What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of the inward reality that you have been buried with Christ and raised to walk in the new life he gives you. We’re excited for you to take this step of obedience as you follow Christ. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34). Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!
When should I get Baptized?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to follow Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12). If you have committed your life to follow Jesus and have not publicly professed your faith through baptism, then we would love to talk with you about getting baptized.
Why should I get Baptized?
Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9). Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41). Baptism also confirms publicly that we are a part of the family and community of God that is his Church. Baptism is as much a celebration personally as it is corporately for the church.
What about children getting Baptized?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Mercy, we wait until children are old enough to express their decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.
If your child has already asked Jesus into his life, explain what baptism is and what it means. Facilitate the conversation, but don’t dominate it.
If your child has already asked Jesus into his life, explain what baptism is and what it means. Facilitate the conversation, but don’t dominate it.
Why Baptism by immersion?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submerged underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5). At Vertical Church we do not practice any other forms of baptism as we do not find them modeled in scripture.
Do I need to get Baptized again?
If you haven’t been baptized since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step in being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.