WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward decision to follow Jesus. It does not save us by itself, and it is not about joining a church. Baptism is a public profession that we belong to Jesus, that our old life has been buried with Him, and that we are now walking in newness of life.
When we go into the water, it points to the death and burial of Jesus. When we come out of the water, it points to His resurrection and the new life we now have in Him.
“Baptism says: my old life is buried now, and I’m alive in Jesus Christ.”
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
We are baptized because we have decided to follow Jesus. Baptism is a step of obedience, a public confession of faith, and a declaration that we are not ashamed of Christ.
It is a way of saying, “I’m with Him because He died for me.” The sermon made this clear:
baptism is a declaration that we are with Jesus, not just in the church building, but in our daily lives.
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Baptism declares that you belong to Jesus.
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Baptism points to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
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Baptism shows that your old life has been buried.
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Baptism celebrates the new life you now have in Jesus.
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Baptism is a public step of faith and obedience.
BAPTISM IS NOT THE FINISH LINE
Baptism is a beautiful moment, but following Jesus does not stop at the water. We do not leave our profession of faith at the church. We carry it into our homes, families, workplaces, schools, relationships, and decisions.
Jesus called us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Baptism says we have received what Jesus did for us, and now we are choosing to walk with Him every day.
“Don’t proclaim Him in the water and deny Him on a weekday.”
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to repent of sin and follow Jesus. At The Mission Church, we do not baptize babies because baptism is connected to a personal decision of faith. We do dedicate babies to the Lord, but baptism is for those who are able to personally say, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
This matches the explanation from the sermon that baby dedication is the decision of the parents, while baptism is the decision of the believer.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
When you are baptized at The Mission Church, we will walk with you through the process. Before baptism, we want to make sure you understand what baptism means and that your heart is ready to publicly declare your faith in Jesus.
During the baptism, you may be asked to briefly share why you are being baptized. Then you will be baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Afterward, we celebrate with you because baptism is a beautiful moment of new life in Christ.
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We will talk with you before your baptism.
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You will have a chance to share your testimony.
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You will be baptized in water.
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Your church family will celebrate with you.
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You will be encouraged to keep following Jesus daily.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BAPTISM?
Baptism points to what Jesus has done, but discipleship is how we keep walking with Him.
Romans 6:3–4
Buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.
Galatians 3:27
Those baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Luke 9:23
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him.