Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
9:00am & 10:45am,
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

What Does the Bible Say About
Baptism

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WHY BE BAPTIZED?

Because we want to follow Christ’s example.
At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. Mark 1:9

Because Christ commanded it.
Jesus said, “Go then, to all the people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

Because it shows that you are a believer in Christ,
…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8

Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know him.
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. Acts 18:8

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ. Colossians 2:12

It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.

When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! 1 Corinthians 5:17

By your baptism then we are baptized with him and share his death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life! Romans 6:4

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Baptism does not make you a believer. It shows that you already are one. Baptism does not save you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it is an outward symbol of the commitment that you made in your heart.

For it is by grace you ave been saved through faith...it is the gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast.
Ephsians 2:8-9
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HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

Like Jesus was baptized, by being immersed in water.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under the water.

Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water… Acts 8:38-39

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under the water.”

It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the world 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

Buried with him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to custom of the first church. John Wesley

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

Those who believed and accepted his message were baptized. Acts 2:41

But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12

Simon himself believed and was baptized. Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

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WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you believe.

Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, here is some water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The Official answered, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” Then Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:36-39 [paraphrase]

There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized.

WHAT ABOUT BEING BAPTIZED TWICE?

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized since you became a believer in Christ. It does not devalue a prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every Northstar member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to be.

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CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

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