BAPTISM

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command. “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Matthew 3:16–17

“Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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.” Matthew 28:18–20

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

You are a follower of Jesus Christ.

“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” Acts 2:41 You are beginning a new life in Christ.“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” Romans 6:4

You are part of a new family.

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:26–27

Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a new life in Christ and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.

We will baptize anyone who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration.

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).

We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.

So at 414 Church, we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism.