Baptism Booklet

The Bible makes it clear that baptism is a very important step in the life of a believer. Over the course of history there has been a variety of opinions as it relates to baptism. In light of this, we have answered a number of questions in order to help you have a biblical understanding of baptism.

What Is the Gospel?

At its heart, Christian baptism is a picture of the gospel. In order to understand the significance of baptism, we must first understand the truth of the gospel. In its simplest form, there are four keys to the gospel:

Key # 1 – God

The first step in understanding the gospel is to understand a few important truths about God. Namely, that He is both the sovereign creator of all things, and that He is perfectly holy in His character.

From the very first verse of the Bible, we are told that God is the creator of all things.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Colossians 1:15–17 explains that He sustains His creation at all times. And because He is the creator, He is therefore the rightful owner of all things.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.

Psalm 24:1

God is also holy. This means that He is perfectly sinless and morally pure and is the standard of righteousness by which all other things are measured. Because God is this way, He demands this same level of moral perfection from mankind.

You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.

Leviticus 19:2

The problem is that none of us meets this standard of sinless perfection, which leads to the second key to understanding the gospel.

Key # 2 – Man

The Scripture is clear that humans are not morally perfect at all but are utterly sinful!

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23

In fact, Psalm 51:5 tells us that we are not only sinful because of our choices, but we are sinful in our very nature, since the moment our lives began. Because of our sin, we all incur the consequences of sin—eternal punishment—unless someone intervenes on our behalf.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Key # 3 – Christ

The only hope for sinners to be reconciled to a holy God is for God Himself to provide a Savior for them. Only Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, could be a sufficient sacrifice for the sins of His people.

Jesus lived a sinless life and perfectly obeyed God the Father in everything He did. Then, He willingly died on the cross in the place of His people, taking their just punishment on Himself, and substituting His perfect righteousness for their sinfulness. Through His sacrifice, our sins can be forgiven!

For [God] rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:13–14

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Key # 4 – Response

If a sinful human is to be made right with a holy God through the saving work of Jesus Christ, there is a clear response that must take place: Repentance and Faith.

Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:14–15

To repent is to turn away from our sin, and to learn to hate sin as God does. To have faith, to believe, is to understand our own sinfulness, and to trust solely in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.

Christians have a savior in Jesus Christ because of His redeeming sacrifice on the cross. Christians also have a Lord and Master in Jesus Christ, as the one who calls them to obedience and holiness.

This is the gospel message. A holy GOD rescuing sinful MAN through the perfect sacrifice of CHRIST with the clear evidence of a RESPONSE of repentance and faith. Is this the testimony of our life?

What is Baptism?

Baptism is one of two ordinances that are commanded in the Scriptures. One is the Lord’s Supper and the other is the ordinance of baptism. Because it has been ordained by our Lord, baptism is not a choice to be considered, but a command to be obeyed.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18–20

Baptism is a visual picture of our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ. It pictures that the believer, once dead in their sins, is now alive in Christ Jesus.

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins… But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).

Ephesians 2:1, 4–5

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

Romans 6:3–6

Because baptism is a picture of the gospel, then baptism by immersion is the best practice.

Wayne Grudem states:

“The practice of baptism in the New Testament was carried out in one way: the person being baptized was immersed or put completely under the water and then brought back up again. Baptism by immersion is therefore the ‘mode’ of baptism or the way in which baptism was carried out in the New Testament.”

Wayne Grudem

This reality is seen in the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16) and in the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38–39).

Certainly Romans 6:3–6 and Colossians 2:9–14 would picture a baptism by immersion. Being submersed in water reflects Christ’s death and coming up out of the water is a picture of being raised up with Christ.

Baptism is both a command to be obeyed and a picture of the gospel, but baptism is also a proclamation of allegiance to Christ. It is a public testimony of the miraculous work of God that has already been accomplished in the life of the one who has come to faith in the person of Jesus Christ. By being baptized, the believer formally aligns themselves with Jesus Christ and with His church.

Baptism is commanded in the Scriptures. When we are baptized, we are identifying with both the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that we are no longer slaves to sin, therefore we are to walk in newness of life.

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

There are some who have taught that baptism is required in order to be saved. They have often referred to a verse in Acts to establish this doctrine:

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38

At first glance one might conclude that baptism and repentance are both necessary for salvation. However, there are several reasons why we know this is an erroneous belief.

While baptism is a very important step of obedience for the believer, to conclude that it is necessary for salvation would be to contradict other clear passages of Scripture.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

John 1:12

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

Romans 4:5

In fact, the Bible declares over 200 times that salvation is based on personal faith in Jesus Christ alone.

In his commentary on the book of Acts, John MacArthur reminds us that:

“Throughout the book of Acts, forgiveness is linked to repentance, not baptism (cf. 3:19; 5:31; 26:20). In addition, the Bible records that some who were baptized were not saved (Acts 8:13, 21-23), while some were saved with no mention of their being baptized (Luke 7:37-50; Matt. 9:2; Luke 18:13-14).”

John MacArthur

The Bible emphasizes that salvation cannot be merited by any works that we do.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8–9

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:5

Baptism is not a necessary component for salvation. It is an act of obedience for those who have already placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, for salvation.

Who should be baptized?

At Countryside Bible Church we practice what is called Believer’s Baptism. This is because the Bible teaches that baptism is an ordinance for those who have come to personal faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience that does not confer any special grace, but rather is a testimony of the redeeming work that God has already accomplished in the life of the believer. The Scripture is clear that those who were baptized were those who had heard the gospel and responded appropriately.

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:41

As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:36–38

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

Acts 16:31–34

Once a person “believes in the Lord Jesus” they should be obedient to the Lord by being baptized. As we have seen, baptism is a picture of what has already taken place in the life of the one who has come to faith. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for someone to pursue Christian baptism who is not a Christian themselves! A person must first repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Only then is believer’s baptism the right and logical step of obedience for them.

When should children be baptized?

Children’s pastor Art Murphy says,

“The Bible never specifically mentions children being baptized. It only mentions the baptism of men and women and households, which may or may not have included children. We know that children attended sermons. But we do not know whether they were baptized.”

Art Murphy

Children are saved in the same way that adults are saved. Both must come to God in faith. Salvation is a result of the grace of God extended to the sinner.

It is imperative that children have an understanding of salvation prior to coming to the waters of baptism. Too often our children desire to go to heaven yet do not understand the reality of sin or the meaning of faith.

Children are easily influenced. They may see a baptism service and quickly want to participate themselves. A child’s friend may be baptized which then causes them to want to do the same; or often friends will want to be baptized together. This may have more to do with the peer influence rather then a desire to be obedient to the Lord.

For this reason, only when a child’s stated convictions and beliefs are tested by circumstances in life as he matures do parents begin to learn more conclusively his spiritual direction. While many people do make a genuine commitment to Christ when young, a good many others don’t come to an adequate understanding of the gospel until their teenage years. Others who profess Christ in childhood turn away. It is only appropriate, then, that parents move cautiously in affirming a child’s profession of faith and not be quick to take any initial show of commitment as decisive proof of conversion.

Although Scripture commands that believers be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38), it is best not to rush into the ordinance in the case of a child. Rather than rushing them into baptism after an initial profession, then, it is wiser to take the ongoing opportunity to interact with them and wait for more significant evidence of conversion. Even if a child can say enough in a testimony to make it reasonably clear that he understands and embraces the gospel, baptism should wait until he manifests evidence of regeneration.

Here at Countryside Bible Church, our general practice is to wait until a professing child has reached the age of twelve. Because baptism is seen as something clear and final, our primary concern is that when a younger child is baptized he tends to look to that experience as proof that he was saved. Therefore, in the case of an unregenerate child who is baptized—which is not uncommon in the church at large—baptism actually does him a disservice. It is better to wait until the reality to which baptism testifies can be more easily discerned.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:1–2

If a child expresses an interest in baptism and yet does not reflect the character of a person who has been saved in the other areas of life, they should probably wait. It is vitally important that we help our children understand that baptism is stating publicly what God has accomplished internally. When God accomplishes this work of regeneration in our lives, He continues to work in us to accomplish His work of sanctification.

Even if parents conclude it’s too early to regard their child’s interest in Christ as mature faith, they must not deride a profession of faith as false, for it may be the seed from which mature faith will later emerge. Instead, the parent should continue to point that child toward Christ, teaching the truth of God’s Word with patience and diligence, and always looking to the One who is able to open hearts to respond to the gospel.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

What if I was baptized before becoming a Christian?

Baptism prior to conversion does not accomplish the biblical purpose of baptism. Keep in mind that the purpose of baptism is to demonstrate what the Lord has already accomplished in your life through salvation.

If you have not been baptized as a believer then this would be an important step of obedience for you.

How do I prepare my testimony?

Your testimony should include the following:

Your condition before salvation. This section does not simply describe your life circumstances, but your spiritual condition, and how that was manifested in your life. Please be discreet when speaking of past sins. We never want to glorify sin or cause others to think sinfully.

Your conversion. How you came to understand your need of salvation and how you became saved. It would be appropriate to use Scripture. Keep in mind that others in the congregation may not yet have come to faith in the Lord.

What your life has been like since salvation. What evidence in your life suggests that your desires are now aligned with Christ and not with the world? In what ways have your habits and attitudes changed? How is the Lord continuing to make a difference in your life?

Please keep your testimony 3–5 minutes or less.

Practice your testimony:

• State your name first
• Share your testimony (using the three sections above)
• Close with some iteration of “so I’m here tonight to be baptized.”

In the baptism class before the baptismal service, you will share your testimony.

After the class, please email a copy of your testimony to the Associate Pastor for feedback. The church staff will print and laminate your final draft for use on the day of baptism.

How do I prepare for the day of my Baptism?

Prior to the day of baptism:

• Email final copy of testimony to the Associate Pastor

• Arrive at the church at least 40 minutes before the service begins (5:20 pm)
• Meet in the Choir Room (back stage of the Worship Center)
• We will have a laminated copy of your testimony for you to read
• Bring a change of clothes for after your baptism
• Bring a towel
• A robe will be provided to wear over your clothes in the baptismal
• You can change clothes in the bathrooms backstage

In the baptismal:

• Please hold the hand rails going in and out of the baptismal
• Stand 6 to 8 inches from the microphone
• Don’t touch the microphone!
• Read your testimony as written in your final draft
• Remove glasses
• Face to the left
• Grab one wrist and hold your nose if you want
• After the pastor says, “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” he will baptize you
• Take notes and glasses with you
• Leave the same way you entered

You will receive a Baptismal Certificate commemorating this special event in your life. A link to the baptism video recording will be provided after the service.