Symbols of our Faith

Baptism

What is baptism?

1. Baptism is one of two ordinances (symbolic activities) that Jesus wants the church to practice.

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

2. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

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

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

3. Baptism is a way that a person makes a public profession of faith in Christ and discipleship.

Crispus . . . and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
- Acts 18:8

4. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change in a believer’s life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Baptism does not make you a believer. It shows that you already believe. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

Who should be baptized?

1. People who have confessed Christ as Lord of their lives and are saved.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Romans 10:9

2. People who have repented of their sins and are continuing in repentance.

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

3. People who believe that Jesus has forgiven their sins by faith.

Crispus . . . and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
- Acts 18:8

If I am saved by faith, Why should I be baptized?

1. Jesus commands us to be baptized. Obedience to Him is a sign of our faith. Faith without works is dead.

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

When should I be baptized?

When should a person be baptized? They should be baptized after they have made the decision to accept and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. The decision to be baptized should be made as soon as possible.

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot.
Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
- Acts 8:35-38

Methods of Baptism

1. Sprinkling
2. Pouring
3. Immersion

Our preference at Bethel is by immersion. The reason why is because we believe it is the most theologically correct method. The Bible teaches that a person should choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They should also choose to follow his example of by being baptized. Babies cannot make the decision to accept Christ, nor can they choose to be baptized. The parents usually make that decision.