Baptism F.A.Q.
Does baptism save you?
Baptism does not save you. It’s clearly established in the Bible that you are saved only by accepting God’s free gift of grace.
While baptism is not what saves us, baptism is necessary in that Christ commands it. To understand the reason for being baptized, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
While baptism is not what saves us, baptism is necessary in that Christ commands it. To understand the reason for being baptized, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Why should I consider getting baptized?
It’s an opportunity to follow Jesus’ 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. All genuine Christ-followers should want to obey Jesus by doing what He said.
Mark 1:9-11
It’s an act of obedience.
Throughout Scripture, we are taught to live a life of obedience—to back up our faith with actions—so that we grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others to Him. Baptism is the first step for those who choose to follow Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
It allows you to go public with your faith.
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus. It is a public profession of your faith in Jesus and your commitment to Him. It is the next step after salvation and is an important foundation for the Christian life.
Mark 16:15-16
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. All genuine Christ-followers should want to obey Jesus by doing what He said.
Mark 1:9-11
It’s an act of obedience.
Throughout Scripture, we are taught to live a life of obedience—to back up our faith with actions—so that we grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others to Him. Baptism is the first step for those who choose to follow Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20
It allows you to go public with your faith.
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus. It is a public profession of your faith in Jesus and your commitment to Him. It is the next step after salvation and is an important foundation for the Christian life.
Mark 16:15-16
What is the meaning and significance of baptism?
It allows you to identify with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead.
Colossians 2:12-14
It’s a celebration of your new life.
Baptism is also a symbol of your new life in Christ. When we come out of the water during baptism, it symbolizes that we have buried the old life of sin and have been raised to a new life in Christ. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 6:4
It opens a door to a blessed life.
God honors obedience. Baptism confirms our identity in Christ and invites God’s blessings on us, as His children.
Luke 11:28, John 14:21, Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead.
Colossians 2:12-14
It’s a celebration of your new life.
Baptism is also a symbol of your new life in Christ. When we come out of the water during baptism, it symbolizes that we have buried the old life of sin and have been raised to a new life in Christ. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 6:4
It opens a door to a blessed life.
God honors obedience. Baptism confirms our identity in Christ and invites God’s blessings on us, as His children.
Luke 11:28, John 14:21, Deuteronomy 28:1-2
How does Bay Hills baptize people?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse or submerge.”
Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersion. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer. At Bay Hills, we believe that if you’re physically able, you should get completely submerged.
Acts 8:38-39
Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersion. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer. At Bay Hills, we believe that if you’re physically able, you should get completely submerged.
Acts 8:38-39
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to follow Jesus should get baptized. The only requirement is that they’ve chosen to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12
Some churches baptize infants and others don’t. While Christians can debate this, we should never divide over it. At Bay Hills, we don’t baptize infants because every baptism recorded in the Bible occurred when someone was old enough to make a faith decision. Instead of baptizing infants, we encourage Christian parents to participate in family dedication. This is a ceremony in which parents formally call upon God’s blessing on their child and publicly commit to raise their child in accordance with Scripture.
We believe in baptizing kids when they are old enough to understand what it means and have made a personal decision to make Jesus the leader of their life. If your son or daughter has decided to follow Jesus and you feel they understand what baptism is (and isn’t) and why it’s important, use the button below to let us know your child is ready to be baptized.
Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12
Some churches baptize infants and others don’t. While Christians can debate this, we should never divide over it. At Bay Hills, we don’t baptize infants because every baptism recorded in the Bible occurred when someone was old enough to make a faith decision. Instead of baptizing infants, we encourage Christian parents to participate in family dedication. This is a ceremony in which parents formally call upon God’s blessing on their child and publicly commit to raise their child in accordance with Scripture.
We believe in baptizing kids when they are old enough to understand what it means and have made a personal decision to make Jesus the leader of their life. If your son or daughter has decided to follow Jesus and you feel they understand what baptism is (and isn’t) and why it’s important, use the button below to let us know your child is ready to be baptized.
When should I get baptized?
Believers in the New Testament were baptized the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can and are encouraged to be baptized. While getting baptized the same day was the practice in the New Testament, it’s often not possible today, but that’s okay!
Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-39
Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-39
If I was baptized as an infant, should I get baptized again?
Your infant baptism was certainly a very special moment for your family. Once you personally come to an age where you can decide for yourself to follow Christ, believer's baptism is the next step. Don't be afraid to get re-baptized as an act of worship and obedience to Christ.
What if I believe baptism isn't necessary?
If you're holding off on being baptized because you feel it is unnecessary, take some time to examine your motives and pray for God to help you grasp His heart on baptism. Ask yourself, "Why is it that I don't want to be baptized?" "Am I willfully disobeying?" If you're waiting for God to directly prompt you to be baptized, you need not wait any longer. He already makes that challenge to each Christ-follower by His Word.