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).
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.
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.
We want to ensure that kids and students fully understand what baptism means and how it is separate from salvation. Please download the appropriate packet below and complete it with your child or student. You will need to submit the completed packet at the Connection Center or Lifeguard Station two weeks prior to the baptism. The week before our baptism, one of our leaders will sit down for a short interview with your child or student. If the process is not completed, or if your child or student does not appear to fully understand baptism, they may be scheduled for a future baptism event.
The baptism process at Epic has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. If you are interested in getting baptized, please sign up with the age appropriate registration form We will contact you prior to the baptism to make sure you have all of the necessary details. We typically do baptisms twice a year (spring and fall) at Flagler Beach. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@theepicchurch.com