Water Baptism?
Listed below are some frequently asked questions about water baptism. The answers below represent CCSB beliefs.

 

What is Water Baptism? Water baptism is an act of obedience that follows conversion to portray symbolically the washing away of our sins. The baptism itself does not bring salvation; salvation inspires the water baptism. Those who have received Jesus in their hearts should desire to follow Him in this ordinance.

 

Who can be baptized? Anyone who has sincerely believed in Jesus Christ for salvation.

 

Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Acts. 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believeth with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

It's not about having a perfect life, but rather having a perfect Savior. So, if you have believed in Jesus, then you may be baptized.

 

Can children be baptized? We leave that up to the parents. Anyone who receives water baptism must realize what it means to receive it; therefore, infant baptism is not Scriptural. Some fairly young children have accepted Christ and understand water baptism enough to make it meaningful to them. As parents, you'll know of their relationship with God. If your children have believed, like in Acts 8:36-37, then they should be baptized. If they on the other hand, see it as just a thing to do, or because you are getting baptized, then you would want to wait until you are sure they have come to know Jesus Christ.

 

Where should I be baptized? Anywhere there is water is appropriate for a baptism. Believers have been baptized in the ocean, lakes,, streams, ponds, swimming pools, jacuzzis, large bath tubs, horse troughs, stock tanks, and church baptismals. Again, the word Baptism literally means immersion, however many baptisms are conducted at hospital beds etc. and your heart attitude is much more relevant than the method.

 

When should a person be baptized? Baptism should occur sometime after being 'born again', and not before. Some people have been baptized before they were actually saved due to ignorance or false teaching. Also, some were baptized as infants, and then later in life came into a personal relationship with Jesus. If an unregenerate person gets baptized, all he will get is wet.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41

 

Why should we be baptized?
•Because of our Lord's command.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

 

•Because water baptism was taught in the New Testament Epistles.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

 

What do I wear to get baptized? Baptisms usually occur in a public or sometimes a private pool so we recommend a moderately styled bathing suit or shorts and a tee shirt be worn.

Bring.You will want to bring a towel. You can change into your baptism clothes prior to the baptism, and then change back to your other clothing afterwards.

 

Other Verses on Baptism

Matthew 28:19 Go Ye Therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

 

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 10:48 And He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?
Note: In Rom 6:3, Paul states we are "baptised unto death" meaning that we are not only dead to our former ways, but they are buried. To return to them is as unthinkable for a Christian as for one to dig up a dead corpse!

 

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

Colossians 2:12 Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.