Water Baptism.

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF BAPTISM

1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

"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)

2. It illustrates our new life as a Christian.

"When someone becomes a Christian 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)

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." 
(Acts 8:38-39)

The word Baptize means "To dip under water" The Greek word baptizo means to “immerse or dip under water". It is best symbolized as both a burial and a resurrection!

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED

1. Every person who has believed in Christ.

"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." (Acts 2:41) 

"Simon himself believed and was baptized..." (Acts 8:13) 

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

2. At Metro, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. 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 is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED

As soon as you have believed.

"Those who believe...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)

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"!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED

You will want to wear shorts or pants and a dark top which will preserve modesty. Women may want to consider wearing a bathing suit underneath their clothes as well.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. Bring any appropriate personal items for after baptism (hair dryer, make-up, etc. You can get dressed in the men’s or women’s rest room respectively.)

HOW WILL I BE BAPTIZED

Some people get nervous about the process of water baptism.  There is no need for this if you understand that the process is quite simple.  We don’t want this to distract you from the blessing of this beautiful spiritual step in your life.

All those being baptized will line up in the room that leads to the baptismal tank. The pastor will call your name at which time you can come forward and give your towel to the attendant.

You will then be asked three questions:

1. The pastor will say, “This is…” and you should simply state your name.

2. The pastor will then ask, “Do you know Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord of your life?” And you can simply reply, “Yes I do!”

3. Lastly the pastor will ask, “Why have you decided to be baptized?” And you may then share the reason(s) why. Now please remember to keep it short. No more than two minutes in length. Thank you.

Now whenever you are asked or expected to speak, NEVER EVER TOUCH THE MICROPHONE. Thank you.

After sharing your statement, the pastor will then ask you to hold your nose with one hand and your elbow with your other hand.  When you are tipped backward, please bend your knees, this helps the person doing the baptizing. 

You will be submerged just enough to cover your face and then will be brought back up immediately.  Those witnessing your baptism will often clap or give praise to God after you’ve been baptized.  There will be a brief time of prayer after your immersion and then you will be helped out of the water and given your towel.

Upon the conclusion of being baptized, you can head to the men’s or women’s restroom to change. Now please note that it is very likely that photos will be taken and your baptism may even be videoed.

Hopefully this information is helpful to you as you prepare for your baptism. Please be sure to speak with the pastor if you have any additional questions or concerns. Thank you.