What is baptism?
In Matthew 28:19, one of the final things Jesus says to his disciples is, ‘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.’
In Acts 2:38-29, Peter, a disciple of Jesus, says to a crowd of people who have come to learn about God, ‘Repent and be baptised, 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’
When we read these two passages from the Bible, we learn a few things about baptism.
Baptism is commanded by Jesus.
Baptism is the first step for someone wanting to be a disciple of Jesus.
Baptism is for every Christian, not just ‘special ones’.
Baptism is a key part of joining the church.
Why get baptised?
Individual public profession of faith. Baptism is a moment for you to declare, publicly, your personal faith in Jesus Christ and that you are choosing to surrender to Him as your Lord and Saviour.
Joining God’s family, the Church. Baptism is also a moment for you to declare to the worldwide Church that you are part of God’s family.
What is the symbolism of baptism?
The apostle Paul, in the book of Romans, says this:
‘Or 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. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.’ Romans 6:3-5
Going into the water is a picture of Death.
Being under the water is a picture of Burial.
Coming out of the water is a picture of Resurrection.
Paul tells us about this symbolism and by being baptised, we are symbolically copying Christ while declaring, ‘My old life is dead and buried. Now I walk with Jesus in a new, resurrected life.’
How can I get baptised?
At Riverside, we host baptisms a few times a year. These are held after a Sunday gathering and are announced a few weeks in advance. If you’re thinking about getting baptised:
First, speak to a mentor, your connect group leader, or a member of the church leadership. If you are in a children’s group or one of our youth groups, speak to one of the leaders. They can help answer any questions you might have as well as get you signed up for the next baptism opportunity.
Ask someone important in your Christian life if they would be willing to baptise you. A member of the wider Riverside leadership will also assist in the baptism.
Be prepared to tell your story, sometimes called your testimony. This is the story of how you became a Christian and why you are getting baptised. Your connect group leader or someone from the church leadership can help you prepare.
Prepare for the baptism itself. During the actual baptism, you will be asked one or two questions. ‘Do you repent
of your sin and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?’ and ‘Do you want to get baptised
today and live for Jesus for the rest of your life?’
Optional Bible study
Read Romans 6:1-10
What two events does Paul refer to in v.3-4?
How are they connected?
How is our baptism like Jesus dying on the cross and rising again?
Where is our old life of sin supposed to be?