Baptism

Baptism is a way for believers to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, illustrating our new lives as followers of Jesus. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. It is a way of showing on the outside what change has already occurred in your heart.

• Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ… Colossians 2:12
• When someone becomes a Christian s/he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 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

To follow the example set by Jesus.

• At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. Mark 1:9

Because Christ commands 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 I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

Because it demonstrates that I really am a believer.

• …many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8
• We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands. 1 John 2:3

Every person who has believed in Christ (who is old enough to believe and understand).

• Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…  Acts 2:41

We believe it is important for one being baptized to be a believer in Jesus and to understand the purpose of baptism. For this reason, we are careful to wait to baptize children until they are old enough to have a personal faith in Jesus and to comprehend why they are being baptized. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children, a ceremony intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. 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 of baptism, as shown in the Bible, is for believers to publicly demonstrate their commitment to follow Christ. At ERBC, it is a requirement of official membership that every member be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.

As soon as you believe. 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”!

• 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

If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again. Some people believe they should be baptized again if they have sinned or have committed what they consider a major sin. A look at the New Testament reveals this is not the case. Instead, when we sin as Christians we are called to confess our sins to God. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we sin, we do not need to be baptized again. Instead, we confess our sins and seek to live for Him better each day.

We encourage families to be baptized at the same time, if each family member has personally placed his/her trust in Christ and each understands fully the meaning of baptism. (Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Director of Children’s Ministry 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 not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

What happens when it’s my turn to be baptized?
The person baptizing you will call you down into the water. They will then ask you 2 questions: “Do you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior?” and “Do you promise, with God’s help, to do your best to continue to follow and obey Him?” You may respond by simply saying “Yes” or “I will.” The person baptizing you will then briefly lower you just under the water and then bring you back up. Then you can leave the pool, dry off, and return to the worship service.

Following the baptism, a certificate will be mailed to you.

Use the sign-up form to indicate your interest, or contact any of the pastors at the church to talk more about baptism and make arrangements.