Jesus commanded us to be baptized. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  To follow Jesus’ example. Mark 1:9 (MSG) At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  It demonstrates that I am submitting to Jesus. 1 John 2:3 (NIV) We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

Baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Colossians (2:12 (MSG)

If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ.

Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian. 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 make in your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB) When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!

Romans 6:4 (MSG) When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

When you get baptized at Cross Bridge Church we ask you to affirm your belief in The Apostles Creed. This is a summary of the non-negotiables of Christianity. It is believed that this list of non-negotiables was written by some of Jesus’ original followers. For centuries, followers of Jesus have affirmed their belief in these statements.

THE APOSTLES CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; On the third day, he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, And he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, The holy Church of Jesus Christ, The communion of saints, The forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, And life everlasting.

We will ask you these two questions:

1. Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?

2. Will you obey God’s holy will and keep His commandments, walking in them all the days of your life?

If you feel comfortable answering yes, we will celebrate your baptism!

Every person who has believed in Christ. Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3,000 in all. Acts 8:12-13 (NIV) 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. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

As soon as you have believed. Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  

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”!

Jesus was baptized by immersion. Matthew 3:16 (NLT) After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water… 

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.  The word “Baptize” means “To dip underwater”. The Greek word “Baptize” means “to immerse or dip underwater”. It is best symbolized by burial and resurrection!

The founders of denominations agree: “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church." John Wesley

“I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”

Martin Luther

“The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”John Calvin

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.

You can wear whatever you like. However, it would be good to remember to wear something that will look appropriate after you get wet! Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We have a BEST.DAY.EVER t-shirt waiting for you!

At Cross Bridge Church we believe that when a person is old enough to understand what Jesus has done for them and when they are old enough to accept God’s gracious gift, they are old enough to be baptized.