Following Jesus in Faith and Obedience
If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, baptism is an important next step in following Him. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
Throughout the New Testament, people heard the gospel, believed in Jesus, and then were baptized. Baptism is a public way of saying, “I belong to Jesus Christ, and I want to follow Him.”
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1. Jesus commands His followers to be baptized.
Jesus included baptism in His instructions to His disciples:
“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.” (Matthew 28:19)
Baptism does not make you a Christian. It is an act of obedience because you are a Christian.
2. Baptism publicly identifies you with Jesus.
In the New Testament, baptism was a public declaration that a person had become a follower of Christ. Those who received the gospel were baptized (Acts 2:41).
When you are baptized, you are publicly saying that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord and that you intend to follow Him.
3. Baptism pictures what Jesus has done for you.
Baptism beautifully illustrates the gospel.
Going beneath the water pictures your identification with Christ’s death and burial and the burial of your old life. Coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection and the new life He has given you.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
Baptism is an outward sign of the inward change Jesus has made in your life.
Does Baptism Save Me?
No. Baptism does not wash away your sins or earn your salvation.
The Bible teaches that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good works or religious ceremonies (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Baptism does not make you a believer. It publicly shows that you have already trusted in Jesus Christ.
You are baptized because you have trusted Christ, not in order to make Christ save you.
Who Should Be Baptized?
At Rockwell Church, we practice believer’s baptism. Baptism is for someone who has personally:
- Recognized his or her need for forgiveness and salvation
- Believed that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again
- Repented of sin and trusted Jesus Christ as Savior
- Chosen to follow Jesus as Lord
- Understood the meaning of baptism and expressed a sincere desire to obey Christ
This follows the pattern we see throughout the New Testament. People believed the gospel and then were baptized (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12–13; Acts 18:8).
There is no specific minimum age given in the Bible. A person should be old enough to understand the gospel, personally trust Christ, and understand what baptism means.
What If I Was Baptized as a Baby?
If you were baptized as an infant, we respect the faith and intentions of your parents.
However, the New Testament pattern is that a person personally believes in Jesus and then is baptized. Being baptized now as a believer is your opportunity to personally affirm your faith in Christ and publicly declare your decision to follow Him.
Why Does Rockwell Church Baptize by Immersion?
We normally baptize by completely immersing a person in water because this best follows the New Testament examples and beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
After Jesus was baptized, He “went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:16).
When Philip baptized the Ethiopian man, they went down into the water and afterward came up out of the water (Acts 8:38–39).
If immersion is not possible because of a physical limitation, please talk with a pastor. Another appropriate method can be used.
Do I Need to Be Baptized Again?
If you were baptized by immersion as a believer after personally trusting in Jesus Christ as He is revealed in Scripture, you normally do not need to be baptized again.
A previous ceremony performed by a religious group that rejects essential Christian truths about Jesus, the Trinity, or the gospel is not considered Christian baptism. This includes baptism by groups such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly called Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although these groups use some Christian terminology, they do not affirm the biblical understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or the biblical identity of Jesus Christ.
You also do not need to repeat your baptism because you have struggled spiritually or gone through a difficult season. Your salvation rests in Christ and His promises, not in your ability to live a perfect Christian life.
However, baptism as a believer may be the right step for you if:
- You were baptized as an infant.
- You were baptized before you personally understood and trusted the gospel.
- Your baptism was performed by a group that does not affirm the biblical Christian faith.
If you are unsure whether a previous baptism should be recognized, one of our pastors would be glad to talk with you.
Preparing for Your Baptism
What Should I Wear?
Because you will be completely immersed in water, please dress modestly in clothing that will not become transparent when wet.
Wear shorts or pants and a shirt made of sufficiently heavy fabric, preferably medium or dark in color. A plain T-shirt without a distracting message or graphic is a good choice.
Please bring:
- A towel
- A complete change of dry clothes
- A plastic bag for your wet clothing
- Any personal or toiletry items you may need
What Will Happen When I Am Baptized?
You do not need to worry about knowing exactly what to do. We will explain everything beforehand and guide you through each step.
During the service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism and introduce you to the congregation.
You may share a brief, one-minute testimony if you feel comfortable doing so. You may also write a few paragraphs for the pastor to read on your behalf.
Before baptizing you, the pastor will ask you three questions:
- “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for your sins and rose from the dead?”
- “Have you personally trusted in Jesus Christ alone as your Savior, turning from sin to follow Him as Lord?”
- “Are you being baptized today in obedience to Christ, publicly declaring your faith in Him and identifying yourself with His church?”
You may simply answer, “Yes,” to each question.
The pastor will then say:
“Because of your profession of faith in Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The pastor will briefly lower you beneath the water and immediately bring you back up, saying:
“Buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life.”
The church will also provide you with a certificate of baptism commemorating this important step in your walk with Christ.
Should I Invite Family and Friends?
Yes. We encourage you to invite your family, friends, coworkers, and others who are important to you.
Your baptism is something worth celebrating. It is also a powerful opportunity for others to hear about your faith in Jesus. God may even use your baptism to encourage someone else to consider Christ or take their own next step of faith.
Ready to Be Baptized at Rockwell Church?
If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and are ready to publicly identify yourself as His follower, we would be glad to help you take this important step.
If you have questions about salvation, baptism, a previous baptism, or whether you are ready, please talk with our pastor. We want you to understand what baptism means and to be confident about taking this step of faith and obedience.
Watch a Baptism at Rockwell Church
Watch this baptism service to see what happens when someone publicly declares faith in Jesus Christ through baptism at Rockwell Church.