Baptism is a very important step of obedience in the life of a believer. Your child may have some questions about baptism. Hopefully the information below will help you with this important discussion with your child.
If you would like to speak with the Children’s Director or a Pastor about baptism, or if you would like to schedule a baptism, please contact the church office (813) 655-7431.
Why should I be baptized?
Because Jesus Christ told all believers to be baptized.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
We should follow Jesus’ example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”
Mark 1:9
Baptism is a sign that I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior.
“Those who believe and accepted his message were baptized.”
Acts 2:41
An important thing to know is that if you were baptized as a baby, it is not the same thing as Biblical believer’s baptism. Just like the people in the Bible verse above were baptized after they believed, you should be too.
Many parents have their babies baptized as a sign of dedication to God. Baby baptism is a reminder to the parents that they have a responsibility to raise their child to follow Christ.
While ceremonies like baby baptism or dedication have important meaning to people like your parents, grandparents, and other family members, the Bible teaches us that after you accept Jesus into your heart you need to be baptized.
What is the meaning of Baptism?
It is a picture of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
In the New Testament book of Colossians it says:
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
This means that when the pastor lowers you under the water, it’s a symbol that reminds people that Jesus died for us. When the pastor lifts you up out of the water, it reminds people that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.
It is a symbol of your new life in Christ.
If you look in another New Testament book called Romans, it says:
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…..so also we may have a new life.” Romans 6:4
Remember that baptism does not make you a Christian. Baptism doesn’t “save” you. You are “saved” only through your faith in Jesus.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…..it is a gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
You are baptized because you are already a Christian and it’s one of the commandments that Jesus gave to us. Baptism is like a wedding ring. People wear a wedding ring on their finger to symbolize what’s in their heart. You can’t see what’s in their heart, so they wear a ring and everyone knows that they love and are committed to another person. So, when you are baptized it’s the symbol that everyone can see so that they will know that you have decided to follow Jesus.
Why should I be baptized by immersion?
There are three reasons you should be baptized by immersion.
1. Immersion is a big word that can be kind of confusing, but it simply means “to cover up fully with water.” So, when the pastor lowers you under the water, you are being baptized or “immersed” just like the scripture tells us to do.
2. That is the way that Jesus was baptized. John baptized Jesus by immersing Him in the Jordan River.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
We know that we can always follow the example that Jesus left us!
3. Being immersed is the best way to symbolize burial and resurrection. It is a picture of the death and resurrection of Jesus. And, it is a picture that in Christ you have new life, too.
When someone becomes a Christian, he has become a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:27
What if I am scared of being Baptized?
Before you are baptized, you will meet with one of the pastors. He will show you where you will be baptized and explain exactly what will happen. You can ask him any questions, so you won’t need to be worried about anything.
You will be baptized on Sunday at one of the three services. Your parents will talk to you about what time is the best. You will have to get to church a little bit early that day, but there will be someone to help you know exactly what to do.