The banner diaplyed above the baptismal pool inside International Gospel Church
Why Baptise?
Because we are told to! In the great commission set out in Matthew 28:19, Jesus says:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Therefore, baptism is a response in faith and obedience to this command.
What is Baptism?
Baptism, as we read it in the Bible, is when an individual is fully immersed in water from head to toe. This is seen in numerous places in the New Testament:
- The baptism carried out by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:6)
- The baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16)
- The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch: “they came up out of the water” (Acts 8:36-39)
What does it mean?
- A Symbol
Baptism is a public symbol that we have put our faith and hope in Jesus. - Going down into the water
This signifies the death of Christ but also the symbolic death of our own ‘old life’ - Going under the water
This signifies Christ’s burial but also our burial in him and the washing of all our past rebellion against God. - Coming out of the water
This signifies Christ’s resurrection but also the start of our new life. For because of Christ’s death and resurrection:- We are new creations
- We are no longer under condemnation
- We are hidden in Christ
- We stand in the grace and mercy of God
- This is not because of anything we have done, for His forgiveness cannot be earned, but because He loves us.
A Spiritual Event
We also believe that baptism has a Spiritual aspect to it as well.
Baptisms are held in public in front of the whole Church and any other friends and relatives who are invited along. As it is a public event, the individual is declaring to the whole world that they are a follower of Jesus. This is not only to the seen world but also to the unseen world of principalities and powers. The individual is saying ‘I belong to Jesus’.
There is also the witness of the Holy Spirit. When an individual becomes a Christian they immediately receive the Spirit as it is the Spirit who reveals Jesus to them.
Not only is an individual saying ‘I belong to Jesus’ but the Father is saying ‘You belong to Me’. This happened at Jesus’ own baptism when the Holy Spirit fell on Him and God said “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
When should I get Baptised?
As soon as you become a Christian! We believe young and old can be baptised, although children will need the permission of their parents.
Becoming a Christian is when an individual decides they want to be a disciple of Jesus. You are not born a Christian, it is something you choose to become.
Christians believe that:
- Jesus’ death paid the punishment that should have been ours, and destroyed the hold of sin in our lives.
- Jesus’ resurrection conquered death and that now we can live for eternity with Him
- They need to admit they have rebelled against God, repent of their rebellion and give their lives back to God
If you’re a regular member of the church and wish to be baptised, please speak to your cell leader or one of the elders.
