What’s with baptism ?

Looking at Scripture

Why be baptised?

1. Because Jesus was

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13–17 (NIV)

Jesus was baptised as a sign of commitment to be obedient to his father. He didn’t have to be—it was a choice he made.

2. Jesus said that we are to be baptised

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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 28:18–19 (NIV)

Baptism doesn’t mean you’ve made it, it’s a public declaration that you want to journey with God.

3. Baptism is a sign of new beginnings

Baptism is a sign of our union with Christ in his death and resurrection.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?  Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  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.  Romans 6:1–4 (NIV)

The New Testament uses some vivid pictures about baptism which talk

about leaving our old life behind and beginning a new life with Jesus.

Some symbols of Baptism that the New Testament uses

Acts 22:16 “washed clean”

Gal 3:27 “putting off the old life and putting on Christ”

Col 2:12 “being buried and raised with Christ”

4.  Baptism is a sign of our place of belonging) in the body of Christ. It means we are his church and his people

 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  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.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14 (NIV)

Frequently asked questions

How do I know I’m ready to be baptised?

People get baptised for a variety of reasons. We encourage you to meet with a pastor, Youth Pastors, Life group leader and talk it through to see if it’s a good time for you to take this next step.

Who can baptise someone?

In the symbolism of Baptism you are being baptised into the universal church. So we expect that the peo[ple baptising you will have a strong christian faith.  Aside from that it can be family members, significant Christians in your life.  We encourage people to have two people (one on either side) in a baptism. It’s good to have one that is representative of your connection with this church.

Where can I get baptised ?

Baptism is a public celebration. We have a baptismal pool embedded in our stage at Parklands Baptist.  You can choose to be baptised at another place, a pool, the sea, a river…. but we would encourage you to think it through carefully with others with a mind as to how people will be able to see and hear what it happening, and who will be able to be present.

Who should I invite ?

I’m glad you asked.  Almost anyone will come if invited to a baptism, a wedding or a  funeral. Baptism is closely tied with a public declaration of faith. Do think of how you can invite  your family, friends and others. It is a unique opportunity.