Interested in Baptism?
Overview
Because people come to Harvest from a variety of backgrounds, we want to acquaint you with our biblical understanding of believer's baptism. A pastoral staff member will be glad to talk further with you about this "step of obedience" in the Christian life.
Why Should You Be Baptized?
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
Why be Baptized by Immersion?
Who should be baptized?
A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from a Holy God. They have given up all of their efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for their sins is the "only way" to bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to place their faith in Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
"But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
What about Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when a candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual's decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation. At Harvest, we want to ensure that a child has a full understanding of the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a profession of faith, we will gladly baptize them as a step of obedience.
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is a time when the parent pledges their commitment to raise their children according to Christian values and beliefs. While this is considered to be a meaningful event, this is not believer's baptism according to the Scriptures.
At Harvest, we will have dedication ceremonies for children that allow the parents to publicly declare the commitment to God's Word in child-rearing principles. At these ceremonies, we have parents share their personal desires for the children they are dedicating to the Lord. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend.
What About Infant Baptism?
In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ has been made by the child, for if baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly recommend you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ, and will require it for membership at Harvest.
When Should You Be Baptized?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. Since baptism is the public profession of your faith in Christ, each participant is asked to either share their personal testimony (verbal or written) at the baptismal service. These testimonies play a significant and meaningful role. Believers are encouraged and given cause for celebration, and any unbelievers who attend are challenged by the spiritual journey of others.
If you are interested in being baptized, please fill out and submit the form below:
Because people come to Harvest from a variety of backgrounds, we want to acquaint you with our biblical understanding of believer's baptism. A pastoral staff member will be glad to talk further with you about this "step of obedience" in the Christian life.
Why Should You Be Baptized?
- To follow the example set by Jesus Himself - Mark 1:9
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river." - To follow the command of Christ - Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - To demonstrate obedience as a believer - 1 John 2:3
We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands."
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
- It illustrates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ -- Colossians - 2:12
"Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the death." - It illustrates the new life of a Christian - Romans 6:4
"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." - It is an outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart - Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
Why be Baptized by Immersion?
- Jesus was baptized by immersion - Matthew 3:16
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water." - Others in the Bible were baptized by immersion - Acts 8:36-39a
"As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized.' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." - The word "baptize" means "to place under the water"
- This method best symbolized a burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11)
- Quotes from Church History:
Martin Luther - "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the Word imports."
John Calvin - "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the early church."
John Wesley - "Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
Who should be baptized?
A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from a Holy God. They have given up all of their efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for their sins is the "only way" to bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to place their faith in Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
"But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
What about Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when a candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual's decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation. At Harvest, we want to ensure that a child has a full understanding of the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a profession of faith, we will gladly baptize them as a step of obedience.
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is a time when the parent pledges their commitment to raise their children according to Christian values and beliefs. While this is considered to be a meaningful event, this is not believer's baptism according to the Scriptures.
At Harvest, we will have dedication ceremonies for children that allow the parents to publicly declare the commitment to God's Word in child-rearing principles. At these ceremonies, we have parents share their personal desires for the children they are dedicating to the Lord. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend.
What About Infant Baptism?
In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ has been made by the child, for if baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly recommend you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ, and will require it for membership at Harvest.
When Should You Be Baptized?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. Since baptism is the public profession of your faith in Christ, each participant is asked to either share their personal testimony (verbal or written) at the baptismal service. These testimonies play a significant and meaningful role. Believers are encouraged and given cause for celebration, and any unbelievers who attend are challenged by the spiritual journey of others.
If you are interested in being baptized, please fill out and submit the form below: