So what does Baptism mean?
Baptism cannot save you. Only Jesus can. But the New Testament doesn’t just command baptism. The meaning is explained.
A sign of union with Christ
Baptism points to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for us. Going down into the water signifies dying with Christ. Coming out of the water symbolises your union with Christ in resurrection life.
THe apostle Paul explained,'We are 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. (Rom 6:4).
A sign of cleansing from sin
Being baptised cannot make us clean spiritually. Only Jesus’ death can ’make us clean from every sin’ (1 John 1:7 ). But the physical immersion is symbolic and points to being washed clean by God.
As Ananias said to Paul 'What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away calling on [Jesus'] name (Acts 22:16)
A sign of God’s Spirit in you
From the moment you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in you and wants to fill your life. Baptism is a sign of His presence. One of the ways Jesus described the Spirit was ‘living water’, so the waters of baptism point to the ‘streams of living water flowing from within’ (John 7:38)
A sign of confession of faith
Without personal faith, baptism is a mere rite, an empty symbol devoid of meaning and value. Baptism cannot give you faith. To be baptised outwardly before you believe inwardly is like trying to push open your front door before you turn the key in the lock - it won’t get you anywhere.
Once you have come to faith, baptism is a public confession of belief, declaring to all that you belong to God.
What shall I do next?
Are you a believer?
If you are not a Christian don’t ask for baptism yet. Talk to Christians, read the Bible, a Christian book, or ask about an ALPHA Course, or Christianity Explored to find out more about Jesus for yourself.
Have you become a Christian recently?
You may also benefit from ALPHA, Christianity Explored or Discipleship Explored. These groups will help you to live for Jesus and will prepare you from baptism. Speak to a member of the Leadership Team about getting baptised.
Do you feel not good enough?
That’s fine, because no one is. Baptism is about us identifying with what Christ has already done at the cross. Your baptism declare the righteousness of Christ which you have received by faith in him.
Christian but not baptised?
If you have been a Christian for some years, and have never been baptised, then you should consider obeying Christ's command.
Concerned about total immersion?
If you want to be baptised, but physical frailty or some other reason makes immersion difficult or even impossible, please speak to a member of the Leadership Team - we can make special arrangementsl for you.
I've been christened as a baby...
In being baptised you are fulfilling the promises and commitments that your parents or guardians made when they had you christened. In making your decision we would encourage you to consider prayerfully the New Testament teaching where baptism follows repentance and belief in Christ:
Go and make disciples...and baptise them
(Matt 28:19)
Repent and be baptised
(Acts 2:38)
They believed Philip as he preached the good news… and were baptised
(Acts 8:12)