Baptism

QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM?
We know people often have questions regarding baptism. Why should I be baptized? I’ve already been baptized; do I have to do it again? Does it matter if you are sprinkled or dunked?

Answers to these commonly asked questions are found in the Bible. We believe it clearly teaches us that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a Christ-follower to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ.


WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
1. It illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection.

"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." -- I Cor. 15:3-4

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."  -- Col. 2:12

2. 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!"  --2 Cor. 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!" --Rom. 6:4

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. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it´s the outward 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

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." --Matt. 3:16

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(Example) "...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 word Baptize means "To dip under water"

The Greek work Baptize means "To immerse or dip under water".

It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!


WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
1. 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

2. At Bethel, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.


WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you have believed.

     "Those who believe...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 receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect", you´ll never feel "good enough!"

CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Children's Pastor for a pre-baptism conversation.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
Women should wear shorts and a top or a "muumuu" style dress rather than a swimsuit. Men may wear a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We provide changing rooms.

For more information, please send an email to info@betheltampa.org.