Oil City Naz

WHAT IS BAPTISM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

If you’ve had questions about baptism, you’re not alone! Below are the answers to some important questions about baptism, hopefully they will help you decide if this is the next move for you spiritually!

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Answer: Jesus commanded us to be baptized.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Answer: To follow Jesus’ example.

Mark 1:9 (NIV)At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Answer: It demonstrates that I am submitting to Jesus.

1 John 2:3 (NIV) We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

Answer: Baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV) …Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

Colossians (2:12 (MSG) If it’s an initiation ritual you’re after, you’ve already been through it by submitting to baptism. Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ.

Answer: Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that.

Answer: Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

Corinthians 5:17 (TLB) When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!

Romans 6:4 (MSG) When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

WHAT AM I AGREEING WITH WHEN I GET BAPTIZED AT OIL CITY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE?

Answer: When you get baptized we will ask you to affirm your belief in The Apostles Creed. This is a summary of the non-negotiables of Christianity.For centuries, followers of Jesus have affirmed their belief in these statements.

THE APOSTLES CREED

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended into hell;
On the third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into hell;
On the third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
And he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy Church of Jesus Christ,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And life everlasting.

After reading the Apostles Creed we will ask you these three questions:

  • Will you be baptized into this faith?
  • Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and do you realize that He saves you now?
  • Will you obey God’s holy will and keep His commandments, walking in them all the days of your life?

If you feel comfortable answering yes, we will celebrate your baptism!

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Answer: Every person who has believed in Christ.

Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3,000 in all.

Acts 8:12-13 (NIV) But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Answer: As soon as you have believed.

Acts 2:41 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Answer: There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel good enough”!

WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

Answer: Jesus was baptized by immersion.

Matthew 3:16 (NLT) After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water…

Answer: Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

Answer: The word “Baptize” means “To dip under water”.

Answer: The Greek word “Baptize” means “to immerse or dip under water”. It is best symbolized by a burial and resurrection!

Answer: The founders of denominations agree:

  • “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”…John Wesley
  • “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”…Martin Luther
  • “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”…John Calvin

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Answer: Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?

Answer: Please don’t wear anything white, tight, or short. Please wear a dark or baptism T-shirt that is provided by the church.
Men, wear swim shorts.
Women, wear a swimsuit under lightweight, shorts. Jeans are discouraged as they absorb a lot of water.
Please come dressed for being baptized, this way you are ready.
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

Answer:  If you are comfortable with it, you may be asked to share a short testimony, then you be baptized. However, it’s not required to have your testimony read. Then Pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and bring you back up out of the water! Then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch others being baptized. Later you will receive your baptism certificate and picture. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

Download our helpful pamphlet on Getting Baptised!

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?

Answer: At Oil City Church of The Nazarene we believe that when a person is old enough to understand what Jesus has done for them and when they are old enough to accept God’s gracious gift, they are old enough to be baptized. Our Pastor would love to sit down with you and your child and discuss what Baptism is and if your child is ready. If your child is interested in being baptized, contact the church office to set up an appointment with Pastor James (814) 676-9312.

WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM?

Answer: Infant Baptism is similar to dedication. While we do not believe that infant baptism saves a child or makes them a Christian, we do believe that it signifies God’s acceptance within the community of Christian faith on the basis of prevenient grace. In other words, we are anticipating your child’s personal confession of faith in Jesus when he/she is old enough to understand what that means and that you will model for them Godly principles with the desire that one day, your child will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Please also see our page on Child Dedication.