Understanding the Significance of Water Baptism
Water baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. People often have questions regarding water baptism: Why be baptized? Should I be baptized again? Please take a few minutes and read the frequently asked questions about water baptism below.
Are you ready to be baptized?
If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, a great next step is water baptism. For our Crossroads Location, our next baptisms are scheduled Sunday, January 5, 2025.
This time is a celebration of life and the transforming love of Jesus Christ. We encourage you to invite family and friends to attend and celebrate with you.
To register for water baptism, click here.
Why be baptized?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.
- “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16–17.
- “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:18–20.
What is the significance of baptism?
Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:
- You are a follower of Jesus Christ.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41 - You are beginning a changed life in Christ.
“We were therefore buried with him through water 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 - You are part of a new family.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:26–27
I have already been baptized. Should I be baptized again?
Your water baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should prayerfully consider being baptized again.
Can my child be baptized?
We will baptize anyone who understands what water baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our kids and student ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
Baby Dedication
Can my infant be baptized or dedicated?
In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17). When we dedicate our children to the Lord, we are following the teachings of Jesus as well as making a public declaration to our community that our family is a family of faith. It is an invitation to the church community to walk together in raising families that honor God.