Baptism

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Baptism allows a believer in Jesus to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Jesus. We have prepared a list of questions people often have regarding baptism. Take a few minutes to read these Baptism Facts.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM

Baptism is a symbol of one’s identification by faith with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised as he was. Romans 6:3-5

Baptism pictures the death and burial of the old person you were before you were saved, and your new life to be lived for the Lord Jesus Christ.

WHAT BAPTISM IS NOT

Baptism is not how you get to heaven. Only faith in Jesus Christ gets you to heaven.

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

It is not proof to your church that your salvation is real. The Biblical proofs of salvation are true belief in the historic Jesus as revealed in the Bible (1 John 4:1-2); love for the believers (1 John 3:14-18); a lifestyle of moving towards righteousness (1 John 1:6; 3:9-10); and remaining with Jesus (1 John 2:19).

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED

Baptism is the first step to following Christ’s example. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9).

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Mark 1:9

Baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ. He instructed his disciples to baptize others.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism is only for those who have received the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12

CAN CHILDREN BE BAPTIZED?
The Bible links baptism to belief and repentance of sin. If a child is old enough to understand and receive this, they can be baptized. We do not, however, practice infant baptism. We recommend that children be no younger than 4 or 5 before being baptized.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Both men and women should bring shorts and a dark shirt to wear. Bring a few towels and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We will provide changing rooms.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN THAT DAY?

Right after the weekend worship serve go to the Baptism area and make sure you have adequate time to change into your baptism clothes.

You will be asked to share your story on video for later viewing by the Sonrise church family. Please share your story of faith in Jesus including the following three parts: 1) How long you have been coming to Sonrise, 2) When you received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and 3) Why you are getting baptized.

WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED AGAIN?
We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience (such as an infant baptism), but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every Sonrise member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.