” (Romans 6:3–4)

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. Believers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Christ.

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47–48).

At The Bridge Church we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.

In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone to baptize them. Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.

If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

After Salvation?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is ok to wait until the next scheduled baptism.

We will provide you with a baptism kit which will include a black t-shirt and a towel. Bring a pair of dark shorts or swim trunks you don’t mind getting wet. Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home. There is a changing room available. Arrive 30 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for some last-minute instructions.