Baptism Study

We are so glad that you are considering baptism.

Please take some time to review the following information about baptism.

If you have any questions, please call Chris Hoffman at 678. 858.9165 or email chris.

What is the meaning of baptism?
A. It illustrates Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
1Corinthians 15:3-4 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

B. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
Romans 6:4 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.

C. Baptism does not make you a Christian.
Ephesians 2:8-9 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.

Why should I be baptized?
A. To follow the example set by Jesus.
Mark 1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

B. It identifies you as a Christ-follower.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Why does New Community baptized by immersion?
A. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him.
B. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
C. The word "baptize" means "to dip under water."
D. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection. (See Romans 6:1-11)
E. The founders of the major denominations agree:
Martin Luther (founder of the Lutheran denomination)
"I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imparts and the mystery signifies."
John Calvin (founder of Presbyterian denomination)
"The word ‘baptize' means to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."
John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination)
"'Buried with him' alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

Who should be baptized?
Every person who accepts Jesus as the leader of his life. A believer is someone who has realized that his sin separated him from God. He has given up efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. He has decided that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for his sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between himself and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Jesus alone for his salvation. If a person has come to this point in his spiritual journey, then he is ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13).