1. To follow the example set by Christ. "At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan." (Mark 1:9)

2. Because Christ commanded it. "Therefore, 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

3. It demonstrates that I am a Believer. "We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands." (1 John 2:3)

It illustrates Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day..." (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

"Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." (Matthew 3:16) "As Jesus was coming up out of the water ..." (Mark 11:10)

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. "Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water ..." (Acts 8:38-39)

3. The word "baptize" means "to dip or immerse."

4. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection. "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him though baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too, may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4)

Every person who is a follower of Christ should be baptized. Followers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their faith in Christ.

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48). At Johnson Ferry, we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ. Children’s Ministry offers the Footsteps program, a four-step partnership between parents and the church. Grades 1-5.

In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone to baptize them. Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have repented of their sins and trust Christ alone for their salvation should experience baptism. If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism have yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

As soon as you have trusted in Christ for salvation. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)

The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to trust in Christ. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is okay to wait until the next scheduled baptism.

Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a dark shirt and shorts. Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home. There is a changing room available. Please bring a towel. Arrive 30 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for some last-minute instructions.

Contact the Connection Ministry at 770.794.2980 or Register HERE.