What is Baptism?

Baptism is a public immersion of a believer under water. It is generally performed in the presence of other Christians. It is a public picture of identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection being the source of your life. The Bible tells us, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, that Christ died for our sins, he was buried and rose again. In Colossians 2:12, it tells us baptism is a picture of our identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection being where we place our confidence for forgiveness of our sins and relationship with God.

NOTE - Baptism doesn't make you a Christian. It is a public declaration of what you believe. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It is the outward symbol of the commitment you made before God in your heart.

Why Should I Be Baptized?

• Christ commanded it. - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
• It is the way we show others we trust in Christ. - …And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8 (ESV)
  

Who Should Be Baptized?

• Everyone who believes in Christ - So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41 (ESV)

When Should I Be Baptized?

• As soon as you believe. - But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12 (ESV)

What if I was baptized as an infant?

Some churches baptize infants. At CrossWinds, we encourage adult baptism since only adult baptism, after a conscious decision for Christ, is seen in Scripture.

I was baptized as a teenager, but fell away from Christ. Should I get baptized again?

If you have come to the realization that your baptism as a young adult felt insignificant or was not an authentic statement of your trust in Christ, it is appropriate to be baptized again as an adult.