Baptism
Pastoral Care at North Ridge Community Church
Jesus instructs his followers to make a public declaration of their personal faith in Him by being baptized. Baptism has nothing to do with one's eternal destination (Eph. 2:8,9), it's simply the biblical way to announce to the world that you're a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and because of that we can do nothing to earn a place in heaven. Baptism is an outward expression of one's inner faith.
When a follower of Jesus Christ decides to be baptized, he or she is actually deciding to be obedient to Christ's command. In the Bible we read of people who meet Jesus, repent of their sins, and then get baptized (Acts 8).
North Ridge believes that baptism is reserved for those who are old enough to recognize their sinfulness and their need for Jesus' forgiveness.
North Ridge Community Church Baptism Instructions
How about babies being baptized? more
Some denominations baptize babies, but other groups teach that baptism is only for those who are old enough to make a personal choice based on their own faith and repentance. Does the Bible authorize infant baptism or does it teach personal responsibility and individual accountability? Are infants born guilty of original sin and inherited depravity? What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach?
. None of " says there were babies in this household? Note that Stephanas' house ministered to the saints. Again, people who are baptized must be old enough to be active in God's work as members of the church. This does not include babies.
BAPTISM FAQs
Why should I be baptized?
Follow the example of Jesus
Mk. 1:9 – 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Jesus commanded it
Matt. 28:19-20 – 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It gives the believer an opportunity to declare his/her faith in Christ
Acts 18:8 - 18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection
Col. 2:12 – 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
It illustrates his/her new life in Christ
2 Cor. 5:17 – 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Why be baptized by immersion?
Jesus was immersed in the Jordon River
Matt. 3:16 – 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
Every recorded baptism in the Bible was by immersion
The English word “baptism” is derived from the Greek work “baptize” which means “to dip, immerse”.
Is baptism necessary for eternal life (salvation)?
No. Baptism is an outward decoration of one’s inner faith in Christ.
Eph. 2:8-9 – 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Rom. 10:9-10 – 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
1 Pet. 1:18-19 – 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Who should be baptized?
Every person who personally has received the free gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
Acts 2:41 – 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
When should a believer in Christ be baptized?
Sometimes People delay being baptized because they think they must first become perfect (or at least better). There are many examples in the Bible of people who were baptized immediately after responding to the Gospel and receiving Christ as their Savior.
Acts 2:41 – 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 8:12 – 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.
Acts 16: 30-33 – 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
Acts 18:18 – 18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.
