What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.
Colossians 2:12 For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
Baptism doesn’t make you a Christ Follower – it shows that you already have personally embraced Jesus as your Leader. 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.
2 Corinthians 5:17 When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!
Romans 6:4 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!
Ephesians 2:8-9 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.
Why be baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
Acts 8:38-39 “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”
- The word “Baptize” means “To dip under water”
- It is best symbolized by a burial and resurrection!
The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin… “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
Acts 2:41 Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…
Acts 8:13 Simon himself believed and was baptized…
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
At Warehouse 727, 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.
NEXT BAPTISM at Warehouse 727 – Saturday, July 10th
What do I do if I want to be baptized at Warehouse 727?
1. Sign up on the Connection Card at any weekend service
2. E-mail the church office at Warehouse@Warehouse727.com
3. Sign up at www.Warehouse727.com/contact-us/connection-card
