BAPTISM

Baptism is important. The act of baptism is unfortunately a confusing thing in our day. Rehoboth offers Baptism Classes to all people who have recently become Christians, Christians who have been sprinkled as infants or have never been baptized, and those who are curious as to what baptism means. These classes are designed to bring clarity to what baptism is about and its meaning in the Christian’s life.

Baptism is commanded by Jesus. Believers do not have an option about whether to be baptized or not. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward work of God. This salvation and inward change must be proclaimed publicly as Jesus and His disciples did.

Below are some answers to common questions about baptism.

Is baptism needed to go to heaven?

Baptism is not the agency or means of Salvation. By this we mean that Baptism has never saved anyone nor ever will it. Our Saving Grace only comes by receiving and believing the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, then and only then are we ready as a candidate for Baptism.

People are saved (and get to go to heaven) by believing that Jesus is the Christ, repenting of their sin and putting their faith in Him alone. This is seen by the thief on the cross who was never baptized but brought into Christ’s kingdom the same day he died (Luke 23:43).

Conversely, baptism without believing in Jesus and repenting cannot save anyone’s soul either. Baptism has no power to save. However, salvation (being saved) and baptism are always tied together and go hand in hand.

What is baptism?

The process of baptism is very simple. You begin by standing, sitting, or kneeling in some water. Another Christian (preferably the pastor) then lowers you under the water and brings you back up out of the water. You could also literally call this “immersion.”

Because some churches sprinkle water on babies or adults instead of immersing them, the obvious question is whether this is okay. Since the only legitimate answer comes from the Bible, that is where we must look for God's view and the early churches view of what a 'baptism' was. It is interesting that nowhere in the Bible does anything but “immersion” take place. That is, baptism is always by immersion.

This makes sense if you realize that “baptize” is a transliteration of the original Greek word baptizo. In turn, baptizo comes from the root word bapto, a term used in the first century for immersing a garment first into bleach and then into dye, both cleansing and changing the color of the cloth. (Note its similarity to baptism’s cleansing of sin and becoming a new person through Christ.) Stated another way, when you process cloth to change its color, you are said to “baptize” it. If sprinkling of any kind was to be practiced, a different Greek word would have been used, but it was not.

When should someone be baptized?

Acts chapter 2, verse 41 (Acts 2:41) – 3,000 people were baptized after believing on the first day of the Christian church. Verses 38 and 39 make it clear that people who accept Christ as their Savior will be baptized soon after their belief.

Acts 8:26-39 – Philip meets the Ethiopian on the road and witnesses to him about Jesus. We know where this road from Jerusalem to Gaza is. Verse 26 terms it a “desert.” The only water there was oasis water. This means that the eunuch and Philip climbed down into the people’s drinking water to do this. Apparently, Philip and the eunuch did not think it could wait until later! (You will also notice they did not take a handful of water and “sprinkle” the eunuch to keep things sanitary, either.) The Bible states that all Philip did was “preach” Jesus to him (verse 35) and then the eunuch said that he wanted to be baptized (verse 36). This means that the preaching of Jesus includes preaching and the need to be baptized.

·         Acts 9:18 – after this encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, Saul (later renamed Paul) decided to accept Jesus—and was baptized.

·         Acts 10:47, 48 – Cornelius and those with him were commanded to be baptized, becoming the first non-Jewish converts to Christianity.

·         Acts 16:13-15 – Lydia and her household “believed” and were baptized.

·         Acts 16:16-34 – The Philippian jailer “believed” with his household and they were baptized—and this was in the middle of the night!

On top of all these references, when Jesus left the earth He told his followers to make disciples by baptizing and teaching believers (Matthew 28:16-20). Believing, getting baptized and being taught are commands for every follower of Jesus.

Note: young children who cannot accept Jesus Christ because of their age, will be excluded from the baptism classes and the baptism altogether, until they reach the age of understanding (generally, at age 8). Generally, baby and child dedications are administered.

What do candidates wear the day of baptism?

Wear your church clothes to church. You will have a chance to change into baptism attire before the baptism starts. Yet, many churches provide a baptism type robe, for which now Rehoboth doesn’t have any. However, it is preferred that a white gown be worn that extends to the knees of each baptism candidate, with black undergarments worn underneath.

Women wear a swimming cap over your head.

What to expect the day of the baptism?

Each baptism candidate will be prayed over for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Also, each candidate will verbally express their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior, while they are in the pool.

Also, anticipate sharing with millions of other believers who have already went down into this watery grave because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

What can you expect coming out of the water?

Some believers come out of the water speaking in new tongues while others emerge from the water having a much different experience, but nonetheless, you will have received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Some believers ask, “Why didn’t I come forth speaking in tongues?” The answer is simple, and found in Scripture, the Holy Spirit gives gifts to men as He sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:1-10). Candidates, just rest assure, whatever the need is in the Kingdom, you will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who will empower you with a gift(s).

If I was baptized as a child can I be baptized again?

Yes. But remember, baptism doesn’t save you—it’s an ordinance, like communion. Moreover, many believers who want to experience a fresh start in life tend to elect going down in the water again.

The pool will be properly treated and cleaned.