We’re glad you have chosen to find out more about Baptism and what that looks like here at Westview Baptist Church. We want to take the time to look at the meaning of baptism, the purpose of baptism, and the significance of baptism in the life of the Christian.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
Baptism is like a wedding - it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
WHO SHOUD BE BAPTIZED?
1) Every person who has believed in Christ.
Acts 2:41 NIV "Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized...
2. At Westview, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true 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 parents 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 is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At Westview, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.
Baptism doesn´t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that.
WHY DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED?
God Commands it
Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-19 NIV)
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." (Matthew 3:16 NIV)
2. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." (Colossians 2:12 NIV)
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
Yes. At the beginning of the service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the tank for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, and ask you to share why you want to be baptized. Then they will baptize you. Then someone you choose will pray for you and anoint you with oil. After this you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive a baptism certificate.
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To chat more about baptism please CLICK HERE connect with Tyler, our Discipleship & Care Pastor.