I. Why Should I Be Baptized?

1. To follow the example set by JESUS.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.” Mark 1:9 niv

2. Because Christ COMMANDS it.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in  the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:19-20a niv

 
3. It Demonstrates That I Really Am A BELIEVER.

“…Many of the Corinthians who heard Him [Jesus] believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8 niv

“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” 1 John 2:3 niv

II. What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?

 1. It Illustrates Christ’s BURIAL and Resurrection.

“…Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith…” Colossians 2:12a nkjv

2. It Illustrates My LIFE as a Christian.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 niv

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 niv

Baptism Does Not Make You A Believer!

It Shows That You Already Believe!

Baptism does not “save” you – only your faith in Christ saves. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 niv

 III. Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

1. Because JESUS was baptized that way!

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16a niv

2. EVERY Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38b-39a niv

3. The word “Baptize” means to DIP UNDER water.

4. It best SYMBOLIZES Burial and Resurrection! The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther (Lutheran): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.” 

John Calvin (Presbyterian): “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” 

John Wesley (Methodist): “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

IV. Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has BELIEVED in Christ.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized…” Acts 2:41a niv
 

“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13 niv

 
“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 niv

At TEBC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them; therefore, we practice “Baby Dedication.” This is a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents are promising to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of faith in Christ. Scriptural baptism is only for those old enough to believe.

At TEBC, it is a membership requirement that every believer must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated (immersion), even though they may have been baptized or “confirmed” as a child.

V. When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have BELIEVED .

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”  Acts 2:41 niv

“Then Philip began with that very passage of 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?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 niv

There is no reason to delay. 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 will never feel “good enough!” At TEBC, we desire to hold baptism services regularly and you are encouraged to be baptized at the first opportunity.

VI. Can My Family Be Baptized Together?

YES! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his or her trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized together. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with one of our Pastors for a pre-baptism conversation. It is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, especially children. Doing so puts undue pressure on them to make a commitment for which they may not be ready and it delays your obedience.

VII. What Do I Wear When I’m Baptized?

A baptismal robe will be provided for you. Women should wear shorts and a top rather than a swimsuit. Men may wear a swimsuit and t-shirt.

REMEMBER: You will be fully immersed, so wear items that do not become “see-through” if they get wet. Bring a change of clothes and a plastic bag for your wet items. Also, you may bring a hair dryer or any other toiletry items you may need.