WHAT IS BAPTISM?

1. Baptism is for those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is an external sign of the internal commitment one has made to follow Him. It is one way we profess our faith in Jesus Christ and proclaim that He is our Lord and Savior.

2. Baptism is a visible act with a spiritual meaning. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer’s death to the old life and his or her resurrection as a new creation in Christ. 
​…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. - 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
- Colossians 2:12
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. – Romans 6:1-8

3. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the ‘old life’ and we rise to walk in a ‘new life’.  Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Note: Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not save you; only your faith in Jesus does that. Baptism could be likened to a wedding ring. It’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8

4. Baptism also connects us to the ‘body of Christ’, or His church. In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one. Spirit to drink. – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
​
Other Bible verses related to salvation and baptism: Romans 10:9-10, Mark 1:1-12, Acts 2:38-40, Acts 8: 12-13, Acts 8: 26-40, Acts 10: 44-48, Ephesians 2:3-9

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example. Jesus himself was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” - Mark 1:9

2. It was a command given to us by Jesus. Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” – Jesus, John 14:15

3. Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. This is fairly simple by today’s standards, at least in the United States. But for the first century church, as in many parts of the world today, a public confession of your faith through Baptism could mean persecution of various types. Baptism has always been the next step after salvation and is an important foundation for the Christian life. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” - Acts 2:38

COMMON QUESTIONS

What about being re-baptized? It is not necessary to be re-baptized to be a member of Reveal Church. Some desire to be baptized a second time if they have recently rededicated their life to Jesus or did not fully understand the meaning during their first baptism.

Can a family be baptized together? During our outdoor Baptisms, absolutely!  As long as each member fully understands what is taking place and has placed their trust in Christ for salvation. Our indoor baptismal seats one, so families cannot be in the water at the same time.

What Should I Wear? Reveal will provide you with a “Decided” tshirt.  We suggest shorts or swim trunks for bottoms.

What About Children? At Reveal, we wait to baptize children until they are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of salvation. This means different ages for different children and is ultimately left to the parents to decide.

What About Babies? We do not baptize babies as they do not understand salvation, sin and cross of Christ.  However, we do have child dedications that take place throughout the year. During this time, parents agree to partner with God and commit to raise their children with godly principles until the child is old enough to make his or her own decision to follow Christ.

What Should I Bring? Baptisms are a church celebration at Reveal.  So bring your family and friends.  Other than that, the only thing you’ll need is a towel and change of clothes.

Who Will Baptize Me? Marty will baptize each person along with their community group leader (if applicable). Parents are welcome to assist in baptizing their children.  If you would like another staff member or leader to baptize you, just let us know.