What Is Baptism?
Baptism as it is known and practiced today began with Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan river and ever since baptism has been a central part of the Christian faith. From then until now, people who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior have publicly acknowledged their faith by being baptized. In a baptism, after confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his or her life, the believer is immersed in water and then raised up. This is symbolic of the washing away of one’s old, sinful past and the rising again to life in God’s grace (see below).
Why Should I Be Baptized?
Because we want to be obedient to Christ, as he said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit …” Matthew 28:19 (NASB). This is the first and most important reason for being baptized. But baptism also serves as a reminder of what Christ did for us on the cross and baptism is an acknowledgement of your faith in Christ before family and friends.
What Does Baptism Mean?
Baptism illustrates Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and is commanded by God’s Word: “… that Christ died for our sins … that He was buried … and that He was raised …” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NASB). Christians should look back on their baptism as a way to remember and understand the sacrifice Christ made for us.
Baptism illustrates A believer’s new life as a Christian: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might was in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB). While baptism does not save you, baptism should remind us that God love’s us and that and us we are now living a new life.
When Should I Be Baptized?
You should be baptized soon after you commit your life to Christ, there is no reason to delay. You are ready to be baptized the moment you gave your life to Chris as your Lord and Savior. If you’re waiting until you’re perfect, you’ll never be ready. “Those who had received his word … were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41 (NASB).
It is also important to know that it is never to late to be baptized. Many people, for a variety of reasons, wait and end up being baptized well after becoming a Christian. While this is not the way Jesus designed baptism to work, it is still important for a believe to be baptized even if it has been years since becoming a Christian. There is no reason to wait.
How Can I Schedule a Baptism?
If you wish to be baptized, you will need to contact one of our pastors so that we can schedule your baptism. The easiest way to do this is to contact us by
clicking this link. Just make sure to say that you have questions about being baptized. You can also contact us directly by phone at
626.859.0161 or by email at
info@ccvnow.com. Also, if you wish you can speak to any one of our decision counselors after one of our services and they can give you all the information you need.
