WATER BAPTISM

The Next Step Of Someone Who Really Want To Follow Jesus

Water Baptism vs Ticket to Heaven

Baptism isn't an act that gets us into heaven - it is faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord that offers that assurance. Baptism is a step (a rite or ritual) to indicate that a person who is baptized has now become a believer in Jesus Christ – he is separated from the world to enter a new life. The act of immersion and emerging from the water represents the death of our old self, and mirrors the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Why be Baptised?

We should follow Christ's example

Jesus himself was baptised. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and provide an example to follow. "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan." Mark 1:9

Christ commanded it

Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. "If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15; James 2:17-18
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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

You are a believer

Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith, and is an important foundation for the Christian life. Hebrews 6:1-2.
"Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved..." Mark 16:16
"Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Acts 2:38

For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are we to be baptised?

As Jesus was baptised by being immersed in water. The word "baptise" comes from the Greek word baptizo which means "to immerse or dip under water".
"As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer. (Example) "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38,39

Who should be baptised?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptised (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!
"Those who accepted his message were baptised..." Acts 2:41
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women." Acts 8:12
We do not baptise children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

When are we to be baptised?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay. Believers in the New Testament were baptised the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ and s/he has reached the age of accountability (12 Years Old), s/he can and should be baptised.
"Those who accepted his message were baptised..." Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him." Acts 8:35-39

What about being baptised twice?

We recommend that you be baptised again if you have not been baptised by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptised in the same way Jesus was baptised.

Can a family be baptised together?

Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptised at the same time.

Will I have to say anything?

The pastor will introduce you and will give you an opportunity to tell a bit of your story of how you came to this decision to be baptised. You will be briefly prayed for and then lowered just under the water. You will then leave the water to get changed and watch the others being baptised.

Instructions for your baptism

Baptisms are conducted monthly and are usually held at the church. It may be scheduled at each of the Celebration meetings or on a Sunday afternoon. Look out for advertisements on Water Baptism. Just prior to the baptisms the pastor will explain the meaning of baptism and show you how you will be baptised. It is important that you arrive on time to be present for the pre-baptism instructions. There is plenty of room around the baptism pool for your friends and relatives to celebrate your baptism with you.

Application For Water Baptism

Submit baptism registration form & 3 passport sized color photographs (3x4 cm) Download Form
Attend baptism counseling class held by BCS
Attend or have completed KOM 100 class

What should I bring?

Bathers, plain t-shirt and long pants or shorts
Towel
Plastic bag or something similar to take home your wet clothes
Change of clothes (We encourage women to wear bathers with pants or shorts and a top over the bathers)

Questions About Baptism?

If you have any questions feel free to contact us