Baptism: Your Public Declaration of New Life in Christ

If you could sum up the essence of baptism in one word, it would be identity.

Baptism is primarily a public declaration of your personal faith in Jesus Christ. You are telling the world (and yourself) that you have chosen to leave your old life and are now freely identifying yourself with Jesus.

The Silent Sermon: A Powerful Symbol

When you are baptized, you are visually preaching the Gospel without saying a word. The entire act is a living sermon that powerfully connects your new life to Jesus' life:

• Being Submerged

  • Symbolizes: Jesus' Death and Burial

  • Declares: "My old, sinful life has died and is being buried with Christ."

• Being Lifted Out

  • Symbolizes: Jesus' Resurrection

  • Declares: "I am now raised to a brand-new life in Christ and am united with Him."

As the Bible says: "We have been buried with Him by baptism into death... so that just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)

When Should I Get Baptized?

Baptism is for anyone who has personally chosen to follow Jesus and repented of their sins.

• Age Doesn't Matter: You are never too old to be baptized! If you are now embracing Jesus as your Lord and Savior, baptism is your next step.

• Christening vs. Believer’s Baptism: While you may have been christened as an infant, this practice (often called believer's baptism) is a personal choice made by you as an adult. It is a commitment of your own will.

Peter replied, “Change your hearts and lives. Each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

What Baptism Means for You

When you choose to be baptized, you are declaring three profound truths:

1. You are Forgiven: You are publicly committing to the forgiveness of sins offered through Jesus' death.

2. You are Reborn: Jesus said, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.” (John 3:5). Baptism represents the spiritual rebirth that has already happened in your heart.

3. You are United: You are freely entering the ranks of Christians, openly associating yourself with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.