Baptism Baptism shares what God has done in your life and shows your commitment to growing in a relationship with Jesus. The FAQs should answer many questions you still have about baptism, but feel free to call the church office at (540)942-2492 or contact us online if you have any other questions.

Why Be Baptized?

Because you want to follow Christ’s example. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river.” – Mark 1:9 Because Christ commanded it. Jesus said, “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 28:19-20 Because it shows you are a believer. “…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” – Acts 18:8 Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know him. “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands.” – 1 John 2:3

What Is The Meaning of Water Baptism? It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection and of our spiritual baptism – our identifying with Christ in our salvation “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he was raised on the third day.”- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “…having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” – Colossians 2:12 It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection and of our spiritual baptism – our identifying with Christ in our salvation “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he was raised on the third day.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer. It shows that you are already one! They replied, ” Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” – Acts 16:31 Baptism washes away your sins. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. – Acts 22.16 Baptism unites you in a death and resurrection like Jesus. “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 Baptism is a pledge of a clear conscience toward God. and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3.21

How Should I Be Baptized?

In the same way Jesus was baptized – by being immersed in water. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” – Matthew 3:16 Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water “…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” – Acts 8:38-39 The word “baptize” from the Greek word “baptizo”, means “to dip” or “to immerse” under water. Immersion is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection. As the person being baptized goes under water, he is identifying himself with the death and burial of Christ. As he comes up out of the water, he is identifying himself with the resurrection of Christ. Every person who has believed in Christ. “Those who accepted his message were baptized.”- Acts 2:41 “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”- Acts 8:12 The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! That is the reason we do not offer infant baptism because belief always preceded baptism in the Bible. “Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized?…Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”- Acts 8:35-38