Why Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus; an outward display of an inward commitment to follow Him. Baptism symbolizes the death of your old self and emerging in the new life found in the grace and love of Jesus!

If you've put your trust in Jesus, baptism is for you! You can reach out to Pastor Dave at pastordavemetcalf@secondcc.com or text “Baptism” to (463) 500-1592 as we help you with this amazing next step in your walk with Jesus!


Questions about baptism

What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!

Why should I be baptized?

Why does baptism matter? Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).

When’s the best time to be baptized?

For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).

 

What’s the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?

Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).

Do I have to have it all together to be baptized?

No. Being baptized doesn't mean you're perfect. If you have committed your life to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step (Acts 8:12).

 

Do I need to be baptized again?

If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.

God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.