Common Questions

• Why should I be baptized?

  To follow the example set by Jesus.

  "At it came about in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan." Mark 1:9

  Because Christ commanded it.

  Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

  It demonstrates that I really am a Christian.

  "...many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized." Acts 18:8

  "And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments." I John 2:3

• What is the meaning of baptism?

  It illustrates Christ's death and resurrection.

  "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, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God who raised Him from the dead" Colossians 2:12

  It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

  "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." II Corinthians 5:17

  "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead... so we too may walk in newness of life!" Romans 6:4

  Baptism doesn't make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

  "For by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." Ephesians 2:8, 9

• Why be baptized by immersion? What if I've been sprinkled in another church?

  Because Christ was baptized that way.

  "And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water..." Matthew 3:16

  Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.

  (Example) "...and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the Eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38-39

  The word "baptize" means to "to go under water"

  The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under water." It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

• What if I've been baptized in another church?

  If you have been baptized by immersion in another church once you were saved, there is no need to get baptized here again.

• Who should be baptized?

  Every person who has believed in Christ.

  "So then, those who had received His word were baptized..." Acts 2:41

  "And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized..." Acts 8:13

  "But when they believed Philip preaching the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized..." Acts 8:12

  At Faith Promise, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

  Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

  This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

  At Faith Promise, it is a requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.

• When should I be baptized?

  As soon as you have believed!

  "Those who had received His word were baptized... that day." Acts 2:41

  "And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the Eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?' And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' ...and they both went down into the water... and he baptized him." Acts 8:35-38

  There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect," you'll never feel "good enough"!

• After my baptism has been scheduled through the office, what other information do I need to know?

  Where do I go?

  All those being baptized, will need to meet in the baptism room 20 minutes prior to the service they are being baptized in. The baptism room is located on the left hand side of the worship center. As you enter the main lobby, follow the preschool hallway around the back of the worship center and it will lead you straight into the baptism room.

  What do I need to bring?

  You will need to bring a dark colored t-shirt and dark colored shorts to change into prior to the service. We will have a baptism assistant back there to make sure all your needs are taken care of and to provide a baptismal robe, towels, and a plastic bag to put wet clothes into.