WHAT IS baptism?
Baptism is a defining moment in the life of any Christian; it symbolises the washing away of our sinful past and the chance to start a new life of righteousness in Jesus.
We need to be freed from a life of slavery to sin. Romans 6:20 tells us; "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness." The great news is that baptism demonstrates that our life of slavery to sin is now over and our life of righteousness can begin!
Jesus Himself was baptised and He also commanded us to be baptised as part of our decision to follow Him; ‘Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved…’ (Mark 16:16) One of the great men of faith in the Bible, the Apostle Peter, said ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’ (Acts 2:37-38).
By taking this step of faith we don't just say goodbye to the old life, but we are able to be joined with the new life through Jesus. Romans 6:3-4 tells us how we can be Raised To Life:
“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through 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.”
What changes when I get baptised?
Being baptised in water is far more than just a symbolic act. The act of being fully submerged in water is a key part of understanding the resurrection life of Jesus. Being raised to life is exciting because it comes with so many promises!
It means a full life on Earth (Romans 8:2)
It means the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23)
It means we are crowned (Isaiah 62:3)
It means we have grace (Romans 5:21)
It means we can live for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
It means your understanding is renewed (Colossians 3:10)
It means a new character (Colossians 3:12-17)
WHO'S IT FOR?
Before Jesus returned to heaven He left his disciples with a specific commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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."
If we look at the Early Church, it is clear that all those who believed in Jesus were baptised. Acts 2:41 tells us: “Those who accepted his message were baptised.”
So, baptism is not an optional extra in your Christian faith. It is for everyone who has truly repented of their sins, who believes in Jesus and is willing to submit to His authority in every area of their life.
Do you want to make this life-changing decision and walk into a new beginning?
how do i get baptised?
The Bible is very clear that we should be baptised as soon as we have truly repented of our sin and believe in Jesus. Once this has happened, there is no reason to wait!
In Acts 22:16 we see the challenge to those who had repented: “What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name." As soon as you have repented and decided to follow Jesus, it's time to be baptised. If you would like to be baptised at our next baptismal service please complete the form below.
