Duncan Road Church

Duncan Road Church - Baptism

Duncan Road Church - Baptism

Where does the word "Baptism" come from?
The word 'BAPTISM' comes from the ordinary Greek word 'BAPTIZO' meaning to 'IMMERSE'.
The New Testament was written in Greek and has been translated into English so that we can understand it.

What's the idea behind baptism?
In the Bible we find that baptism is linked to:

IDENTIFYING with Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-7).
Being WASHED clean from sin and evil (Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 6:11).
Being IDENTIFIED as a believer. Declaring Christ as our Lord and Saviour we are baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" this indicates not only to whom we belong but also under whose authority we live. (Matthew 28:19).

How important is baptism?

Jesus himself was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17).

He instructed his followers to "make disciples of all nations baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism was a vital part of the early Christians message. (Acts 2:33-41 / 8:26-40 / 9:18-19 / 10:47-48 / 16:14-15 / 16:25-34 / 18:8 / 19:1-7).

Does "Baptism" make someone a Christian?
NO! "It is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God". (Ephesians 2:8).

In the Bible, baptism is an important picture, it symbolizes and confirms physically, something that has already happened spiritually in the life of the person being baptised.

Baptism is a sign that a person has:

REALISED their need to get right with God and their need to get rid of the bad stuff (sin) they have become more conscience of. (Acts 2:37-38).

Been WASHED clean from sin and evil (Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 6:11).

BELIEVED that Jesus has died on the cross in their place, and that God now cleanses away their sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

ASKED God for his forgiveness and cleansing (Acts 2:38).

DECLARED that from now on, "Jesus is Lord" and that they are leaving all previous 'gods' and dedicating their lives to the living Lord Jesus alone (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

Who should be baptised?
EVERYONE who genuinely believes in Jesus should be baptised! (Acts 2:41). Age doesn't matter, although church leaders will be especially careful when considering children.

(Note: We do not baptize babies i.e. 'infant baptism', no-where is this taught in the Bible. Jesus called children to him and blessed them, but never baptised them, neither did the apostles.
Baptism is for those individuals who have come to a PERSONAL faith in the Lord Jesus Christ).