baptism – continued

What Baptism Symbolizes

 

Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in your heart at the time of salvation. Baptism is not a requirement of salvation.

Jesus modeled baptism for us in Mark 1:9: “One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and He was baptized by John in the Jordan River.” Not only did Jesus model it, but He instructed and commanded us to be baptized. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

While baptism is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates surrender to God. We immerse (place a person being baptized completely underwater) at Epic because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him. The Greek word for baptism meant to immerse or dunk. Also, baptism symbolizes that we share in Jesus’ death and resurrection, illustrated by going under the water (dead to your old life and sin), then coming out of the water (raised to new life in Jesus Christ).

Infant Christening or Baptism

Some denominations or churches choose to baptize or christen infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing Christ followers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer, rather it shows that you already believe. Since infants are not old enough to understand their need for Jesus, there is no need for infants to be baptized. Once a person, whether a child or adult, comes to believe that Jesus died for his or her sins and asks Him to be their Lord and Savior, then he or she should follow their salvation decision by being baptized.

We recommend infants be dedicated to God instead of being baptized.

What if I was sprinkled or baptized as an infant? Do I need to be baptized again?

It is important to be baptized after making a decision to accept Jesus Christ into your life. If you were baptized before that personal decision was made, it is important to follow that up with being baptized by immersion.

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