Baptism Q & A
Why Should I Get Baptized?
- To obey Jesus. The last command Jesus gave us before ascending into heaven was, “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) When you become a disciple, this mission becomes your mission. Baptism can be seen as a “commissioning” of sorts for your role in making disciples of all nations.
- To publicly demonstrate my faith. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41) Baptism is a great opportunity to show your friends and family who don’t know God that you are serious about your faith. It is also a great reminder for the church of why we do what we do: to see lives changed by helping people find and follow Jesus. “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)
- To illustrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and my new life in Him. When you go under the water, you are symbolizing how you are dying to your old life; when you are under the water it represents being buried with Christ; and when you come out of the water, it shows how we are raised with him to live a new life. “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.” (Romans 6:4)
- To show my unity with the Church. “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:5) Baptism physically demonstrates our spiritual unity with God and the Church.“We have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”
- To follow Christ’s example. “Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
Does baptism make me a Christian?
Baptism does NOT make me a Christian. It is a step of obedience after you have already invited Jesus to be Lord of your life. It doesn’t save you; it is a way to show that you are saved. Like a wedding ring, it is an outward symbol of an inward commitment you have made in your heart.
Who should be baptized?
Everyone who has made Jesus Lord. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
How should I be baptized?
The same way Jesus and the disciples were baptized. Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersing someone under the water and then bringing them up out of the water. The word “baptize” means to immerse or dip under water.
Baptism does NOT make me a Christian. It is a step of obedience after you have already invited Jesus to be Lord of your life. It doesn’t save you; it is a way to show that you are saved. Like a wedding ring, it is an outward symbol of an inward commitment you have made in your heart.
Who should be baptized?
Everyone who has made Jesus Lord. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41)
How should I be baptized?
The same way Jesus and the disciples were baptized. Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersing someone under the water and then bringing them up out of the water. The word “baptize” means to immerse or dip under water.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have surrendered to Jesus and understand what baptism means. Baptism is an initiation, not a graduation. It is a starting line, not the finish line.“They came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:36–38) If you have genuinely made Jesus Lord, there is no reason to wait. “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16) If you’re saved, you’re ready! “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” (Acts 10:47)
As soon as you have surrendered to Jesus and understand what baptism means. Baptism is an initiation, not a graduation. It is a starting line, not the finish line.“They came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:36–38) If you have genuinely made Jesus Lord, there is no reason to wait. “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16) If you’re saved, you’re ready! “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” (Acts 10:47)
Should I be baptized more than once?
Baptism only needs to be done once. However, you should be baptized again under a few circumstances.
Baptism only needs to be done once. However, you should be baptized again under a few circumstances.
- First, if you were baptized before you genuinely decided to follow Jesus then you should be baptized again. Maybe you were baptized at a very young age and you now realize that you actually did not understand what you were doing at the time.
- Second, if you were baptized as a baby then you should get baptized again. In the Bible, we see that people were baptized after they had personally decided to follow Jesus. A baby cannot understand what is happening to them when they get baptized.
Who will baptize me?
Another believer. Other than that, the Bible does not give any specific requirement for who should baptize you. Some churches only allow pastors to baptize, and some allow any other Christian to baptize. At Compass, we prefer to have the person most influential in your journey with Christ to help baptize you. This is a powerful picture of how we all can be a part of helping people find and follow Jesus.
Where should I be baptized?
You can get baptized in any body of water. “John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon... because there was plenty of water there.” (John 3:23) Baptisms can take place anywhere there’s water: in a river, ocean, pool, or bathtub. Be sure to be baptized with other believers present to watch! Your step of faith has great impact on others who watch and celebrate with you!
Is there anything holding you back from getting baptized?
If not, is there someone influential in your journey you would you like to baptize you?
What friends or family members can you invite to celebrate with you?