baptism in water

The practice of baptism in the New Testament was carried out in only one way: new believers being baptised were immersed (put under water) and then brought back up out of the water. But why do we only baptise believers?

It symbolises cleansing from sin. Even though the water does not actually wash away sin, it is an act picturing what happens to the heart and life of a person whose sin has been washed away by the blood of Jesus. (Acts 22:16).

It pictures the death of the old nature and the birth of the “new person in Christ.” Water baptism marks the end of the old life and the beginning of the new life with Christ. (Romans 6:3-4).

It is an act of faith and obedience to Christ. Even though there are many things about water baptism we can know and understand, it is also important that we practice and experience it as an act of simple obedience and faith. (Matthew 28:19-20).

Water baptism becomes one of the first outward declarations of our commitment to Christ. It shows the church, the world, and the unseen spiritual realm that we have passed from death to life, from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God. It shows that we have made a decision to follow Christ.

Who should be baptised? Every Christian believer. The Bible tells us very clearly that it is anyone who believes the gospel and repents of his or her sin and puts their faith and trust in Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

Water baptism should follow repentance. When someone hears the message of Jesus, is convicted of personal sin and accepts Christ a new birth occurs. Water baptism then gives testimony to the act of grace that has occurred.

We regularly baptise people who have come to faith, usually during one of our Sunday services. These are great occasions of celebration. Those who get baptised usually share their story and many guests, friends and family usually come to see what is going on.

If you'd like to find out more about being baptised at Woodside, speak to your Discipleship Group leaders.