WATER BAPTISM AT CFA CHURCH
WATER BAPTISM AT CFA CHURCHAt CFA Church, we practice believers baptism. We don’t restrict baptism to adults, but we do believe teenagers and children should understand what they are doing when they participate in water baptism. It is our greatest joy to see whole households receiving water baptism together.
Water baptism is a celebration of new life that we all share in together as a community of faith. We follow the New Testament example of baptism by immersion. The word “baptize” comes from a Greek word which means “to immerse or dip under water.” Matthew records, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
What is Water Baptism?
- Water baptism is a public confession
Water baptism is a public confession of the believer’s desire to follow Christ and to live for Him.Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my father in heaven.” - Water baptism is a new beginning — the first step of discipleship
Water baptism is an opportunity for a new believer to share with family, friends, and neighbors that they acknowledge God, believe in Christ Jesus, and commit to follow Him. Nowhere in scripture do we find Jesus calling us to become Christians; instead, he is everywhere calling us to follow him and become His disciples. The word “disciple” is used 269 times in the New Testament. The word “Christian” only 3 times. - Water baptism is a symbol of the Christian life
The Christian life is a gracious gift of God to anyone who believes in Christ Jesus. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Water baptism symbolizes the new life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:20-24) we have in Christ and our identification with His death and resurrection. Paul, writing to the Roman believers, explains the meaning of baptism with these words, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized 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.” (Romans 6:3-4)
Why Should I be Water Baptized?
- To follow Christ’s example
Jesus himself was baptized, although John tried to deter him (Matthew 3:14). He was not in need of repentance, yet he humbled himself in order to identify with us and give us an example to follow. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9) - To follow Christ’s command.
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15; James 2:17-18) In the Great Commission, Jesus included baptism in the task of producing disciples. He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) - To Make a public declaration that I am a follower of Christ Jesus.
Baptism is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life (Hebrews 6:1-2).“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
Who Should be Water Baptized?
Anyone who has made the decision to begin their spiritual journey by believing in and following Christ is welcome to water baptism at CFA Church. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptized (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ and a commitment to follow Him (Romans 10:9-13)!
“Those who accepted his message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41)
if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” ~ Romans 10:9