Baptism
RESOURCES
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of the inward reality that you have been buried with Christ and raised to walk in the new life he gives you. We believe that baptism has a specific purpose. It is an act of obedience and public declaration of faith symbolizing a person’s unity with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism has a specific order and mode. It is after conversion, by immersion (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:33-34; Mark 1:5,10). Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
We’re excited for you to take this step of obedience as you follow Christ. Ready to take your next step in following Jesus by being baptized? Click the button for the campus you attend.
Why should I be baptized?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9). Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
When is the best time to be baptized?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
Does Mercy Church baptize children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Mercy, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.
Why immersion and not sprinkling?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submerged underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
Should I be baptized a second time?
If you haven’t been baptized 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.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
If you were baptized as a baby and have since made your own decision to follow Jesus, we want to honor and adknowledge the faith of your parents while celebrating your own decision publically. We would love to walk through this decision with you and baptize you while honoring your parents’ faith.