Why, when, who of Baptism
Do you trust in God for your salvation? The Bible says that life and salvation are a free gift of God, that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2.8-9; Romans 3.23-24). It is not something that we give to God, but that he gives to us. You can receive this gift with a simple prayer from the heart, “God, I need you. I need to you forgive me. I need you to come in to my life and be my Savior and Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can trust you in my heart and know that my sins are forgiven. In Jesus’ name—amen."
Why baptize? A few reasons. First, God commands it (Matthew 28.19). Second, God makes promises at baptism (Mark 16.16; Titus 3.5-8). Third, baptism opens up a whole lifetime of growing in faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 6.4). Baptism is God’s way of applying the benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus to us. What a gift!
Who is baptism for? Everyone! On the day of Pentecost, Peter was preaching and the crowd asked about being saved. He told them to repent and believe and to be baptized, and that "this promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2.37-39). We believe that every generation needs this same gift and promise. Baptism is God’s way of incorporating us into his life. It is real—tangible—like a hug that comes with God’s love. Since we believe baptism is something that God does, we do not believe it is something only for those who are ‘old enough’ ‘good enough’ or ’smart enough’, and withheld from others. God wants everyone to be baptized and believe that he loves them and has forgiven them.
How much water do you need? We believe that the regular way that baptism happened in the Bible times included a lot of water (immersion). That said, the Bible doesn’t command or stipulate how much water is needed. We have left that up to the family or individual. Some choose to be baptized at the font, and some at the ocean, and some in a larger tank outside. What is important is to use the word that God gave us to use, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28.19-20).
What about re-baptism? The Bible and the vast consensus of the church teaches only one baptism (Ephesians 4.5-6, Nicene Creed) is necessary. The Christian life is a daily renewal, a continual return, a living-into-and-out-of the promises of God in baptism. If you have been baptized already, no matter what age or stage, know that the promises of God in Christ are FOR YOU as if you were still dripping wet right now!
What promises are made at baptism? First and most important—GOD PROMISES! In baptism, God is saying, “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43.1-3). If the child is old enough, or their parent on their behalf, also make promises to go to the services of God’s house, to read the Scriptures, to learn to pray (Lord’s Prayer), and what Christians believe (Apostles Creed). Finally, the sponsors (Godparents) and congregation promise to pray for and support the newly baptized as they grow in the Christian faith.
Trinity folks, are you interested in baptism for yourself or for your child? Here is the baptism form. Print one out, fill it out, and take a picture of it or send it to Pastor Nathan at nathan@trinitysanpedro.org
I remember being baptised by the pastor who led me to the Lord in the mid-70’s.. and a swimming pool was used. I’m pleased you are explaining how necessary it is, as my life changed when I became a Christian back then. You do give good messages!