Baptism FAQ
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." --I Cor 15:3-4
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." --Colossians. 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" --2 Corinthians. 5:17
"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 live a new life!" --Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." --Ephesians 2:8, 9
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." --Acts 2:41
"Simon himself believed and was baptized..." --Acts 8:13
"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
At St. Paul's, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed.
"Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" --Acts 2:41
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now? ´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." --Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you’ll never feel "good enough"!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
You can wear your normal clothes. You may want to bring a towel and change of shirt. Please, no white shirts! We baptize by pouring water over your head (not full immersion)--but you will still get very wet!
WHY DO YOU NOT PRACTICE FULL IMMERSION?
We think it is very important that baptism be celebrated as part of the regular worship life of the church. For this reason, we celebrate baptisms during our regular weekly worship gatherings, not at a special baptism service. Because we meet in different locations and facilities, having access to a full baptismal for full immersion is not possible. We have chosen to pour water over the candidate, instead of "dunking". Because baptism is a symbol, we don't think the amount of water is the key. We also like the symbolism of pouring as it signifies the Holy Spirit being poured out upon you.
WHAT IS REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM?
Reaffirmation of Baptism is for people who were baptized as infants and now want to publicly reaffirm that baptism as an adult. When you were baptized as an infant, your parents took certain baptismal vows on your behalf. Now, as a believing adult, you can affirm those vows for yourself. Generally, baptisms is a one-time sacrament (meaning it happens once) as opposed to a continuing sacrament (like communion, which we take regularly). Therefore we generally do not "rebaptize", but encourage you to consider Reaffirmation of your Infant Baptism.
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
As part of the service, we will ask you certain questions and you will affirmatively answer them. The pastor leading the service will explain what you are to do at that time. You do not need to practice in advance. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
