What is the meaning of baptism?
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. 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 make 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
It illustrates 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 illustrates 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 Cor. 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
"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
Why be baptized by immersion?
The word Baptize means "To dip under water". The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse or dip under water". It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." - Matthew 3:16
"...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." (Example) - Acts 8:38-39
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believe and accepted 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
"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
At LifeSpring Church, 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" (known as sprinkling) for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the 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. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose of Water Baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At LifeSpring Church we do offer parents the opportunity to make the commitment to raise their children according to God's Word and standards through a Baby or Child Dedication. However, we do not offer "sprinkling" or infant baptism.
When should I get baptized?
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’ll never feel "good enough!
As soon as you have believed!
"Those who believe...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
"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
Some people express a fear of being baptized. Sometimes it is the anxiety of being in front of people, others fear the water itself. If this is you we encourage you to still be baptized as soon as you can. At LifeSpring we try to make your baptism experience as comfortable as possible.
How do I get baptized at LifeSpring Church?
If you are ready to be baptized, we would love to help you share your story of commitment to Christ. Please fill out the Water Baptism Sign-up form and one of our Pastors will contact you to schedule your baptism and answer any additional questions you might have.
Baptism FAQ
What should I wear when I am baptized?
Women should wear dark colored shorts, and men should wear dark colored shorts/swim trunks. We will provide both men and women with a Baptism T-Shirt to wear during their baptism. This t-shirt will be given at the time of your baptism interview, and will be yours to keep. Also, bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
Can my family and friends be baptized together?
Yes! If each person 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. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.