No one can see through your chest to all that Jesus is doing in your heart. Baptism is a way to shout to the world the inner work that Jesus Christ has done in our lives through our faith in Him for salvation. We believe water baptism by immersion (dunking) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an outward sign of an inward work and is commanded by God following giving your life over to Him.
The following are some frequently asked questions concerning baptism:
What Is Water Baptism?
- ‘Baptize’ is a weird word that you usually don’t hear in too many places, other than church. It comes from the Greek word, ‘bapto’, which means ‘to dip in‘ or ‘to dip under‘. It was often used for dipping fabric into dye. Another Greek word, ‘baptizo‘, means ‘to wash‘. From the earliest of times, these words were used in the sense of immersing something completely. From these Greek words the English word, ‘baptize‘ was made, and for this reason, we believe that when a person is baptized they should be completely dunked under the water, not simply sprinkled.
- Water baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers. Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19 | Mark 16:16
- Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the Gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ, and every other believer – both living and those who’ve passed on before us. But most importantly, 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/her resurrection as a new creation in Christ. Romans 6:1–8 | Colossians 2:12
Why We Should Be Baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism. Acts 2:41; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 19:3–5
Who Should Be Baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ—and only believers—should be baptized. If you are seeking to be baptized by The Alpine Chapel’s pastor, you’ll need to be someone that attends The Alpine Chapel and considers this your church home. Mark 16:15–16 | Acts 8:12, 36–38; 16:31–33; 18:8
Should Infants and Children Be Baptized?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word [in its entirety] were baptized” (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26–28). Children may be baptized if they receive and understand God’s Word. (see “Kids Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism” below for more details.)
In Whose Name Should We Be Baptized?
As part of the Great Commission, Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone—a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel . . . ” (1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the Gospel—not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Stuff you’ll NEED to do before you can be baptized at The Alpine Chapel:
Let us know…
Please call our church office and ‘sign up’ to be baptized. The number is 970-728-3504. If you call during hours that are not normal business hours, please leave a message and someone will respond. Thank you.
What to bring the day of…
Please bring a towel and some type of appropriate swim attire (nothing ‘see-through’ please). You will be getting completely wet, hair included. If you’ll need a hat or something to cover your head, afterwards, that’s up to you. Obviously, you’ll want a dry change of clothes.
*Kids Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism:
Who gets baptized?
Kids and grown ups who have asked Jesus to be in charge of their lives. We should get baptized soon after we have made that decision and we understand exactly what it is that we’re doing.
Why should I get baptized?
- To show other people that you have trusted in Jesus and you’re living a new life.
- Because God tells us to. (Acts 2:38)
- It is a symbol of how Jesus died and was buried and rose again. (Romans 6:4)
Does baptism get me into heaven?
No! Only trusting in Jesus allows us to go to Heaven. (Eph. 2:8)
What happens when I get baptized?
You will walk into the water. The pastor will lower you under the water, helping you hold your nose, and then raise you quickly back up. We’re baptized all the way under the water just like Jesus was. (Matthew 3:16)
Is the water cold?
Sometimes. Because we don’t currently have a baptismal tank at The Alpine Chapel, we will baptize people in any place that is available; a lake, a river, or even a swimming pool or hot tub. We don’t feel the location is what matters, as long as a person can be dunked all the way under. The temperature of the water varies when this is done.
Isn’t it scary with all of those people watching?
It is normal to be a little nervous. But all of those people watching are very excited for you. They know that you have trusted in Jesus and that is awesome! Plus, Jesus is now your very best Friend and He’ll give you the strength you need!
