Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism – as described and commanded in Scripture – is the act of immersing a person in water after their salvation as a picture of their salvation and a public declaration of their decision to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is a new believer’s first and greatest declaration of their decision to follow Jesus. It’s you going public with your faith!
Why do we baptize?
As followers of Jesus, we baptize because Jesus was baptized; and it is our desire to follow His example in all things (see Mark 1:9-11). Also, we baptize because Jesus commanded that we baptize new believers (see Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism by immersion, after salvation, is a beautiful picture of what salvation is. It pictures how a new believer declares that the old person they used to be is as good as “dead and buried,” but they are now a new person that has chosen to live their life for Christ (see Romans 6:4). And it pictures one’s belief that this is only possible because Jesus died for them, was buried, but rose again!
Who should be baptized?
Since baptism is a picture of one’s salvation and one’s decision to follow Christ, only those that have made the choice to turn from their sin and rely on Jesus for salvation should be baptized as a public declaration of that choice. Baptism doesn’t contribute to one’s salvation in any way. A person is saved by believing in Jesus Christ as God’s One and Only Son, and by relying on what He did for us by dying in our place for our sins. So, baptism isn’t a necessary “step” in one’s salvation; BUT it is necessary step of obedience for every believer.
When do we baptize?
Hopewell celebrates baptism on the third Sunday of each month at the beginning of both services. Anyone interested in being baptized can find out more by attending the required Baptism Class.