At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9)

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. (Matthew 28:19-20)

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)

Answer:

#1.)To follow the example and obey the command of Jesus.

#2.)To identify openly as a Christian.

What Does Baptism Mean?

Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

Answer

#1.)It pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

#2.)It illustrates our new life as a Christian.

It [baptism] is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. 1 Peter 3:21 Good News Bible)

Baptism doesn't make you a Christian - it shows that you have already become a Christian through faith in Jesus. It's like a wedding ring - an outward symbol of the commitment we have in our hearts. It is a Symbol of my Christian faith.

Why Do Baptist Baptize by Immersing?

Because the word "baptism" (Baptizo in Greek N.T.) means to "plunge, dip, or submerge," we believe this is the way Jesus was baptized and commanded baptism to be done. Baptism in this way "acts out" in a powerful way the spiritual meaning of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Other forms of baptism in use today developed in the centuries after the New Testament was written due to changes in the theology of baptism and for matters of convenience.

Martin Luther... “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin... “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley... “‘Buried with him,’ alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who Should Be Baptized?

Those who accepted his message were baptized… (Acts 2:41)

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news…they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)

Answer

#1.)Every person who Accepts and Believes in Jesus.

#2.)We believe it's scripturally proper to be baptized after coming to our own personal faith in Jesus. For this reason, we don't baptize infants or those unable to understand the significance of Christian faith. It appears, from the Bible's teaching, that baptism lacks the meaning Christ intended for it if we're not making a confession of our own faith when we're baptized.

Is it OK to be baptized again if I wasn't baptized in this way?

Certainly! There's an occasion mentioned in the Bible where this occurred - see Acts 19:1-5. Your baptism will likely be very meaningful for you now that you understand its deep significance. There is clearly no spiritual harm in doing it again in genuine faith.

Paul asked, "What baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:3-5)

Do I need to be baptized to be a member in a Baptist church?

Membership at a Baptist Church requires baptism as we’ve described it, because it is the required “mark” of being a disciple that Jesus commanded:

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." (Matthew 28:19- 20)

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)

It only makes sense that members of Christ’s church be persons who have obeyed his command to publicly confess their faith through baptism. It is our responsibility to teach his followers to make that “first base” commitment.

Can I be a member if I was baptized at another church?

Certainly! As long as a person has been baptized in a manner that is Biblically correct (after becoming a believer in Jesus, by immersion in water, by a legitimate Christian ministry) they have fulfilled our Church’s expectations about baptism, regardless of where or who baptized them. We don’t believe that we “have a corner” on doing baptisms!

How will my baptism be done?

A date and suitable location for a baptism service will be announced at church. A gathering of people will come together to be a part of the service. You can wear shorts and a top/shirt to be baptized in. (Only modest bathing suits please) Remember to bring a beach/bath towel! After explaining the meaning of baptism, the Pastor invites those being baptized to enter the pool as they're introduced. He will ask you to confirm your faith in Jesus as Lord and savior, and then baptize you. You can dry off and watch others be baptized after your baptism. There will always be a comfortable place to change into dry clothing afterwards.

Can I invite friends and relatives to see me baptized?

Absolutely! This can be a great opportunity for you to share your faith with them as you identify openly with Jesus through baptism. There's always room for observers to watch, take pictures or shoot video, etc.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the Ethiopian man said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)