In ancient times, slaves were often baptized after being sold as an announcement to the community that they now had a new master. The early Christians adopted the practice after Jesus commanded it to be done (Matt. 28:18-20) to symbolize their new life in him and to identify with his death, burial, and resurrection. Like a wedding ceremony, it is an outward demonstration of our inward love and symbolizes our death to the old life (going under the water) and resurrection to a new one (rising up out of the water).

(1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should be baptized?

According to Scripture, every person who has repented of their sins, believed in Jesus Christ, trusted him as Savior, and professed faith in him — that is, who has become a follower of Christ (i.e., a Christian) — should be baptized (Acts 8:12-13; 9:18; 16:33).

Why be baptized?

To obey the command of Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20), to imitate his example (Luke 3:21), to demonstrate the gospel (Rom. 6:3-5) and to show to others that you are now a Christian (Acts 2:41).

How should we be baptized?

The biblical mode was always by immersion (the Greek word “baptizo” is consistently translated “to dip or immerse”), which demonstrates our death and burial by going under the water. Rising up out of water is a vivid picture of our new life in Christ. The practice of sprinkling was a tradition that developed later on, as was infant baptism, and does not seem to have biblical support (Acts 8:38-39).

Is baptism required for salvation?

No, but it is required for obedience to Christ and growing in your fellowship with him. We are saved by grace alone, through faith, and salvation is a free gift of God that cannot be earned by any good works. Baptism, therefore, is a serious yet symbolic action of obedience to Christ, demonstrating one’s salvation and conversion experience in him (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

Wasn’t my baptism as a baby good enough?

Any “baptism rite” prior to your decision to receive Christ for salvation would not be true baptism since you could not reason a choice as an infant. People who are biblically baptized do so as a willful decision to participate in a symbolic demonstration of their previous conversion to Christ. They understand themselves to be Christians, secure and forgiven in Christ, and walk into the baptism waters as an act of their obedience in following him.

 

If you would like to be baptized…

Baptism is a serious step in your journey with Christ. We do not want to rush this experience for you. We believe it merits a thoughtful conversation with one of our pastors so that you are best prepared and confident in your decision to follow Christ.

If you would like to be baptized, we rejoice with you. We encourage those seeking baptism to contact us directly to begin the process. You can do so in the following ways:

  • Talk with a pastor after the Sunday service.
  • Take the CBC 101 class offered at the beginning of each month.
  • Simply email connect@coatsbaptist.com for more information.

Helpful Resources

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