@ The Resurrection Center
When we were born physically, we were automatically identified with the kingdom of this world into which we came. When the Holy Spirit of God brings us spiritually to life in Christ, the Bible says we are born again. At the moment the Holy Spirit gave us birth (that is, at the moment we trusted Christ’s death as payment for our personal sin) at that moment we were placed, dipped, immersed, baptized into Christ’s Body, the Church universal, the glorious Bride of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:13-14).
After trusting Christ as our Savior, the Scriptures call us to publicly give testimony of our faith in Christ by means of water baptism (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, 36-37). Water baptism is God’s creative way to picture our salvation. It helps us visualize what happened to us when we were born again. Water baptism, like a picture, helps you tell others what Christ did for you on the cross and openly identifies you with Him. You are, through water baptism, publicly identifying yourself with Christ–His death, His burial, His resurrection (Romans 6:1).
Who should be baptized therefore? The answer: everyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Since water baptism is a symbolic portrayal of a Christian’s identification with Christ, obviously only believers should be baptized. And indeed, that is what we find throughout the New Testament. Baptizing infants is not found in the New Testament and therefore we do not practice “infant baptism” at The Resurrection Center.
Those whom God has already placed into Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit should therefore be baptized in water. But those being baptized must understand that not only are they giving testimony to the fact of their salvation, they are also testifying that they are disciples of Jesus Christ and desire to follow Him whole-heartedly throughout the rest of their life.
The Greek term BAPTIZO is derived from an earlier and more basic verb, BAPTO. The primary meaning of this word is “to dip.” It was used to describe a piece of cloth being dipped into a dye solution. It was also used of dipping a pitcher into water, dipping an object into wax, dipping a finger into blood, and similar such uses. The -IZO ending of BAPTIZO adds a causal significance to the root word thus “to cause to dip.”
BAPTIZO is used in this way throughout Greek literature. It was used of soldiers passing through water immersed up to their chests or of animals that drowned in water. It was even used to describe a boat sinking or being “immersed” into a body of water. Almost all standard lexicons of the Greek language admit that the basic meaning of BAPTIZO is “to dip,” “to immerse,” or “to sink.”
In the New Testament, baptism involved a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Going down into the water symbolized or pictured being washed by the blood of the Lamb. Arising out of the water symbolized newness in Christ; a result of spiritual cleansing through Jesus. Through baptism, therefore, a believer in Jesus Christ is saying they are publicly identifying themselves with Christ and His Body. It is their announcement to all who watch and witness the event that Jesus Christ is their Savior.
BAPTIZO is used in this way throughout Greek literature. It was used of soldiers passing through water immersed up to their chests or of animals that drowned in water. It was even used to describe a boat sinking or being “immersed” into a body of water. Almost all standard lexicons of the Greek language admit that the basic meaning of BAPTIZO is “to dip,” “to immerse,” or “to sink.”
The baptism service is also an opportunity to verbally testify of your faith in Christ. Those who are to be baptized at the Resurrection Center may be asked to prepare a simple testimony of their faith in Christ. For many people, this may involve explaining the day and even hour that they understood that Jesus died for their sins. Others may not remember the exact details leading up to their conversion but they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is their Savior. The important thing in a verbal proclamation of faith is explaining that Jesus is your Savior and that it was through faith alone, and no merit or work on your part, that brought about your salvation.
The issue should always be FAITH in Christ and not the WORKS of man. You’ll find at the end of this document a helpful outline to be used in giving a personal testimony.
BAPTIZO is used in this way throughout Greek literature. It was used of soldiers passing through water immersed up to their chests or of animals that drowned in water. It was even used to describe a boat sinking or being “immersed” into a body of water. Almost all standard lexicons of the Greek language admit that the basic meaning of BAPTIZO is “to dip,” “to immerse,” or “to sink.”
At the Resurrection Center, we practice baptism by immersion. We have two baptisteries, and the one currently being used is located on the stage and is a “mini-baptistry” in which the person actually sits down to be baptized. You are dipped down into the water then back out symbolizing your death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ. We also do baptisms outdoors in the summer.
Jesus Christ has done so very much for us. He came to this earth and was tortured and beaten for us. He went to the cross and ultimately died for us. He resided in the grave for three days until resurrected from the dead. He lives today to empower us and intercede in our behalf. He has done all this and more for us. It is certainly understandable that we would want to obey Him and publicly identify ourselves with Him—testifying of the wonders of His grace and love toward us. May God richly bless you as you prepare to express your love and devotion to Christ by means of baptism.
LADIES: Wear dark clothing — jeans or dark pants with a dark colored blouse or top (light clothes often become “transparent” when wet).
MEN: Also, wear dark clothing — dark colored pants and an appropriate shirt or t-shirt.
You may go barefoot, but be careful not to slip.
WHAT TO BRING:
At the Church:
At the Outdoor Service:
WHAT TO SAY:
You may be asked to briefly (2 or 3 minutes) share their personal testimony of how you came to trust Christ as their personal Savior. Please see below for helpful hints on how to give an effective personal testimony.
In the New Testament, baptism involved a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Going down into the water symbolized or pictured being washed by the blood of the Lamb. Arising out of the water symbolized newness in Christ; a result of spiritual cleansing through Jesus. Through baptism, therefore, a believer in Jesus Christ is saying they are publicly identifying themselves with Christ and His Body. It is their announcement to all who watch and witness the event that Jesus Christ is their Savior.
BAPTIZO is used in this way throughout Greek literature. It was used of soldiers passing through water immersed up to their chests or of animals that drowned in water. It was even used to describe a boat sinking or being “immersed” into a body of water. Almost all standard lexicons of the Greek language admit that the basic meaning of BAPTIZO is “to dip,” “to immerse,” or “to sink.”
Outline of testimony
Some final things to remember:
Thank you once more on your great decision to follow the Lord’s commandment to be baptized!
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