Water Baptism is a way for believers to outwardly express what God has done in their hearts and lives in the presence of others. When you are baptized in water, you are identifying yourself with Jesus. This is a time to celebrate and at Newport, we love to celebrate! We thank God for your commitment to follow Him.
Why should I get baptized?
… because Jesus was baptized and wants us to baptize others. In Matthew 3:16, we learn about the time when Jesus Himself was baptized before He started His ministry on earth. If the Son of God pursued baptism, so should we. Later, Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19-20 He wants us to spread His message of love. He told us to continue baptizing and being baptized!
… because you’ve decided to follow Jesus and you want people to know. Making the decision to become a follower of Christ is the best decision you’ll ever make. When you make a life-changing decision like this, you want to tell everyone about the new hope you’ve found in Jesus! You want to let people know you believe God is real. Our faith should be personal, but not private. Baptism is about going public with your faith.
… because baptism is a powerful symbol of what Jesus did for us. When we’re baptized, we’re reminded of what Jesus did for us. When we go down into the water, we’re reminded of Jesus’ death on the cross and His payment for our sins. But when we come out of the water, we’re reminded that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if we’re in Christ, we’re new creations. Baptism reminds us that the old is gone, and the new has come!
Getting baptized is important, but not because it saves you. The grace of God through faith in Jesus is what saves you. Getting baptized is all about telling the world about the change that’s already happened inside of you. If you’ve decided to get baptized, it’s time to celebrate! Make sure you invite your friends and family to celebrate with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We love to celebrate together so we incorporate water baptisms on our stage during our Sunday morning worship times. We baptize by water utilizing a tank with heated water.
The only requirement for water baptism is faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that His death, burial and resurrection allow us to receive eternal life can be baptized. It should be your desire to turn away from sin and live your life trusting Jesus and the new life He has given you.
Water baptism is an outward expression that shows what Jesus has done in us and for us. It signifies death to our old life and resurrection as a new creation.
Colossians 2:12 (NLT) – For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Water Baptism represents three things:
1. Death – Specifically Jesus’ death on the cross. We are freed from our sins by His blood (Revelation 1:5) and our old nature was crucified with Him and set free from sin (Romans 6). Our entrance into the water during baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death and washing away the old person.
2. Burial – Jesus was buried and in the tomb for three days. Our old nature and sin habits are buried with Him. Going under the water represents Jesus’ burial.
3. Resurrection – We are raised with Christ. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we can also live a new life. Your body is submerged and then lifted out of the water to symbolize the resurrection.
We go under the water because Jesus did. The word baptism is baptizo in Greek which means to immerse or submerge.
Matthew 3:16 – As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.
It is never too late to publicly profess your faith in Christ and to make this life-changing decision.
No, Jesus both modeled and commanded water baptism in the Bible
If you were already baptized as an infant or any time before you had a personal relationship with Jesus, we encourage you to be baptized again so that you can publicly express your faith and start fresh.
Infant baptism can be considered a gesture of dedication but faith and repentance are both necessary ingredients for a changed life.
Baptism is a public expression of faith and if your child understands the decision they have made to follow Christ and is ready to proclaim that publicly, we say yes.
Parents of young children must make the final decision as to whether they should be baptized. Children should show a clear evidence of receiving Christ as Savior and be able to understand the significance of baptism.
We advise parents to wait until their child is asking to be water baptized. This is usually a good indication that they are ready for this next step in their relationship with Jesus. While kids under the age of 5 can have a relationship with Jesus, they may not necessarily remember or understand the significance of this event. We encourage parents to wait until they are a little older to make this public declaration of faith.
Please see section below (Questions to Ask your Child) for more information or feel free to reach out to our pastors.
Questions to Ask Your Child
As you discern if your child is ready, here are some questions to ask them before you sign them up. After each question, you will see some sample answers that would indicate your child understands.
If your child confidently answers these questions, take a moment to pray a prayer of gratitude together for their decision to accept Christ and to be baptized. Then sign them up.
If you don't feel they are ready, it is acceptable to wait and to take time to observe water baptisms and talk more about it. Pray with your child and ask God to help you both see when the time is right.
Jesus is God’s one and only Son. Jesus lived his whole life on earth, just like us. He was fully God and fully man.
Jesus died on the cross for us. He also came back to life. Because He did this, we can have a relationship with God and spend forever in heaven.
Find out if your child has a memorable moment of when they understood what Jesus did for them and that they needed Jesus in their life. Ask them if they ever prayed a special prayer to start a relationship with God. It may have been at home, at church or even a time when they were alone.
When we follow Jesus’ example of being submerged in water in front of others. Baptism means showing others that I believe in Jesus and want to follow Him.
Examples:
I want to show everyone that I love Jesus and have decided to follow Him.
Jesus was baptized and He tells us to be baptized. It shows others what Jesus has done inside of me.
When I go into the water, it shows that my old life is gone and when I come up out of the water, it shows I am starting a new life with Jesus.
Yes. I know that when I get baptized that I am telling everyone I belong to Jesus now.