Deep Roots Christian Church - Grow

Christian Baptism

The Meaning

· It illustrates the gospel; the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” ~ Colossians 2:12

· It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

· It marks the 1st step in obedience to Christ.

Immersion

· Because Jesus was baptized through immersion.

“And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water…”
~ Matthew 3:16

Water baptism is an outward expression of inward regeneration that has occurred through one’s confession of Christ as Savior, repentance of sin, and acceptance of Christ’s atoning sacrifice as paying the penalty for our sins and for our justification.

The Importance

· To follow the example set by Jesus.
“And it came about in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” ~ Mark 1:9

· It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
“And Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized.” ~ Acts 18:8

· Because Jesus commanded it.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” ~ Matthew 28:19

· Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
· The word “baptize” means to submerge under water. The Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.”
· It symbolizes a death and resurrection!

Who Should be Baptized?

· Every person who has believed in Christ.
“And Peter said to them, Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Acts 2:38

When?

· As soon as you believe!
“So then, those who had received His word were baptized; and there were added that day bout three thousand souls.” ~ Acts 2:41

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, you may be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you will never feel “good enough” to be baptized. Baptism is for the believer, not for the ‘perfect’.

Baptism