Baptism

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A smiling man with curly hair sits in a large black tub of water for his baptism, guided by another smiling man standing beside him on a church stage.

What Is Baptism?

The word “baptize” means “to immerse or dip under water”. People get baptized at Cedar Creek Church to show the commitment of their lives to Jesus Christ.

1. It illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection.
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 (NLT)

2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4 (NLT)

Baptism doesn´t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, because you are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Baptism is like a wedding – it is an outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

A young Black woman smiles with joy, sitting in a baptismal tub of water, as a male pastor stands beside her during a church service.

Why Be Baptized?

1. The example of Jesus.
Then Jesus went . . . to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John didn’t want to baptize him. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.” So then John baptized him. Matthew 3:13-15 (NLT)

2. The command of Jesus.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

3. The commitment to Jesus.
If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT)

Baptism is a way to publicly acknowledge our commitment to Christ.

A pastor smiles at a young girl sitting in a large tub of water during a baptism ceremony, while other children watch from the side.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has made a commitment of their life to Jesus Christ.

Those who accepted his message were baptized. Acts 2:41 (NLT)

Baptism is a public expression of your private faith commitment of your life to Jesus Christ

Inside a church, a pastor prepares to baptize a woman sitting in a portable font on a stage, with a cross visible in the background.

What Does Baptism Represent?

Our faith commitment to Jesus Christ can be summed up in one verse:

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NLT)

Believe God raised Jesus from the dead – Believe the facts about Jesus.

  • God loves us–John 3:16
  • We have sinned – Romans 3:23
  • Sin brings death-Romans 6:23
  • We cannot do enough good works to counteract our sin-Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin-Romans 5:8

Confess Jesus as Lord – Commit your life to Jesus – by surrendering control of your life to him.