Baptism – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the meaning of Baptism?

Baptism is an important symbol of the new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus.

It Illustrates Christ’s Burial and Resurrection.

“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.”
-I Corinthians 15:3-4

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”
-Colossians. 2:12

It Illustrates My New Life as a Follower of Jesus.

“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” -2 Corinthians. 5:17

“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!”
-Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe.
Baptism does not “save” you – only your faith in Jesus saves you.
Baptism is like a wedding ring.
It is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ.

“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…”
-Acts 2:41

“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”
-Acts 8:13

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
-Acts 8:12

 

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you believe!

“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!”
-Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
-Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to make Jesus your Savior and Lord, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “good enough” you will never do it!

 

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE BAPTIZED?
At FBC Garden City, we practice Believer’s Baptism. This means that we wait until children are old enough to place their own personal faith in Jesus and understand the 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 parent’s 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 of Baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. It is an external picture of an internal commitment.

What should I expect at my Baptism?

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You should wear something modest that you don’t mind getting wet, like shorts and t-shirts or even a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

 

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

During the in-person worship service, one of the pastors will briefly explain the meaning of Baptism before we begin that part of the service.

You will wait your turn and when the pastor introduces you, He will ask for an confirmation from you about your faith in Jesus (likely just a verbal agreement with his statement).

Then the pastor will briefly lower you just under the water and help lift you up. Then you can leave the water, dry off, change clothes and return to the Worship Center for the remainder of the service.

We encourage you to invite all your friends and relatives to attend your Baptism celebration!

 

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of Baptism, and each one has personally place his or her trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a beautiful and powerful expression of commitment.

However, it is important to remember the Baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is not wise to delay your Baptism while waiting on others to join you. That would cause you to delay your obedience and could place undue pressure on someone else.

 

 

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Got Questions?

Contact us at office@fbcgc.net or call us at 912.964.1448