I remember the day I was baptized. It was during a Sunday night service in the fall of 1975, at my home church in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. I had just recently dedicated my life to the Lord and wanted to declare to my church family my commitment to Him. It was an experience I will never forget -- one that made a huge difference in my life.
Let me encourage you to be obedient to God's word and pursue being baptized at one of our upcoming InterSection Sunday services (the last week of each month). For more information, I invite you to contact me at 925.560.6245 or via email at ddickinson@dublinvcc.org. If your child is ready to explore baptism, please contact Pastor Erik in Children's Ministry by calling 925.560.6212 or via email at ehansen@dublinvcc.org.
Blessings!
Pastor Don Dickinson
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved....” Mark 16:16
Below you will find ample information on this important step in your Christian experience. Please read carefully, as it will enable you to more fully appreciate your baptismal service.
Why are we Baptized?
Because we want to follow Christ's example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9
Because Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, “Go then, to all people every where and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
Because it shows you are a believer.
“...Many of the Corinthians who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts18:8
Because obeying Christ's command shows you know Him.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
How are we to be Baptized?
Like Jesus was baptized—by being immersed in water.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” Acts 8:38,39
The word “Baptize” literally means, “to dip under water.” The Greek word “baptizo” means, “to immerse or dip under water.”
What is the meaning of Baptism?
It is the symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins. He was buried and He rose again.” “By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!” I Corinthians 15:3,4
Baptism does not make you a believer. It shows that you are one! Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith...it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” II Corinthians 5:17
Who should be Baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
“For when you are baptized you are buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized both men and women.” Acts 2:41
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
“Simon himself believed and was baptized...” Acts 8:13
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
When are we to be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.
“Those who believed...were baptized...that day!” Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘look here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘if you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The official answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase)