BAPTISM

BAPTISM

YOUR FIRST STEP OF OBEDIENCE AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, baptism is one of the most meaningful steps you will take in your walk with Him.

 

Baptism is not simply a church tradition or a religious ritual. It is a joyful act of obedience to Jesus Christ. Through baptism, a believer publicly declares their faith in Christ and identifies with Him and His people.

 

At CrossPointe Church, we believe baptism is a moment worth celebrating. It is a visible testimony that Jesus has changed your life and that you are committed to following Him.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a powerful picture of the gospel.

 

When someone is baptized, it symbolizes three beautiful realities:

 

• Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.

• The believer’s old life of sin has been buried with Christ.

• The believer has been raised to walk in a new life with Him.

 

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”

 

Baptism does not save a person. Only Jesus saves. But baptism shows the world that Jesus has already transformed your life

WHY IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?

Baptism matters because Jesus commanded it and the early church practiced it. Before returning to heaven, Jesus told His followers:

 

Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

 

In the book of Acts, the pattern is clear: people heard the gospel, believed in Christ, and were baptized.

 

Acts 2:41 – “Those who received his word were baptized.”

 

For this reason, Christians throughout history have recognized baptism as the first step of obedience for a believer.

 

Baptism:

• Honors the command of Christ

• Publicly proclaims the gospel

• Identifies you with Jesus

• Marks the beginning of a life of discipleship

• Connects you visibly with the church

WHY DO WE BAPTIZE BY IMMERSION?

At CrossPointe, we baptize by immersion because it most clearly reflects the meaning of baptism in the New Testament. Immersion beautifully illustrates the message of the gospel:

 

Going under the water represents being buried with Christ.

Rising out of the water represents being raised to new life.

 

Romans 6:3–4 – “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… so we too might walk in newness of life.”

 

This is why immersion has historically been practiced by churches seeking to follow the New Testament pattern.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

The New Testament shows that baptism always follows personal faith in Jesus Christ. Those who should be baptized are those who have:

 

• Repented of their sin

• Trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior

• Committed to follow Him as Lord

 

In Scripture, baptism is not something done for a person. It is something done by a person who has personally trusted Christ.

DOES BAPTISM SAVE ME?

No. Baptism does not save anyone. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

 

Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

 

Baptism does not produce salvation. It declares that salvation has already taken place. It is the outward testimony of an inward transformation.

WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?

Many people were baptized as infants because their families desired to dedicate them to God. While we respect the sincerity behind that practice, the New Testament consistently presents baptism as a response to personal faith in Christ. For this reason, we encourage those who have trusted Christ to be baptized as believers. Being baptized after coming to faith is not rejecting your upbringing. It is simply taking a personal step of obedience to Jesus.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET BAPTIZED

AT CROSSPOINTE CHURCH?

We want baptism to be a joyful and meaningful experience for every believer. Our goal is to make the process simple, clear, and encouraging.

A CONVERSATION WITH A PASTOR

One of our pastors will meet with you to hear your testimony and talk about your faith in Christ. This is simply an opportunity to hear how God has worked in your life and to answer any questions you may have.

PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

We will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel comfortable and confident. We will explain what will happen during the baptism service and how you can share your testimony with the church.

YOUR BAPTISM DAY

Baptisms take place during one of our worship services. You will briefly share your testimony of how you came to faith in Christ, and then you will be baptized in front of the church family. When you come out of the water, the church celebrates what Christ has done in your life. It becomes a moment of worship, joy, and gratitude to God.

BEGINNING THE NEXT STEP OF DISCIPLESHIP

Baptism is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a life of following Jesus. After baptism, we want to help you grow through worship, Biblical teaching, small groups, community, serving in the church, and ongoing discipleship. Our desire is to help every believer grow into a mature follower of Jesus Christ.

PREPARING FOR BAPTISM

We will walk you through everything you need to know so you feel comfortable and confident. We will explain what will happen during the baptism service and how you can share your testimony with the church.

YOUR BAPTISM DAY

Baptisms take place during one of our worship services. You will briefly share your testimony of how you came to faith in Christ, and then you will be baptized in front of the church family. When you come out of the water, the church celebrates what Christ has done in your life. It becomes a moment of worship, joy, and gratitude to God.

BEGINNING THE NEXT STEP OF DESCIPLESHIP

Baptism is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a life of following Jesus. After baptism, we want to help you grow through worship, Biblical teaching, small groups, community, serving in the church, and ongoing discipleship. Our desire is to help every believer grow into a mature follower of Jesus Christ.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism

What should I wear?

Can my family attend?

Can my child be Baptized?

What if I am nervous?

What if I was already baptized but was not a believer?

When do baptisms take place?

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have never been baptized as a believer, baptism is the next step God calls you to take.

Acts 8:36 – “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

If you would like to talk with someone about baptism or schedule your baptism, we would love to hear from you. You can take the next step by:

 

• Talking with one of our pastors after a service

• Contacting the church office

• Submitting a baptism request through our website

 

Our pastors would be honored to hear your story and help you follow Christ in obedience.

Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to publicly declare your faith in Jesus and celebrate the new life He has given you.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

LESSONS ON BAPTISM

BAPTISM: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

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