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The Bible tells us very clearly about the things that please God. We believe that you can basically boil it all down to two main things – faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:6 says “Without faith is it impossible to please God” and 1 Samuel 15:22 says “To obey is better than sacrifice”.
In other words, we believe that to fully live the life God has called you to is to walk firmly in both faith and obedience. We need faith to believe in Him and obedience to follow Him and serve Him.
Obedience Deciding to be baptised in water is an important step in our relationship with Jesus. He was very clear about the fact that He wanted those who believed in Him to be baptised. See Matthew 28:19-20. Therefore, we believe that the simple obedience of being baptised in water signifies that you are willingly allowing Christ to continue to live in your life.
Celebration & Demonstration And guess what? That’s not all there is to it. God’s command to be baptised was given for a purpose and this purpose has two parts to it. First of all, baptism is a celebration. It’s a time for the church to celebrate with you as you enjoy your decision to follow Jesus. Secondly, baptism is a demonstration to the world that you have allowed your old self to be crucified with Christ and that He, our risen and victorious Saviour and Lord, has given you a new life. See Romans 6:1-14 and Galatians 2:20.
Salvation & Baptism Water baptism is not salvation. The act of water baptism on its own does not save you. However, it is a time of celebrating the decision you have already made to follow and serve God. That decision was the salvation that is yours by faith in Christ. Water baptism is a declaration of the victory over sin and death that Jesus has given to you by His grace.
When Jesus Himself was baptised in Luke 3:21-22, three things happened as He prayed: (1) The heavens were opened to Him (2) The Holy Spirit descended upon Him and (3) God confirmed His love for His Son
You can expect these same three things to be a part of your baptism experience.
(1) As you prayerfully consider water baptism, your decision to obey the Lord can be like a key that unlocks a fresh opening of heaven to you. In other words, there will be a new insight into the Lord’s will and way for you, as you study the scriptures and seek His will and plan for your life.
(2) You should also expect a fresh release of the moving of the Holy Spirit in your life. If you have not yet been filled with the Spirit, let this be the time. As you are baptised in water, ask Jesus to baptise you in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 2:38-39.
(3) And finally, be listening very closely with your heart for that special confirmation and assurance of God’s love for you and your place as a child in His family. See Romans 8:13-17.
The decision to be baptised in water is an important step of obedience, and a precious experience with God. It should be approached with prayer, understanding, willingness and anticipation. Approaching your baptism in this way will ensure that your experience is not a performance or a religious ceremony. Instead, it will be a powerful celebration and demonstration of your new life in Christ Jesus.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss anything regarding water baptism, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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What about Infant Baptism? We believe that water baptism is an outward action, which confirms an inner decision. This involves a choice and the Bible indicates that those who were baptised were of an age that they could understand what they were doing, and why.
If you were previously baptised as an infant, you may be wondering what to do now. It is important to remember that those who presented you for baptism as a small child (parents, ministers etc.) did so out of a sincere concern for your spiritual life, and for that, you should be thankful. Now you should prayerfully consider being baptised again so that you can do so with understanding, having made your own choice to follow God.
Should a person be fully immersed or water sprinkled? The Bible says “Then Jesus, when He had been baptised, came up immediately from the water”. See Matthew 3:16.
We believe The Bible indicates that when Jesus was baptised, it was by full immersion – in other words, His whole body was briefly submerged under the water. However, please do not allow this to become a point of contention with other Christians who have a different practice. The important thing is what’s happening in the heart of the person being baptised.
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Copyright © 2007 Bayside Christian Church.
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