Baptism: Following Jesus Openly
Baptism is a public declaration that you belong to Jesus Christ.
It expresses your faith in Him, identifies you with His death and
resurrection, and marks an important step in your life as His disciple.
What Baptism Represents
Baptism does not replace faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of
obedience that visibly expresses the new life you have received
through faith in Him.
Faith in Christ
Baptism follows a personal response to the Gospel and trust
in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
New Life
Going into and coming out of the water points to dying to the
old life and walking in the new life Christ gives.
Public Identification
Baptism openly declares your identification with Jesus and
your commitment to follow Him.
Obedience
Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him faithfully. Baptism
is one important act of obedience in that journey.
Belonging
Baptism takes place within the life of Christian community,
where believers grow, worship, serve, and encourage one another.
A Continuing Journey
Baptism is not the end of discipleship. It is part of a
continuing life of growth, obedience, service, and mission.
Take the Step with Understanding and Faith
Preparation helps you understand the Gospel, your decision to follow
Jesus, the meaning of baptism, and the life of discipleship that follows.
Understand the Gospel
Be clear about salvation through Jesus Christ and your
personal response of faith.
Begin Following Jesus
Commit yourself to learning His Word, prayer, obedience,
fellowship, and Christian growth.
Learn What Baptism Means
Understand why Christians are baptized and what your public
declaration communicates.
Take Your Next Step
Continue into discipleship, Christian community, service,
and a life shaped by the mission of Jesus.
Questions Worth Considering
Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ?
Baptism is connected to a genuine personal response to the
Gospel, not simply participation in a ceremony.
Do I understand what baptism represents?
You should be able to explain why you want to be baptized
and what this declaration means to you.
Am I willing to follow Jesus?
Baptism points toward a continuing life of discipleship,
obedience, growth, and faithful service.
Am I connected to Christian community?
Following Jesus is not meant to happen in isolation.
Fellowship and spiritual community are part of Christian growth.
Baptism Leads Into a Life of Discipleship
Continue growing in Scripture, prayer, fellowship, service, and
mission as you learn to follow Jesus faithfully.