Central CC of Fresno

Reflections

“Celebrating Changed Lives”

What is the meaning of baptism?

v     It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”

 1Corinthians 15:3-4

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

v     It illustrates my new life as a Christian

“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside.  The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”   2Corinthians 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 does not make you a believer-it shows that you already believe.  Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring-it’s the symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

v     Why baptism by immersion?

Because Jesus was baptized that way-

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.”  Matthew 3:16

The Bible seems to teach that the mode of baptism was 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

The Greek word translated “baptize” means “to identify or dip”

It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

“Those who believed 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

v     What about infant baptism?

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children similar to a baby dedication.  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 faith in Jesus 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.

v     When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

“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 to into the water and Philip baptized him.”  Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you place your faith in Christ you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect” you will never feel “good enough”!

v     What should I wear when I am baptized?

Females should wear shorts and a dark top, rather than a swimsuit.  Men may wear a swimsuit and a dark t-shirt.  Remember, modesty is the key.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag to put your wet clothes in.

v     Will I have to say anything?

We will do the baptisms after the music worship and communion.  We will then ask all the people being baptized to come to the front of the building.  We will ask you to briefly explain why you are being baptized (what you filled out on the confession of faith form).  Then you, and the person baptizing you will step up into the baptismal.  Keep your towel near you so you can watch the other baptisms.  We encourage you to invite all your friends and relatives to attend this great occasion in your faith.  It is an excellent opportunity for them to hear the stories of “changed lives” without being “preached at.”

v     Who will baptize me?

Our practice is that a spiritually significant adult will baptize you.  This may be a parent, a spiritual mentor, or a spouse.  Pastors may also baptize you if there is no one available as mentioned above.

The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.  When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. 

John 4:1-3(NIV)