What is water baptism and why would you do it?

October 27, 2017 was a special night for our family. Our two oldest sons decided to get baptized!

Baptism is a way to let people know that you’ve decided to become a Christ follower. I’m SO proud of my boys for making this decision as young men. I decided to follow Christ as a young person, and that decision changed me. God is my Father, my Guide, my Friend, my Counselor – and provider of every good thing! I’m thrilled that my sons want to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe and had the courage to be baptized at our church on Friday night!

What does “Baptism” mean?

Baptize means to “immerse” in water.

Baptism is an “outward” way to show others that you’ve made an “inward” commitment to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.

It’s like SHOW AND TELL at school. By being baptized, you are showing others that you have decided to follow Christ.

It’s similar to a wedding ring. My ring is an outward symbol of a commitment I made to my husband. Baptism shows people you are a Christian like my rings shows others that I’m a wife.

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Why get baptized?

• After you become a follower of Jesus, this is a way to make a “public declaration’ of your faith.
• It’s being obedient to Christ.
  

  Matthew 29:19-20 ¹⁹ 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, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• Jesus Christ was baptized. If we are followers of Christ, we should follow in his footsteps. (Matthew 3:13-17)
• It is a symbol of the resurrection. Just as Christ died, was buried and raised from death. We are quickly submerged under water, and come back up. We are “dead” to sin and alive to LIFE in Christ!  (Romans 6:1-7)

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Who should get baptized?

Anyone who is a follower of Jesus.

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What does baptism look like?

Churches do baptism differently. When I was young, I got baptized in a small pool the size of a hot tub. When I was in college in Florida, we baptized people in the ocean at the beach. When I was a children’s ministry director in Illinois, we baptized people in a local pool.  My nephew got baptized in a lake … my boys were baptized in a trough! Here is a picture of my boys getting baptized:

 

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How often do you get baptized?

Clark loved it so much he asked how often he could get baptized. I told him once was good. However, I have been baptized twice! I did it as a LITTLE girl, around 5, but didn’t truly grasp the significance of what I was doing. When I decided to follow Jesus as a young adult,  I got baptized again. This wasn’t necessary, but something I chose to do.

If you were baptized as a baby or young child, and did not choose for yourself to get baptized, I would recommend getting baptized again. Baptism is NOT a requirement for heaven though! Only a relationship with Jesus will get you into heaven. 

Jesus answered: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

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Parent FAQs

My child was baptized as a baby, does he/she need to be baptized again?

Yes. In the Bible, believer’s baptism was always for people who were old enough to understand and make their own decision about being baptized.

Is Baptism a requirement for heaven?

No. There is only one way to get into heaven and that is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Baptism does not forgive your sins. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus washing away your sins and you are washed in water.

How do I know if my child is ready to be baptized?

• My child has made a decision to invite Jesus into their life.
• You child understands what baptism means.
• Your child asks to be baptized (and the above two statements are true).

How do I encourage my child in their faith after they are baptized?

• I would recommend getting them a Bible, and or devotional.
• Read WITH them.
• Talk to them about what God is doing in your life.
• Point out the beauty that God created all around you.
• Pray together and talk about times when God answered prayers.
• Go to church together.
• As they get older, you may consider serving together or going on a mission trip together..

Have you been baptized? Let me know when and who baptized you in the comments! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

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