BAPTISM
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a public step of obedience that represents what you experienced personally when you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus to be your Savior. Romans 6:3-5 tells us that baptism is really a retelling of two stories...
1. The story of Jesus.
When you get baptized, you're reenacting the story of the Gospel - Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for you so that your sins would be paid for and you could have a relationship with God.
"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
2. Your story.
Baptism is also reenacting your story and the new life you have in Jesus. The old you (who was rebellious and separated from God) goes under the water, and the new you (made alive through Jesus) comes up out of the water!
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Click a button to download a baptism workbook.
Who should be baptized?
Baptism is for anyone who has repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus to be their Savior (Romans 10:9-10). In the New Testament, people were baptized immediately after their conversion (Acts 2:38,41).
Why should I be baptized?
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To follow the example set by Jesus.
“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.” - Mark 1:9 (NLT)
2. Because Jesus commands it.
Some of Jesus’ last words are found in Matthew 28:19-20. We call this passage “The Great Commission.” It’s where Jesus gives his disciples a mission to spread the Gospel all over the world. Here’s what it says...
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
3. It’s a demonstration of God’s work in my life.
“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey His commands.” - 1 John 2:3 (NLT)
Taking the step of obedience through baptism reassures us that God really has saved us from our sin and rescued us! The bible teaches us that on our own, we wouldn’t pursue God (Rom 3:10-12). So if you have any desire to follow Jesus and live in His ways, it means that God has already started working in your heart!
4. It connects me to a faith community.
God designed your faith to be lived out in community - we define community as “A place you belong & people who point you to Jesus.” Baptism connects you to the community of Jesus followers at New Hope. We’re here to celebrate this step with you and help point you to Jesus as we follow him together.
Frequently Asked Questions
DOES A PERSON HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED TO BE SAVED?
Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Repenting of your sins and trusting in Jesus is what saves you. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol or sign to others of the commitment you have already made in your heart.
WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS A BABY?
We would view that more as a "dedication." New Hope practices "believers baptism" - which means we think that people should be old enough to make their own decision about their salvation and the step of baptism.
If you were baptized as an infant, we would invite you, if you've trusted in Jesus as your Savior, to be baptized as a sign of your faith now that you're old enough to make that decision on your own.
CAN KIDS BE BAPTIZED?
Yes! Anyone who makes a personal commitment to follow Jesus can be baptized, including children!
Don't know if your child is ready to take the step of baptism? Check out the link below to see our "Parent-Child Baptism Workbook." This short workbook helps you (as the parent) walk your kids through the concept of baptism and what it means. This is a great assessment tool to help see if your child is ready for this step.
We've also got a version for Middle School & High School students, and one for adults. Check them out here...
I'm Interested in getting baptized!
Congratulations on making Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life, and for obeying Him with your desire to be baptized. We are so excited to celebrate this decision with you.
Please fill out the form below and a Pastor will be in contact with you soon!