Common Questions about Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It is a public declaration of how Jesus has changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you have decided to follow Jesus, and allows others to celebrate this decision with you. (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism does not save a person; It is a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brough Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives - and that is worth getting excited about!

Why Should I be baptized?

Why does baptism matter? Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being Baptized shows that we have made a conscientious decision to turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41)

When is the best time to be baptized?

For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized. (Acts 8:12).

Do you baptize children?

As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9).

Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Henderson, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. However, it is not as easy as simply picking an age limit for baptism.

Simply put, if your child has already asked Jesus into his or her life, your child is already on their way to baptism. Once you have explained baptism to then, and they are able to explain baptism to a Church leader, they may indeed be ready for baptism. The actual decision to baptize is made at Henderson by the Pastor and representatives from the Deacons.

If your child is not there yet, be patient and explain what baptism is and what it means. One effective method this can be done is often seen through an easter egg hunt, where the child cashes in the egg to get their suprise- but only after they are able to cite the elements of understanding the commitment they are making in Jesus.

What if my child is not ready for baptism, how can I get them into God’s holiness?

If your child is not there yet and ready for baptism, you are welcome to request a Child Dedication by clicking on the button called, “Request Baptism.’ Someone from the church will reach out to you within a reasonable time period.

What is the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways to baptizing.?

Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) . Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5)

Do I need to be baptized again?

If you have not been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you have taken that step, there is no need to be baptized again.

God never asks us to take a next step that is not good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the job we receive from listening to Him and doing what he says.

What is my next step then if I want Baptism?

If you fully understand the commitment you are making to live a Christian life, abiding in Jesus- accepting his free gift of salvation for his atoning death on the cross, and discipling others, then you may be ready.