Church Requel
Why should you be baptized? What does baptism mean? Why be baptized by immersion? Who should be baptized? When should you be baptized? Today we will answer these questions and others as we prepare for upcoming baptisms in our church.
Understanding Baptism - Various
Let's answer some questions about baptism:
Question #1: Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by ___________.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
Because Christ ________________ it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then to all people everywhere and make them disciples,baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,’” Matt. 28:19
It demonstrates that I really am a ___________________.
“... many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
Question #2: What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ’s ___________ and _______________.
“Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ,and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Col 2:13
It illustrates my _____________ as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” 2 Cor 5:17
Baptism does not make you a _____________ - it shows that you already believe.
Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9
Question #3: Why be baptized by immersion?
Because ____________ was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matt.3:16
Every baptism in the _____________ was by immersion.
(Example): “... then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” Acts 8:38-39
The word “baptize” means to _____________ water.
βαπτίζω baptízō; to dip. Immerse, submerge for a religious purpose, to overwhelm, saturate, baptize (The Complete Word Study Dictionary).
These founders agree immersion best symbolizes burial and resurrection:
Martin Luther - “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin - “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley - “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Question #4: Who should be baptized?
Every person who has _____________ in Christ.
“Those who believed and accept His message were baptized...” Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized...” Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
Believing Always Precedes Baptism!
Question #5: What about children? Should infants be baptized?
At Church Requel, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. Different from baptism in the Bible.
Question #6: When should I be baptized? ___________ I have believed!
“Those who believed... were baptized... that day.” Acts 2:41
(Also Acts 8:12 and 16:33)
No reason to delay. As soon as you have received Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. This is one reason why, at Church Requel, we conduct baptisms indoors during church services. The Ohio weather keeps us from the outside nine months a year. Also, baptism is an ordinance just like communion.
Question #7: May my family be baptized together?
YES! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his or her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. Wonderful expression of commitment.
“And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.‘ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house... and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Acts 16:31,32, 33b (Jailer/ also Cornelius in Acts 10)
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to receive Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
Question #8: What should I wear to my baptism?
Women should wear a dark colored top with shorts or long pants. Men may wear shorts and and a shirt or a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
Question #9: Will I have to speak publicly at my baptism?
No! We understand that most people have a fear of public speaking. The pastor will ask you if you have believed in Jesus Christ for your salvation and if it is your intent to live for Christ. You will indicate, “Yes.” Then the pastor will say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” He will then lay you back until you are fully immersed and then bring you right back up again.
Because your baptism is a testimony to your faith in Christ, we’d like to personalize each baptism with your individual testimony. Most of the time this will be done by pre-recorded video, which will be played before your baptism. However, if you’d prefer to proclaim your testimony “live,” you may do so. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism service.
Question #10: If I have already been baptized as a believer at another church, do I need to be baptized again? What if I wasn’t baptized by immersion?
There is no need to be baptized again. Baptism is not an initiation into Church Requel; rather it is an ordination of the universal church. Immersion is our practice because we believe baptisms in the Bible were practiced this way. However, we recognize other forms of baptisms. This is one of those areas where we can have differences of belief from other churches, yet experience unity, liberty and kindness.
Question #11: If I have already been baptized once as a believer, may I be baptized a second time?
Nowhere does the Bible speak of anyone ever being baptized a second time as a believer. However, there is nothing that speaks against the practice either. There is no need to be baptized a second time. However, if you feel the desire to reaffirm your faith publicly, we would be happy to baptize you again.