What is baptism ?

baptism is an opportunity to publicly announce our commitment to Jesus

it is ordinance given by Jesus where our union with Him and the removal of the stain of our sin is symbolized

Two elements of the gospel are symbolized in baptism: Removal of Sin & Union with Christ

Baptism symbolizes the cleansing in your life when you put your trust in Jesus.  ONLY the blood of Jesus can TRULY wash away ALL our sin and guilt.  Similarly, when someone is lowered into the water and then brought up again, we see the symbolism of our union with Jesus in His death and resurrection.  Those who trust in Jesus are truly united to Jesus, from death INTO LIFE! (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12)

In Matthew 28 Jesus first commanded His followers to ‘go and make disciples’ and then said to baptize disciples and teach them to obey.  The shortest answer to why we baptize is: because Jesus said to. At Hope we believe baptism is best signified by the immersion of a disciple into water in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  There is nothing special about the water or anything else about the events surrounding it.  What is significant about baptism is our proclamation of our allegiance to Jesus and how we are celebrating our union with Him!

  • A Real Death is Symbolized

    The death symbolized when we are lowered into the waters of baptism is a death to the old self, the old ways of life and the old master: self.  We see it in the life of Paul, who joyfully considered himself dead to the old way of life – because Jesus gave His life for Paul! (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

  • There's a New Way of Life Ahead!

    Walking in newness of life means there is a difference in how we live.  We no longer follow the ways of the culture, we are made new in Christ and we act and think differently.  We not only are new, but the way we live our lives is different.  Colossians 3:1-4 explains the change.

  • Baptism doesn't Save Anyone!

    The free grace of the gospel would be destroyed if there was something we had to do in order to be saved.  The only thing necessary for salvation is faith in Jesus, not any outward action or spiritual activity. (1 Peter 3:21) Baptism is an outward symbol of the inward reality that has already happened by faith.

Why Consider Baptism?

Jesus commanded us to make disciples and baptize *them*.  Baptism is reserved for those who have placed their trust in Jesus, who are resting in Him and identify themselves as dead to the old way of life and obedient to King Jesus.  If that is you and you have not yet obeyed Jesus by publicly identifying with Him the question is: why not?  If you have given your life to Christ, but have not been baptized, we encourage you to obey God in this way.