Water Baptism

What is the significance of water baptism?

Water baptism is the outward expression of our obedience to declare spiritual truth. In baptism we identify ourselves with the death and resurrection of Jesus. Through baptism we declare we are dead to sin and are raised with Christ.

Why is water baptism needed?

• Because Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19)

 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)

• To show a conscience that is clean before God (1 Peter 3:21)

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience towards God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 3:21)

• Because Jesus Himself was baptized that way (Matthew 3:13-17)

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” (Matthew 3:13-15)

• Baptism represents circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12)

When God called Abraham to make a covenant and give His blessing, God said that His covenant was valid for Abraham’s descendants who were circumcised (Genesis 17:10,13). Those who were not circumcised do not have part in Abraham’s blessing, even they were removed from their own people (Genesis 17:14)

• Baptism represents leaving behind the old man and cleansing from sin.

We put off our sinful body through baptism (Romans 6:4-13)

• It is a public confession.

It declares that we identify ourselves together with Jesus (Romans 6:1-11).

In water baptism we confess to:

• Heaven…. That we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
• Church…. That we are part of it
• World….  That we no longer have relationship with it
• Satan….  That we are finished with him and now transferred to God’s side

What is the meaning of the word “baptism”?

The word “baptism” is taken from the Greek word “baptizo” which means:

To cover everything with water
To enter something in water and then after that come out again
To be wet throughout

In baptism the believer gives him/herself to be immersed in water by a servant of God in front of the congregation as a testimony that he/she confesses the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and decided to be a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ:

 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” (Matthew 3:16)

“ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39)

Who should be baptized?   

Every person who has believed in Christ.

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  . . . And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. . . (Acts 2:37-41)

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 16:15-16).

Here are a few examples:

• The eunuch from Ethiopia was baptized immediately after believing (Acts 8:36-38)
• People who believed after Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41)
• The jailer and his family were baptized during the night because of the words of Paul and Silas (Acts 16:26-33)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you will never be or feel “good enough”.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Water Baptisms:

I have been “sprinkled”, do I need to be baptized again?

From the original word, “baptizo” means to be immersed. So, if someone was sprinkled, he/she has not been immersed.  The Bible does not teach sprinkling. It has been a tradition that has been around for more than 350 years, when Emperor Constantine from Rome made it a law that the whole people had to adhere to the religion of Christianity. From that time, not only the concept of “born again” was lost, but baptism was changed. The sign that someone adhered to the Christian religion was through baptism. Because the number of the Roman population was large, that was why Emperor Constantine made a new regulation, so that the whole population was gathered and “sprinkled”, because immersing millions of people will take quite a long time (Kenneth S. Latourette, History of Christianity, volume D). Hence, every person needs to be baptized by water (immersion). To be sprinkled is not to be immersed, hence the need to be water baptized.

Do you baptize babies/infants?

You declares faith in Jesus by offering yourself to be baptized (Acts 2:37-41). In other words, you decide to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. A baby is not able to make a decision on baptism. For this reason we do not baptize infants, but dedicate them to the Lord.

If I have been baptized by immersion, but at that time I have not really repented or understood the meaning of water baptism, can I be baptized again?

If you have been baptized, we suggest that you do not get baptized again. However, if you feel you need to baptized again, then you can do so.

When are baptisms performed?

Baptisms are performed the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at City Blessing, Claremont.   Completion of water baptism class is required.

To register for the pre-requisite class and water baptism, please contact Pastor Tom Lay at (909) 462-4466.

What should I wear when I am baptized?

Women should wear shorts or long pants with a top which will preserve modesty. Men may wear a swimsuit and t-shirt.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing.

We provide changing rooms.

If you have not been water baptized?

Ask your CARE Cell leader / one of the pastors / contact the church office at (909) 482-4466.

You may also fill this form below: