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Baptism is an exciting time in the life of any believer! The information on this page will give you an explanation of baptism as well as the steps you will need to take to be baptized at Central. Please review the information and if you have any questions, feel free to call Laura at 395.3705. We would be happy to help you! Getting Ready The Ethiopian asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or some one else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the Ethiopian said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?”…Then they went into the water and Philip baptized him. —Acts 9:34-38 Once a person admits that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says the watching world needs to know. Baptism has always stood as a kind of public test for people who have moved from being seekers into being believers. Believers are those who have realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation. If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, you are ready to be baptized and can fill out a registration form now. Just remember, baptism doesn't make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn't "save" you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring —an outward symbol of the commitment you make in you heart. Biblical Passages In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his followers to “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…” Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In passages such as Acts 2:41, 8:12 and 10:47-48, it is evident that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation. The New Testament records the baptisms of adult believers only. Baptism was never intended to provide salvation for an individual, but rather to publicly identify a person with Christ. In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion mode of baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water represents Christ’s death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection. Three Things We Want You to Know about Baptism: 1. It’s an ACT OF OBEDIENCE. Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19, “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.” 2. It’s a way to IDENTIFY YOURSELF WITH CHRIST. - It says you are in Christ’s “camp.” - You’re not saying you’re perfect. - You are making a stand. 3. It is RICH IN SYMBOLISM. - Baptism symbolizes total, complete cleansing…forgiveness. - Baptism also symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. - When you get baptized you are following Him. As You Consider Baptism The most important questions to ask yourself when considering baptism: 1. Have I received Christ in my life? 2. Am I putting my faith and trust in Him and Him alone for the forgiveness of my sins? If both of these are true for you, we encourage you to get baptized — You may fill out the registration form now. If it’s not you, we encourage you to receive Him — make that commitment between you and God. If you are not ready to receive Christ, don’t get baptized. It is better to wait and be sure so baptism has a full meaning. Lastly, baptism is not a way to earn forgiveness. It does not save you. It does not give you salvation. Baptism simply represents salvation found only in Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward commitment. Common Questions about Baptism What's the Process? Registration Form |