Why Should I be Baptized?
If you are a Christian, (in other words, if you are someone who has trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior) then there are two good reasons to be baptized:
1—Jesus commanded that all Christians be baptized. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19 says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2—You follow Jesus’ example. In Matthew 3:13 we learn, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.”
1—Jesus commanded that all Christians be baptized. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19 says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2—You follow Jesus’ example. In Matthew 3:13 we learn, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.”
When Should I be Baptized?
Anytime after you have trusted Jesus for salvation. In the New Testament most were baptized right after they were saved (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 8:36,37; 16:30-33). There is no commanded time, but sooner rather than later makes the most sense. Why should there be a long delay in obeying Jesus’ command to be baptized? The writers of the New Testament assumed all Christians were baptized.
What Does Baptism Mean?
1—It symbolically tells the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When you are immersed in water you symbolize death, when under the water burial, and when you come up out of the water resurrection.
(1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Immersion in water is the only way baptism was done in the New Testament.
2—It symbolically tells your story of how you were dead in sin, how through belief in Jesus you died to sin, and how through faith in Christ you were made alive in him
(Ephesians 2:1-10).
3—It publicly identifies you with Jesus and his church. In other words, you are letting those who witness your baptism know that Jesus saved you, you want to continue to follow him in obedience, and you want to be part of his church. You show them you are thankful to be a Christian!
(1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Immersion in water is the only way baptism was done in the New Testament.
2—It symbolically tells your story of how you were dead in sin, how through belief in Jesus you died to sin, and how through faith in Christ you were made alive in him
(Ephesians 2:1-10).
3—It publicly identifies you with Jesus and his church. In other words, you are letting those who witness your baptism know that Jesus saved you, you want to continue to follow him in obedience, and you want to be part of his church. You show them you are thankful to be a Christian!
Baptism and Salvation
Baptism doesn’t save you. Baptism isn’t required to be saved. Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian, or gain your entrance into heaven. Baptism is a symbol that represents the work that God has already done for you. Baptism is for people who are already Christians because of their faith in Jesus. God has already saved them and promised them eternal life in heaven. In the New Testament, belief in Jesus always comes before baptism. Because baptism is a symbol it’s like a wedding ring. Wearing a wedding ring doesn’t make someone married. The ring symbolizes the bond of marriage the husband and wife made when they recited vows to each other. Getting baptized doesn't save you, it symbolizes the act of salvation God has already done in your life.
Getting Baptized at Olive Branch
We have baptism services four times a year. We baptize at the lake on the first Sunday in June. The other times are in September, January, and Easter. However, you can be baptized any Sunday and do not have to wait until one of the scheduled services. Before you are baptized you will meet with one of the pastors. He will want to hear the story of how Jesus saved you. He will explain to you what baptism means and what to expect on the day you are baptized.
Do You Baptize Children at Olive Branch?
We baptize people of any age if they have put their faith in Jesus and are old enough to understand the significance of baptism. The pastors rely on the parents’ knowledge of their child’s faith and understanding when they make a decision about baptizing a child.
More Questions?
If you have any more questions about baptism, salvation, Jesus Christ, or anything about Christianity please contact one of the PASTORS.
