Frequently Asked Questions
Baptism FAQ
Q. What is the meaning of baptism?
A. Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 says that “… Christ died for our sins … he was buried … and he rose again.” And according to Colossians 2:12, “when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”
In addition, baptism illustrates your new life as a Christian. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we’re taught that “when someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” This new life is also described in Romans 6:4: “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 that we may live a new life!”
Yet baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart. See: Ephesians 2:8–9.
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Q. Who should be baptized?
A. The Bible says that every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all personal efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between themselves and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you should be baptized. See: Acts 2:41; 8:12-13.
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Q. Why should I be baptized?
A. First and foremost, you should be baptized to follow the example set by Jesus. In Mark 1:9, we see that “at that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”
In addition, Christ commanded it. “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.’” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Baptism also demonstrates to others that you are a believer, a follower of Christ. “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands,” (1 John 2:3)
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Q. When should I be baptized?
A. You should be baptized as soon as possible after you become a believer. Consider these verses:
“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 into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
The Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a believer, you should participate in the next available opportunity the church provides for baptism. If you wait until you feel you are a “good enough” believer, you will never feel ready for baptism.
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Q. Why is immersion baptism important?
A. The word “baptize” literally means “to dip under water.” We believe in immersion baptism because it is the method used in Jesus’ baptism. Matthew 3:16 says that “as soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” Also, every baptism mentioned in the Bible is by immersion. Acts 8:38–39 tells us that “both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” Immersion is also used because this method of baptism best symbolizes Christ’s burial and resurrection. (See: Romans 6:1-11.)
Additionally, the founders of the major denominations emphasized immersion. Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran denomination, said: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin, founder of the Presbyterian denomination, said: “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, said: “‘Buries with Him’ alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
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Q. What if I was baptized as an infant?
A. In the Bible, we see parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them.
So if baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. Thus, the Bible would indicate that baptism is for people who have made a decision to follow Christ.
If you have not experienced a believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This is a time when parents pledge their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this is not Christian baptism, as it is not mentioned in the Bible. Adult baptism doesn’t belittle your childhood baptism; it is a fulfillment of your parents’ hopes when they had you baptized.
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Q. Can older children be baptized?
A. All instances of baptism in the New Testament occur following an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation. (See: Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48.) At Riverside Community Church, that means we wait to baptize until a child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we then joyously baptize them in the Christian faith after conferring with the parents.
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Q. Is there a follow-up to baptism?
A. Baptism is a biblical mandate for followers. While the Back to the Basics class is a creation of Riverside Community Church, we highly recommend it for new to learn the “foundations” of the Christian faith. Back to the Basics serves you as you seek to follow Christ, and is designed to equip you to grow in your relationship with God and maximize your spiritual commitment.
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Q. How do I sign up to be baptized?
A. To sign up for our next baptism service, please sign up on the response card during the Weekend Celebration or call the church office. Part of the process involves writing a few paragraphs describing how and when you decided to trust Christ alone for your salvation (this is called your personal testimony). This is a great reminder for you to celebrate the difference Christ has made in your life.
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Note: Some content on this page used with written permission of James Emery White, Mecklenburg Community Church, Charlotte, North Carolina.
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