Baptism is union with Christ in his death, his burial, and his resurrection.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)

Baptism is a new birth.

Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:5)

Baptism is a washing away of sin.

And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16)

He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

Like circumcision in the Old Testament, baptism is a sign of our covenant with God.

In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:11-12)

Baptism makes us part of the body of Christ.

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

As in Noah’s flood, baptism is a rescue experience.
It is an appeal for a clear conscience.

And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)

Baptism is a request for the Holy Spirit.

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

Baptism is an act of adoption in which we become children of God.

For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)

Baptism is an act of consecration to God.

And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

Baptism is an act of renewal.

He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

Baptism is a time of change—as in changing clothes.

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

Why Should I be Baptized?

To follow the example of Jesus.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. (Mark 1:9)

Because Jesus commanded it.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

Many of the Corinthians who heard Paul became believers and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)

Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. (1 John 2:3)

Because I want to be forgiven of my sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

When we are baptized, we accept God’s free gift of salvation, made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

We cannot save ourselves from sin, but God can!

Who Should be Baptized?

Every person who has faith in Jesus.

But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)

When Should I be Baptized?

As soon as you believe in the saving work of Jesus.

So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. (Acts 2:41)

If you believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, if you are ready to commit your life to following Him, and if you are mature enough to make such a commitment, you can and should be baptized. In many ways, baptism is the beginning of the journey, not a sign that you have arrived. You don’t have to be mature or “perfect” in your faith. Rather, by committing to follow Jesus, you pledge to continue to grow in your faith.

Believer’s Baptism

At Belton Church of Christ, we practice believer’s baptism. To be baptized, we ask that a person be of age to believe, to understand the meaning of baptism, and to make their own confession of faith. We believe this is consistent with the examples of baptism we read in the New Testament.

Infant baptism was not practiced widely in the early church until almost 300 years following the completion of the New Testament. We believe that a small child is already under the care and protection of God and His Kingdom until the time the child is old enough to declare their personal faith.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for very young children. This rite is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child, to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. While we recognize the good intent of this rite, Churches of Christ are committed to following the examples of baptism in the New Testament. However, we do celebrate our new births with a “baby blessing” where the parents make a commitment to raise their child in faith, along with the support of the church.

Baptism at Belton Church of Christ

Do I have to be baptized during a public assembly?

Baptism is a public confession of faith and a celebration of God’s saving power. We celebrate when a person shares this experience with the whole church family. If a person feels uncomfortable being baptized in front of a large crowd, however, they can contact the church office or ministry staff to arrange a more private setting.

Will I have to say anything before I am baptized?

You will be asked, “do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that he rose again?” This confession is your commitment to following Jesus as the Lord of your life. If you want to make an additional statement of faith, you may discuss this with the one baptizing you.

What should I wear when I am baptized?

The church will provide you with a baptismal garment. You might prefer to bring a swimsuit to wear under the garment.

Why be Baptized by Immersion?

We practice baptism by fully immersing the body under water. The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo (βαπτίζω), which means “to immerse or dip under water.” Jesus was baptized this way, and as far as we can determine, every recorded baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. (Matthew 3:16)

…then both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (Acts 8.38)

Immersion also symbolizes our burial and resurrection with Christ:

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4)