Celebrating Baptism
Baptism is the first step of obedience after starting a relationship with Jesus. It symbolizes his death, burial, and resurrection.
Baptism allows a believer to communicate to the world they’ve embraced grace. It is a public confession that I am indeed a sinner in need of a Savior, a declaration that I have no hope other than what Jesus did for me on the cross, and my initiation into a new life of learning and embracing what He says.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. Believers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Christ.
What About Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47–48). At Liberty, we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
If you were baptized as a child, before you embraced grace, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed in Christ for salvation.
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is fine to wait until the next scheduled baptism.
Discover more about baptism by signing up for Discovery Class.
