Baptism is a very simple thing. — You put someone under the water and bring them back up. — But it has profound meaning. It’s why we baptize someone in the name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Baptism is a physical picture of some important spiritual truths. Baptism is similar to the vows at a wedding ceremony. It’s the outward expression of the commitment you’re making in your heart. It’s an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe. Whoever believes in Jesus ought to be baptized.
When they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. — Acts 8:12 (NIV)
3 REASONS FOR BAPTISM
1. Baptism gives evidence that I have become a believer
Baptism says to the world, "I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ and what He's doing in my life."
2. Baptism reflects Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection
At Rock Brook, we baptize the way they did in the Bible—putting people all the way under the water and bringing them back up. It is a symbol of a burial and resurrection. Just as Jesus Christ died and was buried and then rose again. Baptism reflects what Christ has done for you. Bringing you from death to life.
3. It demonstrates my incorporation into Christ’s body, the church
No one baptizes themselves; that would miss the point. It’s a public witness of your faith, and also an open statement that you believe together and belong together with God’s family. Baptism symbolizes one of the 5 great purposes of your life: Belonging in the fellowship of God's eternal family.
Baptism is a physical picture of some important spiritual truths. Baptism is similar to the vows at a wedding ceremony. It’s the outward expression of the commitment you’re making in your heart. It’s an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe. Whoever believes in Jesus ought to be baptized.
When they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. — Acts 8:12 (NIV)
3 REASONS FOR BAPTISM
1. Baptism gives evidence that I have become a believer
Baptism says to the world, "I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ and what He's doing in my life."
"And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes." — Galatians 3:27 (NLT)
"If we obey what God has told us to do, then we are sure that we truly know God." — 1 John 2:3 (ICB)
"Many of the people who heard Paul believed and were baptized.." — Acts 18:8 (NIV)
2. Baptism reflects Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection
At Rock Brook, we baptize the way they did in the Bible—putting people all the way under the water and bringing them back up. It is a symbol of a burial and resurrection. Just as Jesus Christ died and was buried and then rose again. Baptism reflects what Christ has done for you. Bringing you from death to life.
"For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." — Colossians 2:12 (NLT)
"When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus." — Romans 6:4 (MSG)
3. It demonstrates my incorporation into Christ’s body, the church
No one baptizes themselves; that would miss the point. It’s a public witness of your faith, and also an open statement that you believe together and belong together with God’s family. Baptism symbolizes one of the 5 great purposes of your life: Belonging in the fellowship of God's eternal family.
"Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church…" — Acts 2:41 (NLT)
"We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which [Christ] has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body." — 1 Corinthians 12:13 (MSG)
Ready to be baptized?
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have believed in Christ as your Savior, you can be baptized. We offer baptism on the third weekend of every month in all of our weekend services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism
When should I be baptized?
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have believed in Christ as your Savior, you can be baptized. We offer baptism on the third weekend of every month in all of our weekend services.
There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. People were baptized as soon as they believed. At Pentecost, 3,000 were baptized the same day they accepted Christ. Elsewhere, an Ethiopian leader was baptized on the spot when he was converted, and Paul & Silas baptized a Philippian jailer and his family at midnight. If you haven’t been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, you can do so as soon as possible.
“Philip told the man the Good News about Jesus. While they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The officer said, 'Look, here is water. What is stopping me from being baptized?’ Then the officer commanded the chariot to stop. Both Philip and the officer went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” — Acts 8:35-38 (NCV)
There are no delayed baptisms in the New Testament. People were baptized as soon as they believed. At Pentecost, 3,000 were baptized the same day they accepted Christ. Elsewhere, an Ethiopian leader was baptized on the spot when he was converted, and Paul & Silas baptized a Philippian jailer and his family at midnight. If you haven’t been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, you can do so as soon as possible.
“Philip told the man the Good News about Jesus. While they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The officer said, 'Look, here is water. What is stopping me from being baptized?’ Then the officer commanded the chariot to stop. Both Philip and the officer went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” — Acts 8:35-38 (NCV)
Why be baptized by immersion?
The word “baptize” means to submerse into water (the Greek word “baptizo” means to “immerse and dip under water.” Every example of baptism in the New Testament is by immersion, including Jesus’ baptism. (Matthew 3:16).
I have already been baptized. Should I be baptized again?
Baptism is a declaration of your faith. Baptism reflects Christ’s burial and resurrection and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your incorporation into God’s family. If your baptism did not reflect these biblical meanings of baptism, it is appropriate to be baptized again.
Can my infant be baptized?
In the Bible, we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17). We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ.
So, at Rock Brook we provide opportunities for child dedication. Let us know if you’d like to participate in a parent/child dedication at RockBrook.org/Upcoming
So, at Rock Brook we provide opportunities for child dedication. Let us know if you’d like to participate in a parent/child dedication at RockBrook.org/Upcoming
Can my child be baptized?
At Rock Brook, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. We encourage parents to partner with Rock Brook for Kids and take their child through our Kids Baptism Class. This class is offered for third through sixth grade. You can find out more information HERE.