Baptism Sign Ups

1. Baptism is a covenant act. In fact, Col 2:11 teaches that baptism is equivalent to the New Testament as circumcision was to Abraham in the Old Testament. Circumcision did not take the place of faith in Abraham's life: it confirmed his faith. Likewise, baptism does not take the place of faith: it confirms our faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a covenant commitment we make with God where we put away sin to become followers of Christ; therefore, Baptism is to be entered into with great reverence, commitment and faith.
2. Baptism means that we are identifying with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection. We are dying to the sins that He died for. We are burying our old life just as Christ was buried in a tomb. We come out of the water to live for God and eternity as He came out of the grave to ascend and be with the Father (Rom 6:1-6). You should have an appreciation for what Christ has done for you on the cross. You should be aware that you need to be saved, that Christ must come into your heart making Jesus the leader of your life, that you are leaving your old ways and that now you are going to live a new life.
3. Baptism is a commandment. We are going to submit our lives to Jesus in this act of commitment (Mt 28:18-20). We come out of the water to be a disciple of Jesus. By being baptized, you are making a conscious commitment to follow Jesus as Lord each day.
4. Baptism doesn't save someone: our faith saves us (Eph 2:8-9). If not, the thief on the cross would have never entered paradise because he could not have been baptized. Neither should you look at baptism as saving you. You’re saved by faith.
5. Baptism is an answer of a clear conscience toward God (I Pe 3:21). That means that you should not be coerced, pushed or pressured into doing this, but that you have made a serious wholehearted effort in being baptized.