WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Understanding Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is an important aspect of a Christian walk. One of Christ’s last instructions to His followers is to “make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” as found in Matthew 28:19-20.
He desires that His church body (His Bride) would be moved by love and obedience through faith in Him and that this faith would be signified (symbolized) in the act of water baptism. In fact, at the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus Christ himself chose to be baptized in water leaving for us an example to follow. By joining in baptism, we’re identifying ourselves with Him.
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3–4)
If you have professed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, are committed to following Him and have not been baptized yet, we, as Breath of Life Church family, would love to celebrate baptism with you!
Please be sure to read through the information below about baptism and make sure that you fully understand the purpose and meaning for it. Register for our upcoming baptism on the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact us!
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing our faith as a believer and followers of Christ. It means we are publicly identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It means we have turned from the old life of sin to a new life in Jesus Christ. It means we are openly joining the ranks of those who believe in Christ.
When you are baptized, you are in fact visually preaching the gospel.
As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized - you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross. As you are lowered into the water - you symbolize Jesus buried in the tomb. As you are raised from the water - you symbolize Jesus rising from the dead giving you a new life in Him.
IT SYMBOLIZES DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION IN CHRIST
When someone is going down into the waters of baptism, first of all, that person is confessing that he/she is sinful person deserving death and judgement. Additionally, the person is also acknowledging their trust in the power of God to raise them from spiritual death (separation from God) and being raised by the Spirit and power of God.
That person now has identified with Jesus in his death, Romans chapter 6, in his burial, in his resurrection. He/she also acknowledges that they were dead in trespasses and sins under the judgment of God, buried, but that he/she is now raised to newness of life because they are now in Christ.
The person is identified with that final reality of dying and being buried and then having one's name called and being brought up out of the grave. That's a physical, visible sign of that.
Death
Romans 6:6 - our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again.
Putting to death the old man is the first symbol of baptism. It is a process that begins in the mind before going under the water.
Burial
Romans 6:4 - Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death.
Burial shows that the “old man” and the “old way of life” are symbolically put to death, buried and put behind us.
Resurrection
Romans 6:5 - We have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.
Colossians 2:12 – When we are baptized, we are buried with Christ, and in baptism we were also raised with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – We are a new creation in Him.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES BAPTISM SAVE ME?
Baptism doesn't save you—salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your guilt before God is removed the moment you trust in Christ. But baptism is your personal testimony to, and the inward assurance of, your passage from the old life to the new life in Christ.
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
If you have placed your faith in Christ, received Him into your life as your Lord and Savior and would like to commit to following Him, you can and should be baptized.
HOW IS BAPTISM DONE?
At Breath of Life Church, we follow the New Testament model of baptism in water.
Matthew 3:11 - Baptism requires water.
John 3:30 - Baptism required plenty of water.
Acts 8:30 – Baptism requires going down into the water.
Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:39 - Baptism requires coming up out of the water.
Finally, the testimony of church history is that immersion was indeed the mode of baptism practiced in the early church.
READY TO GET BAPTIZED?
We are excited that you’ve chosen to be part of the Family of God and made a decision to become a Christian! Now, we invite you to be baptized as an essential part following Jesus.
We encourage you to learn more about this and complete the registration for baptism below!
NEXT STEP - DISCIPLESHIP
A crucial aspect of your new identity in Christ is learn about to Christ and how to follow Him daily. We want to help you be fully equipped to walk out your new identity and faith.
We encourage you to learn more about this and register for 1:1 Discipleship today!