WATER BAPTISM
I. Why should I be Baptized?
1. To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
2. Because Christ commands it.
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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
“…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
II. What is the meaning of Baptism?
1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passes away and a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:12
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 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“…them 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
3. The word “baptize” means “to dip in water.”
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
IV. Who should be Baptized?
1. Every person who has believed 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 in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
At AVFA, we wait until our Children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
V. When Should I be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed!
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day! Acts 2:41
Only those who have a conscious understanding of the gospel and are able to accept it by faith can truly be saved, and then subsequently baptized. This is what is meant by believer's baptism.
The picture of baptism depicts the drama of the gospel. Baptism is the public confession of faith in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins—an outward profession of an inward faith. Baptism provides a picture of a believer’s union with Christ. Believers have been buried with Christ in his death and raised to live a new life. It is also a sign of being cleansed from the stain of sin and becoming part of the people of God, the church. Baptism, then, symbolizes a believer’s identification with Christ, purification through Christ, and incorporation into the body of Christ.
Given the meaning and symbolic nature of baptism, we affirm that the act in and of itself does not produce forgiveness of sins or cause salvation. Rather, baptism is a testimony of God’s grace and saving faith already present in a person’s life (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:41; 22:16; Colossians 2:12; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21).
Proper Subjects & Time
Baptism is exclusively reserved for those who profess faith in and commitment to Christ. The Scriptures clearly indicate that baptism should follow repentance of sin and profession of faith in Christ. Therefore, it is our practice to only administer and accept baptism after conversion to Christ.
Although there is not an explicit biblical command regarding the timing of baptism post-conversion, we believe there is wisdom in delaying baptism until confirming, as best as one can assess, that genuine faith is present.
In regards to children, we believe God can save a child whenever he chooses. At the same time, the church should be judicious as to when it endorses the reality of a child’s decision. So, while there is not a definitive minimum age before a child can be baptized, we believe that prior to baptism children should show evidence of genuine faith independent of parental control.
This cautious, yet optimistic approach preserves the purity of baptism, ensures a proper comprehension of baptism’s significance, and safeguards against a false understanding of salvation.