Baptism

Autumn Ridge Church encourages everyone who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ to be baptized. We do this to follow the example set by Jesus and because he commands it. Baptism does not save us but it does testify to the union we have with Christ in his burial and resurrection. Baptism also illustrates the new life we enjoy as Christians. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it is the outward symbol of the commitment that we made in our heart.

Who Should be baptized?

Every person who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior should be baptized.

Those who accepted his message were baptized...
Acts 2:41

Simon himself believed and was baptized.
Acts 8:13

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:12

The one requirement that the Bible sets forth for baptism is belief in Jesus Christ. For this reason we wait until out children are old enough to believe and understand the meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
 

Why be baptized?

To follow the example set by Jesus

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth... and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Mark 1:9

Because Christ commands it.

Jesus said, 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'
Matthew 28:19-20

It demonstrates that you really are a believer.

 

Many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:8

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commandments.
1 John 2:3

What is the meaning of baptism?

Baptism does not save us.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
Titus 3:5

Baptism testifies to my union with Christ in his burial and resurrection.

Christ dies for our sins... he was buried, he was raised... according to the scriptures
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:12

Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian.

 

Therefore is anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn't make you are believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not save you - only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
 

Why be baptized by immersion?

Because baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.

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

The eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Acts 8:37-38

 

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

Those who accepted his message were baptized... that day!
Acts 2:41

They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house... then immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Acts 16:32-33

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have received Christ into you life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect," you'll never fell "good enough!"

At Autumn Ridge Church we hold baptismal services several times each year. To find out when the next baptism service is, please call the church at 507-288-8880.