Baptism is best described as an outward act of obedience that portrays the inner work that Jesus Christ has done in our lives through our faith in Him for salvation.

When a Christian is immersed in water it symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.”

When a believer in Jesus Christ is immersed under the water, it is a picture of going down into the grave and being buried. Coming up out of the water, in turn, is a picture of being raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life. In essence, it symbolizes a person dying to his or her old way of life and rising to live a new way of life in Jesus Christ through the power and enabling of the Holy Spirit (Colossians 2:6-15).

Although Jesus commands believers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19) as did the Apostles (Acts 2:38), you must understand that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Your salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone. The Lord asks us to be baptized not only to give an outward testimony of the work He has done in our lives but also to strengthen and encourage our faith and the faith of those who witness your baptism. Our desire before baptizing anyone is that they first have been saved and are already walking with Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we want to make sure that they have a clear understanding of what baptism is. Baptism according the gospels is different than what some other denominations or faith practice. Some churches will baptize babies or very young children. We love to be able to baptize children, but again whatever the age they need to be able to clearly communicate what the gospel is and why they are deciding to get baptized.

Thirdly, its important for you to be baptized in the church you are plugged into. If you attend another church we strongly encourage you to allow them to have the blessing of being involved in this process.

Lastly, we love to be able to baptize people and its a joy filled time that we can’t as an honor to be a part of. Here at Horizon we have outdoor baptisms at the bay during the summer, there is a baptism at the end of our Life Essentials– “Foundation for living” classes and we can schedule a baptism at anytime with you. Whichever way you decide to get baptized, we strongly encourage you to invite family and friends to be there for the occasion.

If you have any further questions about baptism please either talk to one of our pastors or stop by the church office or contact us below. May God richly bless you as you walk in the “newness of life.”