Baptism is a celebration and we are excited that you are considering being baptized. The following information is a useful guide in discovering the importance and meaning of being baptized. To sign up for baptism please email office(@)pinoaks.org or call the church office at 972-924-4000.
I. WHY DO PEOPLE GET BAPTIZED?
A) To follow the example of Jesus. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
B) Because Jesus commanded it. “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciple, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to
obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
C) It demonstrates that I really am a believer in Christ. “we know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” (I John 2:3)
II. WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?
A) It illustrates Christ’s death, 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)
B) It illustrates my new life as a follower of Christ.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The
old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (II Corinthians 5:17)
“we were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just
as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may
live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
C) Baptism Doesn’t make you a Christian.
Only your faith in Christ makes you a Christian. Baptism is a symbol of that faith
and an outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart. (Ephesians
2:8-9)
III. WHY DO YOU “DUNK” OR IMMERSE PEOPLE IN BAPTISM?
A) To follow the example of Jesus. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
B) Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8: 38-39)
C) The word baptize in the Bible, means to “dip under”.
D) It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11)
E) The founders of major denominations agree:
Martin Luther (founder of Lutheran denomination): “I would have those whoa re to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin (founder of Presbyterian denomination): “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him” alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
IV. WHO SHOULD GET BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Jesus Christ. A believer is someone who has
realized that their sin separates them from God. They have given up trying to
reach God or attain forgiveness through good deeds or religious activity. They have
determined that Jesus death on the cross is the sufficient and total payment for
their sins and the only thing that can make them right before God (reconcile). A
believer is someone who trust’s Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come
to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2,
8).
V. WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?
All the baptisms performed in the Bible followed a persons personal choice of
trusting Christ for salvation. There are no examples of people being baptized when
they did not request it. When your child makes a decision for Jesus we will happily
baptize them in the Christian faith.
VI. WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have trusted in Christ. “Those who believed were baptized that
day!” (Acts 2:41) This in no way dictates immediacy, just urgency. The idea is that
your baptism will follow your faith in Christ…there is no reason for delay. Usually
delay ends with never doing it!
VII. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There are no special clothes you need to wear. The only thing we ask is that you
wear a dark pair of shorts and t-shirt to preserve decent levels of modesty. Make
sure that you bring a change of clothes, a towel, and any toiletries you will need
after the baptism. A room or space will be available for you to change in. Lastly,
make sure you arrive 15 minutes prior to service and speak with the Pastor for last
minute instructions.