This is an FAQ on water baptism.
For a full primer on what Hope Rock Church teaches about baptism, access the below.
For specific questions, read on.
Does scripture really say I must be baptized?
Firstly, Jesus Himself was baptized! In Matthew 3:13-17, John the Baptist tries to deter Jesus from being baptized. But Jesus says, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." (NIV).
Baptism indicated that He was consecrated to God and was approved by God, with the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased." At Jesus' baptism, John publicly declared Him to be the Messiah (a Jewish word for "Saviour". "Christ" is the Greek equivalent.)
If we are people who claim to follow Jesus, we should do as He did! This is an act of obedience. Jesus's baptism was an example to His followers. Thus he commanded in Matthew 28:19-20a that we should, "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." It is an instruction from the Lord.
When you fall in love and you and your future spouse decide to get married, you do not see the wedding day as a light or inconsequential matter because you are already in love and have already committed to each other in your heart. We all know that the wedding day is absolutely essential in your relationship and commitment to each other. Baptism is the same sort of thing. It is not an empty ceremony, but an important public declaration of your commitment and the new life you are embarking on. For this reason it becomes an act that helps to nourish your faith when you encounter challenges. It reminds you of your commitment - you can say, "I really did commit to this, and so I will continue in my commitment, even when it's hard." It is an act representing your covenant with the Lord.
Has the Church always practiced baptism?
Water baptism has always been the practice of the church, since the beginning. Here are some scriptures where you can find it:
· The first converts in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-41)
· The Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13)
· The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38)
· Paul (Acts 9:17, Acts 22:16)
· Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:33-48)
· Lydia and her household (Acts 16:13-15)
· The Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-34)
· Crispus and other Corinthians (Acts 18:8)
It is important to understand that baptism, in itself, doesn't justify anyone, but for those who repent and believe it is an outward obedience declaring our inward repentance.
This is why all believers should be baptized. This is not infant baptism or adult baptism, but believers' baptism.
What if I was baptized as a baby - does that count?
It's important to weigh up this question and ponder deeply what we might mean when we say things like, "Does it count?" The question to ask ourselves when we ask this question is, "Count for what?"
Baptism does not "count" for your salvation. This was already bought by Christ when He died for you. Baptism does not unite you with the Holy Spirit any more than any other Christian. You do not become holier or a better Christian. Rather, as stated above, it is a public declaration of an inward reality. The question then is simply one of, "Do you think your commitment as a baby was real - for you?"
Most people will answer in the negative and would prefer they make this commitment for themselves as a teenager or adult, but some may genuinely have the conviction that their baptism as a baby is a sufficient commitment. This may depend on theology or a wide range of factors. That conviction will be between you and the Lord. It is not for the Church to judge the strength or "purity" of your commitment, that is for you to work out with the Lord.
The Church should not burden your conscience with anything outside of scripture. Scripture commands us to be baptized as an act of obedience and commitment, and that is as far as we can take it. It seems obvious that babies cannot repent and it's clear that Jesus was not baptized as an infant but was baptized as an adult (He was dedicated to the Lord in Luke 2:22 as a baby, but this did not involve water baptism). However, this does not mean that we believe that anyone who was baptized as an infant did not receive a "real baptism" and their baptism "does not count" as it is not up to us to act as gatekeepers to God's free salvation in Christ or assess how strong your commitment to Him really is. If it is your conviction that your infant baptism is sufficient as a public commitment to your life in Christ, represents a posture of obedience to Him, and enriches your faith, then that is up to the Lord and between you and Him.
But if you think it does not adequately represent your commitment, then we encourage you - be baptized! No need to agonize over it - just do it! Do not let your conscience be unnecessarily burdened! Let us celebrate your commitment together!
What age can my child be baptized?
It is our conviction that children who are old enough to understand the gospel and are able to exercise personal faith can be baptized. This can happen at a very young age because the gospel is simple enough for a child to understand. However, since each person is different, it's hard to put an exact age on this - nor should we.
Given the above paragraph and the answer further above on infant baptism, it's important to note that parents should encourage children to make their own commitment to Jesus and not attempt to force a commitment through baptism. Doing this runs against the purpose of baptism and makes it as if it is some kind of "insurance". Many parents baptize their children out of their own fear and want to make sure their children are "covered" in case their children decide to live their lives in a way contrary to scripture. It is far better to trust the Lord than turn baptism into a religious ritual for salvation and assurance. Commit them to the Lord and trust Him to work it out, while you encourage them, teach them, and grow them as best you can in the Lord's ways and Word.
I once made a commitment to Jesus, got baptized, and then walked away from Christ; but I have now made a recommitment. Should I be baptized again?
We do not encourage this. Being born again is not a recurring event, so we do not believe a re-baptism is necessary, unless you are absolutely convinced it was not a public declaration that represents your commitment adequately. You were born again into God's Kingdom and your citizenship was not revoked, despite how you may have been living, which is why we do not believe it is necessary. This is clear in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Walking away and now coming back is part of your story and testimony, but the Father did not leave you or forsake you.
What about sprinkling with water? Or water poured over me? Must I be fully immersed?
This question often exposes what we think baptism is. It is not the amount of water that is important, but the commitment and the public declaration of that commitment.
Full immersion is what we see in scripture (Acts 8:38-39) but in no place does scripture make it an absolute requirement. Some people wonder that if they were not "fully immersed" the baptism was invalid, wondering if their nose or ear was out of the water, it needs to be done again! This is not treating baptism for what it is but more as if it is a mystical ritual that needs to be "done right" in order to "count" before God. None of this thinking is Biblical at all and runs against the gospel of Jesus Christ, who died for us freely and saves us by grace through faith.
However, we do think that if you are going to be baptized, might as well go all in! This is a moment of celebration! Scripture always points to people being fully immersed, as a picture of what has happened to us when we come to Christ!
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have come to faith in Jesus! In the early church, people were baptized as soon as they believed. "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:41.) Paul was baptized as soon as he believed. Conversion and baptism were almost simultaneous in the early church, often happening on the same day. See, for example, Acts 10:47-48.
Where must I be baptized?
Anywhere! We don't need baptismal fonts, holy water, etc. The nearest water will do. See, for example, Acts 8:38-40.
Does it have to be public?
The very nature of baptism is that it is a public declaration and commitment, so it would make no sense for it to be anything other than public (else you may simply be having a bath)!
The context of Jesus' own baptism is that it was a public event.
There are, of course, cases where Christianity is illegal and a baptism may need to be done in secrecy, but this does not mean it is done alone.
Who can baptize me?
Any believer can baptize you. It does not need to be an elder or pastor or deacon, or any leader of any sort. In scripture we do not see any reason to believe otherwise.
What should happen at my baptism?
We are baptized into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18, Galatians 3:27). The emphasis on this is to show that this is Christian baptism, not a Jewish baptism, or pagan or another religion. While these are not "magic words" it is an indication of your commitment, covenant, and obedience, and so it is important.
This is why when we baptize you we will simply:
1. Ask, "Have you repented of your former life and committed your life to Jesus?" (The wording may not be exact!)
2. You can reply, "Yes".
3. We will then simply say, "On confession of your faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
4. You then go under the water
5. Afterwards, we might encourage others to come and pray for you.
Anything else I should do when I get baptized?
You are making a public statement of your faith, and so it is a time of celebration. Baptism is not a light, 'iffy' thing. Let this be a conviction! Come to your baptism with joy and full faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! Invite others to celebrate with you!
In conclusion, baptism is a simple act of obedience to the revealed word of God.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24)