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Baptism
Do you need to be baptized?
God's Word teaches us that after we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we should obey
Him and be baptized. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but
have not been baptized, please call the church office at (972) 495-2223
to set up an appointment. We are looking forward to many people following the Lord in believers' baptism.
If you would like more information, please feel free to set up an appointment with our staff!
Water Baptism
According to The New Testament
Why be baptized?
- Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9
- Because Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, "Go then, to all disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
- Because it shows you are a believer.
". . . many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8
- Because obeying Christ's command shows you know him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3
What is the meaning of baptism?
- It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ dies for our sins . . . he was buried . . . and he rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12
- It is a symbol of your new life 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 Corinthians 5:17
"By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!" Romans 6:4
- Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith ... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9
How are we to be baptized?
- Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16
- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(Example) " . . . then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water ..." Acts 8:38, 39
- The word "Baptize" literally means "to dip under water".
The Greek word "baptizo" means to immerse or dip under water.
- It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
The founders of denominations agree:
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, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
Who should be baptized?
- Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41
"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
- The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they were old enough to understand and believe.
When are we to be baptized?
- As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay.
"Those who believed ... were baptized ... that day!" Act 2:41
"Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said Look here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now? Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. The official answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase)
- There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.
- What about being baptized twice?
Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every Arapaho Road Baptist member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
- Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
GOD WILL BLESS YOU AS YOU DEMONSTRATE YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST!
Instructions for your baptism
We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord's example in baptism. There will possibly be others baptized with you. Join the many others at Arapaho Road Baptist church who have followed the Lord in Baptism.
- Make an appointment to talk with one of our ministers about your decision to follow the Lord in Baptism. Call the church office at (972) 495-2223.
- Baptisms are usually held at the beginning of our 10:50 am worship service. The pastor will explain and show you how you will be baptized the morning of the baptism. Baptisms can be done in the 8:15 am or 6:30 pm or Saturday evening services upon special request.
- We provide a towel and hair dryer. Women are encouraged to wear a swim suit with shorts and a top over the swim suit. Men may wear a swim suit and a plain t-shirt. You will be able to change in our dressing rooms.
- The pastor will be baptizing one person at a time.
- Feel free to video tape the baptism.
- Invitations to the baptism are available in the church office. We encourage you to invite family, friends, neighbors, and teachers to the special occasion.
- Your baptism certificate and picture will be given to you in a couple of weeks.
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