What is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is the first step of obedience for the new believer. It symbolizes a washing away of former sins and an identification with Jesus' death, burial & resurrection. It is an outward expression of an inward decision declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism doesn't make you a believer, but rather shows you already believe. Baptism is an act of obedience because Jesus instructed us to be baptized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about baptism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I be baptized?
The simple answer: Because Jesus commanded it! He said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit …” Matthew 28:19 (NASB).
Water baptism is an essential part of obedience; it is not optional. Baptism is an acknowledgement of your faith in Christ before family and friends. If you’ve given your life to Jesus and have never been baptized, baptism is your next step.
Water baptism is an essential part of obedience; it is not optional. Baptism is an acknowledgement of your faith in Christ before family and friends. If you’ve given your life to Jesus and have never been baptized, baptism is your next step.
What does baptism mean?
Baptism follows salvation and is a public profession of your faith in Christ. It is your next step after surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.
Full immersion in water during Baptism symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. “...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised…” I Corinthians 15: 3-4 (NIV)
Baptism illustrates a believer’s new life as a Christian: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB). Baptism does not save you, but rather is an outward expression of the inward decision you have already made accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior.
Full immersion in water during Baptism symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. “...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised…” I Corinthians 15: 3-4 (NIV)
Baptism illustrates a believer’s new life as a Christian: “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (NASB). Baptism does not save you, but rather is an outward expression of the inward decision you have already made accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior.
What are the prerequisites for water baptism?
Baptism, in and of itself, cannot save anyone. It is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as one's Savior that brings an individual to salvation.
Those receiving baptism must have already experienced these foundational steps:
Those receiving baptism must have already experienced these foundational steps:
- Repentance for sins - This means one is not baptized merely because he wants to become part of a church group.
- Faith toward God - This means that one must be old enough to know what they are doing.
How should I be baptized?
By being fully immersed in water in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ
Who is baptism for?
Baptism is for anyone who has made a personal decision to follow Jesus. Whether you’ve been a Christian for a short time or many years, if you’ve never been baptized as a public statement of your faith, this is for you.
Can my child be baptized?
Yes! At Las Vegas Christian Church, children older then elementary age (typically 13 years old and up) are eligible for baptism, provided they have a clear understanding of what baptism means and have made a personal decision to follow Jesus. We work with parents to ensure their child is ready and understands the significance of this step.
When should I be baptized?
When you decide to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. There is no reason to delay. You are ready to be baptized the moment you give your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you’re waiting until you’re perfect, you’ll never be ready. “Those who had received his word … were baptized and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41 (NASB).
It is also important to know that it is never too late to be baptized. Many people, for a variety of reasons, wait and decide to be baptized well after becoming a Christian. While there is no reason to wait, it is important for a believer to be baptized even if it has been years since becoming a Christian.
It is also important to know that it is never too late to be baptized. Many people, for a variety of reasons, wait and decide to be baptized well after becoming a Christian. While there is no reason to wait, it is important for a believer to be baptized even if it has been years since becoming a Christian.
Should I be re-baptized?
The question, “Should I be baptized again?” can be confusing and sometimes the answer is yes and at times no. If you were baptized as an infant, we are thankful for your parents’ decision to commit to raising you to know Jesus, but when you make the decision to surrender to Jesus and declare Him as your personal Lord and Savior, then we believe the next step is baptism. We believe baptism follows salvation and is a public profession of your faith. The Bible says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
There are times when a person is baptized, but not for the right reasons, such as it seems like what they are ‘supposed to do’ or there’s pressure from family and friends. If that person then repents and surrenders their life to Jesus, being baptized again is an appropriate step in declaring this step of faith.
Perhaps there is a season of drifting and walking away from God. Their step of rededication would not be to be re-baptized back into the faith. They have already been obedient to Christ and their original baptism remains valid, but rather confession and repentance - turning from those choices. Obedience in their actions will be the evidence of your recommitment to God.
There are times when a person is baptized, but not for the right reasons, such as it seems like what they are ‘supposed to do’ or there’s pressure from family and friends. If that person then repents and surrenders their life to Jesus, being baptized again is an appropriate step in declaring this step of faith.
Perhaps there is a season of drifting and walking away from God. Their step of rededication would not be to be re-baptized back into the faith. They have already been obedient to Christ and their original baptism remains valid, but rather confession and repentance - turning from those choices. Obedience in their actions will be the evidence of your recommitment to God.
What should I bring?
Please bring a towel and a change of clothes. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. A T-shirt will be provided for you to wear during your baptism. Don’t forget to invite family and friends to celebrate this special moment with you!