What is Baptism?
What it is not
Baptism does not save you. This means that it doesn’t purchase your way to heaven, assure you of a personal relationship with Jesus, and does not wash away your sins.
Baptism is not the elimination of all doubt concerning your faith journey. It is not something to be done out of pressure or because your parents told you to. It’s a personal decision.
Why do it?
Because Jesus did it
Matthew 3:13-17 "Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Because Jesus commands us to do it in obedience
Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
How to do it?
Followers of Jesus in the Bible were plunged into water. Acts 8:35-38 "So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, 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. The original word in scripture for baptized is “baptizo” and its specific meaning is “to immerse in a body of water”.
What does it symbolize?
Community
Baptism symbolizes becoming part of the people of whom Jesus Christ is the leader.
Galatians 3:27 "And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on the character of Christ, like putting on new clothes."
1 Corinthians 12:13b "But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit."
Cleansing
Baptism represents a cleansing from sin that makes former ways of living incompatible for a Christ-follower and reminds us of our open access to the presence of God.
Hebrews 10:21-22 "And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water."
Unity
Baptism unites diverse people into one people.
Ephesians 4:5-6 "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all."
New Life
Baptism symbolizes the death of the old way of life and entry into the new way of life with Jesus.
Colossians 2:12 "For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead."
Galatians 3:27-28 "And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."
How do I get baptized?
1. Read
Read through this resource. Ask any questions you may have about the meaning of baptism.
2. Meet
Meet with a pastor to walk through the booklet/idea, discuss questions and share your story. See the simple guide below for preparing your story/testimony.
3. Share
Share your story with our community during a Sunday gathering. We film testimonies/stories at East Side that will be played at the time of your baptism, or it can be done live. It’s important to share your story, as it emphasizes the communal aspect of baptism. Your story will be a huge encouragement to our community, and will make God ‘bigger’ in our minds and hearts.
How to share your story
- Share a little about yourself, tell about what makes you, you in this world.
- Who has played a role in your faith walk?
- Were there any pivotal moments that led to your commitment to Jesus?
3. What does your life look like now living with Jesus?
- It doesn't have to be long. 2-5 minutes is great!
- Practice ahead of time.
What will happen?
- Change into your swimwear
- Your baptizer will gather everyone together
- Your baptizer will lead each person through the baptism questions
- You will be baptized
- People will cheer enthusiastically and take pictures!
- You will change into your warm, dry clothes and meet up with family and guests.
What will happen?
Baptizer:[First Name], have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour?”
You: “Yes”
B: “Is it your desire to follow Jesus for the rest of your life?”
Y: “Yes”
B: “Upon confession of your faith, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Yahoo! Go dry off!
Got questions?
Contact Pastor Parker: parker@eastsidechurch.ca
East Side Office:
office@eastsidechurch.ca
306-773-4889