B A P T I S M

About Baptism

Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.

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Baptism Facts

1. Why be baptized?

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.

  • “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:16–17

  • “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” —Matthew 28:18–20

2. What is the significance of baptism?

Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

  • You are a follower of Jesus Christ.
    “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41

  • You are beginning a changed life in Christ.
    “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” —Romans 6:4

  • You are part of a new family.
    “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” —Galatians 3:26–27

3. If you have questions about baptism, or are interested in taking the next step, come to our Baptism Class on Sunday, 10/27/24, during Discipleship Hour in the Kid’s Life Office!

Baptisms are scheduled for 11/17/24.

3. Can my child be baptized?

We would be excited to baptize any child who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration of their faith in Jesus. We encourage any parents to partner with our Kids Life and Student Life ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.

For more information to help guide your child through this important decision, please email our Director of Outreach and Children’s Ministries, Jim Taylor.

4. Can my infant be baptized?

Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).

Here at Calvary we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. Baby dedications are held during our morning worship services periodically throughout the year. A baby/child dedication is a public commitment parents make before God, their church, and their family to submit a child to God’s will and to raise that child according to God’s word and God’s ways.

The dedication service allows parents to publicly express their desire to lead and spiritually nurture their child in cooperation with and guided by the Holy Spirit, so their child will develop a desire to love God and love others. Dedicating a child acknowledges God’s sovereignty not only over the child but also over the parents.

If you are interested in having your child dedicated, CLICK HERE to register your child.