Every person who believes in Jesus.

"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

To follow the example of Jesus.

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9

Jesus asks His followers to be baptized.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

To publicly show your faith in Jesus.

As soon as you believe. Some people think they should wait until they are “good enough” or “get things in order.” However, baptism is a public confession that I am a sinner in desperate need of the grace and forgiveness of Jesus, so there is no reason to delay. We usually schedule baptism services about once a month.

"Those who believed...were baptized...that day!" Acts 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 man 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 man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:35-38

It symbolizes Christ’s burial and resurrection.

"Christ died 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 symbolizes my 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... so also we may live a new life!" Romans 6:4

No, God forgives and saves you when you believe in Jesus.

Baptism is somewhat like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of your internal belief and commitment.

"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

Jesus was baptized that way.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

The Greek word Baptizo means, "To immerse or dip under water." It best symbolizes burial and resurrection!

"...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

Because the purpose of baptism is to demonstrate your personal faith in Jesus, baptism should happen when someone chooses to believe and follow Jesus. As a parent, you can determine if your child understands that decision. We have a great 10-week devotional guide we strongly encourage you to purchase in the lobby called “Helping Children Understand The Gospel.” You can always invite our Children’s pastor Sara Russel sara@churchatcanebay.org to have a discussion with you and your child.

The custom of baptizing infants or young children began in some churches about 300 years after Jesus. This practice is a covenant that the parents make on behalf of the child. If you were baptized as a baby, we would encourage you to consider being baptized now that it is your decision. We believe it affirms or builds on your parent’s intentions when they baptized you as a baby.