Baptism A pledge of allegiance

What is Baptism?

• A Promise to God - 1 Peter 3:21: And that water is like the baptism which now saves you—not the washing of dirt from the body, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. And this is because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.
• A New Life in Christ - Rom 6:4: We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christwas raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life

Significance of Water Baptism

• Obedience to Jesus's command - Matt 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
• Evidence of Saving Faith - strong conviction in the truth of the Gospel that causes to surrender to Jesus in repentance

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation

• Holy Spirit baptism is necessary for salvation, because it doesn't happen without accepting Jesus (John 1:33)
• Water baptism is not essential for salvation. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:8). Water baptism is purely an outward sign of God's cleansing work in a person's heart, and with out the Holy Spirit baptism, it's meaningless

Why Should I be Baptized

• To proclaim to heaven and earth that one is a follower of Christ (Matt 3:17)
• To show God your initial step of obedience

Who can be Baptized

• Anyone who understands what Jesus did for them and chooses to believe and place their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.
• Anyone who has the Holy Spirit in them
• Some biblical examples of water baptism are: Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus baptized by John the Baptist; Mark 1:4-5 - John the Baptist baptized those who repented; Acts 8:36-38 - Philip baptized the Eunuch;

How do I Prepare for Water Baptism

• Spiritually prepared through prayer, meditating on baptism scriptures, and confessing all sins to God.
• Invite family and friends to witness
• Testimony about how you got saved and or your reason to live for Christ
• Modest bathing suit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet in
• Bring a towel
• Extra clothes to change into