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What Is Baptism?
Baptism is the outward expression of the inward reality that we have been transformed by Jesus. It is a way that we can participate with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 6:3-4). As we enter the waters, we symbolically represent the death and burial of Christ, and when we emerge, we represent his triumphant resurrection and victory over the powers of sin and death. It is a way of not just telling the Gospel story, but living it out!
What We Believe About Baptism:
Baptism is a public declaration of identity and fidelity. Jesus himself was baptized (Matt. 3:13-17), and our baptism indicates our participation with Him in God’s mission to rescue and redeem sinners. Jesus also commanded baptism (Matt. 28:18-20) upon a profession of faith, so our doing so is an act of faithfulness and obedience to Jesus’ command.
There are two components that we notice are true of every baptism that we see in the Bible:
- First, there is an awareness of Jesus. Those being baptized recognize that Jesus is Savior and King, that he died and rose again, and that by believing in him, they can have life in His name. In light of this, baptism requires our awareness of our own sin and desperate need of a Savior. Baptism marks a decision to repent (change your mind in a way that changes your life) and believe.
- Second, baptism in the Bible was always by immersion. In fact, the original term for baptism literally translates to “submerge” or “immerse”. Given that the entirety of our being – body, mind, and soul – is changed by Christ, immersion presents the most faithful picture of what baptism is all about.
Additionally, we believe that the act of baptism is not a saving act in and of itself. Baptism doesn’t make you any more saved than wearing a wedding ring makes you married. Salvation is dependent entirely on the grace of God as you trust in Him by faith.
Check out this video from Lead Pastor, Matt Cote, on baptism.
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HAVE QUESTIONS? CHECK OUT OUR FAQ!
How do I know if I am ready?
If you have placed your trust in Christ alone for salvation, then you are ready to be baptized! We would be honored to hear your story and share this experience with you.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
The only method of baptism that we see practiced in the Bible is by immersion. For that reason, we practice baptism by immersion at Rocky. If you were baptized as an infant, it was likely due to your parents’ intent that one day you would come to faith. Your baptism as a follower of Jesus can be seen as the fulfillment of your parents’ desire, and in no way diminishes that intent of your parents who baptized you as an infant.
Do you baptize children?
We can help point children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for their salvation and commitment to follow Him. Therefore, we wait until children are old enough to independently express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. For younger children, we offer Family Dedication, a meaningful moment where parents commit to helping their child know and follow Jesus, as well as Kids Splash Class, designed for children 2nd-5th grade and their parents to explore faith, salvation, and the next step of baptism together.
What if I’ve been baptized before but have since rededicated my life to Christ?
Baptism is much more about what God has done for us than what we could do for him. We will inevitably fail Him and others after our baptism, potentially even in really big ways. That doesn’t mean that another baptism is necessary. It just means that we can recall our baptism as a reminder of our true identity: that we are dead to sin and raised to new life in Christ!
Why does Rocky do baptisms as a part of a Sunday service?
As believers, we need constant reminders of our shared story. When we celebrate the baptisms of others, we are reminded of our own redemption story.