4. Baptism

1. What is Baptism?
2. What’s the difference between baptizing a baby or an adult?
3. Why should I be baptized?


Baptism
Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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." (Mt 28:18-20)


Read Romans 6:1-7. What does Baptism symbolize? How does Baptism symbolize this?

1. What is Baptism?

· Baptism is the symbol of your faith in the gospel. In the Bible, God commands Christians to be baptized as a sign of their faith in Christ.

· Baptism symbolizes the burial of the old with Christ (as we are immersed into the water) and our resurrection to a new life with Christ (as we arise out of the water).

· Baptism cannot save anyone! There are many people who are baptized who have never genuinely put their faith in Christ and are not saved. There are those who are saved but have not yet been baptized.

· You can be baptized anywhere (a baptismal, a lake, or even a pool!). However, being baptized in front of a church family allows all of us to share with you. Baptisms are an encouragement and reminder of God’s grace to the whole church family!


Read Romans 10:9-10. How does someone become saved?

2. What’s the difference between baptizing a baby or an adult?

· Many denominations baptize babies (Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.). We believe someone can be a genuine Christian even though they were only baptized as a baby. Again, being baptized doesn’t save anyone! Only faith in Christ can do that.

· However, we believe the Bible teaches to baptize someone after they consciously believe in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Since babies cannot consciously do this, they should wait to be baptized.

· If someone has been baptized as a baby, and later in life comes to believe in Jesus, they should seek to be baptized as a believer. In this way, the symbol of baptism can more accurately reflect their union with Christ.


Read Acts 8:30-38. What does Philip explain to the eunuch? What does the eunuch ask Philip after he believes the gospel?

3. Why should I be baptized?

· You should not be baptized just because your family or your friends are being baptized. You should not be baptized just because your parents or teacher or pastor wants you to. You should not be baptized because you think that will make you a Christian or save you from hell.

· You should be baptized as a symbol of your faith in the gospel and in joyful obedience to God’s Word. Baptism is a way of proclaiming your faith in Christ to everyone!

· Being baptized is not something you should fear or be uncertain about. Make sure you are sure and genuine in your faith in the Christ before making this decision. Don’t rush it.

· However, it is not something you should put off either. Remember God’s Word commands Christians to be baptized. If you are sure about your faith in Christ, then take the plunge!