Water Baptism
The command of Jesus for every believer
Who, Why and How Should We Be Baptised?
“As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16.
Baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. So, like Jesus, we are to be baptised by immersion in water.
“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down unto the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water...” Acts 8:38-39
We believe baptism in water is for everyone who has made a decision to believe in Christ.
Water baptism gives a clear picture of death (going down into the water), burial (being under the water) and resurrection (coming up out of the water). So as Christ died, we die to sin. As Christ rose, we shall also be raised up to live our new lives in Him, free from the power of sin.
Because Jesus commanded it.
"Jesus said ‘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, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
Because we want to follow Jesus’ example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9
Because we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
“...that you should follow in his footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21
Because if we love Jesus we will want to obey Him.
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21
What is the meaning of baptism
It symbolises Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised...” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
It symbolises your new life as a Believer.
“Don’t you know that all of 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.” Romans 6:3-4
Baptism does not make you a Christian, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is the outward symbol of the commitment you have made in your heart.
Should I expect to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit too?
Yes, either at baptism as in the case of Jesus
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him Matthew 3:16
Soon afterwards
When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:15-17
Or even before being water baptised
“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:47-48
If I'm already filled with the Spirit, do I need to be baptised?
Yes, even after those in Cornelius’s house had received the Holy Spirit, Peter still commanded them to be baptised in water, (Acts 10:44-48).
The normal experience of a believer in Christ should be a threefold one,
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Repentence, water baptism, baptism in the Holy Spirit, resulting in holiness and power, enabling them to serve on earth and live in the presence of God.
When should we be baptised?
As soon as you have believed.
“Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptised.” Acts 18:8
There is no reason to delay! As soon as a person believes in Christ he can and should be baptised.
If you've read this far and would like to follow Jesus in this command, we'd love to talk more with you and help ready you for your baptism!
Click the button below to fill out a "Baptism expression of interest" form and our pastoral care team will be in touch!
