Baptism

“‘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

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us in the Great Commission that in addition to sharing the Gospel and making disciples, we should baptize as well. 

What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment to Jesus.  Baptism is a symbol.  Baptism does not get you saved; it is the next step of obedience to Jesus Christ after salvation to show others that you have been saved. 

Who should be baptized?
The prerequisite to baptism is salvation.  Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and have been saved are eligible to be baptized. 

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12 

How do we baptize?
At Three Groves, we baptize by immersion.  The word “baptize” means to dip or immerse.  In Matthew 3:16, Jesus was baptized by immersion; therefore, baptizing by immersion follows the example Jesus gave.  

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water…” Matthew 3:16

Other baptisms in the New Testament were also by immersion thereby following Jesus’ example as well.

“And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:38-39

Baptizing by immersion also symbolizes 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 according to the Scriptures”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12

If you would like to speak to someone about baptism, please contact us.