ABOUT BAPTISM
Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of two important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ and you are beginning a changed life in Him. If you have never been baptized after salvation, baptism is your first step!
HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?
1. Like Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. “…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38,39
3. The word “Baptize” literally means “to dip under water”. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection. Who should be Baptized? Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.” Acts 2:41 “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… And the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12 “Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13 The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?
Water baptism is a public declaration of two very important things:
1. You are a follower of Jesus.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41
2. You are beginning a changed life in Him.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” —Romans 6:4
I HAVE ALREADY BEEN BAPTIZED. SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus and beginning a changed life. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.
CAN I INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO MY BAPTISM?
Absolutely! We would love to have your friends and family there to celebrate with you.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND BRING?
You will want to wear dark clothes...you could even wear your swimsuit under the dark clothes if you prefer.
Be sure to bring a change of clothes and also a towel.
CAN MY CHILD BE BAPTIZED?
We will baptize anyone over the age of 8 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Cocoon leaders to help guide your children through these decisions of faith.
CAN A FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
ALL WATER BAPTISMS (ADULTS AND CHILDREN) ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE NECESSARY CLASSES IN ADVANCE.
If you'd like more information email us at info@getrealliving.com
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus and beginning a changed life. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.
