Baptism
Baptism is the biblical way to publicly express you believe Jesus has done everything necessary for your salvation. By getting baptized, you are letting others know Jesus has changed your life and you now live for him. Bay Shore celebrates such public professions made through baptism because it exalts Jesus and the power of the gospel to save.
We encourage you to sign up at your campus below if you’re ready to take that next step in your faith!
So, you might be wondering—why should I get baptized?
… because Jesus was baptized and wants us to baptize others. In Matthew 3:16, we learn about the time when Jesus Himself was baptized before He started His ministry on earth. If the Son of God pursued baptism, so should we. Later, Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19-20 He wants us to spread His message of love. He told us to continue baptizing and being baptized! Okay, Jesus. We’re happy to obey.
… because you’ve decided to follow Jesus and you want people to know. Making the decision to become a follower of Christ is the best decision you’ll ever make. When you make a life-changing decision like this, you want to tell everyone about the new hope you’ve found in Jesus! You want to let people know you believe God is real. Our faith should be personal, but not private. Baptism is about going public with your faith.
… because baptism is a powerful symbol of what Jesus did for us. When we’re baptized, we’re reminded of what Jesus did for us. When we go down into the water, we’re reminded of Jesus’ death on the cross and His payment for our sins. But when we come out of the water, we’re reminded that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if we’re in Christ, we’re new creations. Baptism reminds us that the old is gone, and the new has come! Remember: getting baptized is important, but not because it saves you. The grace of God through faith in Jesus is what saves you. Getting baptized is all about telling the world about the change that’s already happened inside of you. If you’ve decided to get baptized, it’s time to party! Make sure you invite your friends and family to celebrate with you.
Now the question is —what do I do after I get baptized?
Seek God daily. The most important commandment God gives us is to love Him above anything else. When you love someone, you seek a relationship with them. Right? Whether that means a scheduled, daily quiet time before work, a new Bible Plan, or even constant prayers throughout the day just acknowledging Him. Seek God and a relationship with Him.
Find community. Nothing is harder than trying to do life alone. Finding people to walk alongside you in life is key to staying on the right path. God created us as social people, no matter how introverted you are. Your tribe is there to help you, sharpen you, and support you.
Start serving. Whether it’s working with kids, being creative, or just being ridiculously good at making someone smile, God’s given you specific talents. And He wants to work through you. Serving changed my life so much that it put me on a different career path! Take your gift and get plugged in at your local church. God wants to use you! Serving has taught me so much about how uniquely God has created me.
FAQ
1. Why should I Be Baptized?
A. To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” (Mark 1:9)
B. Because Christ commanded it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciple, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.'” (Matthew 28:19-20)
C. It demonstrates that I really am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” (1 John 2:3)
2. What Is the Meaning Of Baptism?
A. It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians 2:12)
B. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (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)
C. Baptism doesn’t make you a Christian.
Only your faith in Christ does that. But it does make you obedient. It shows that you’re serious about your faith. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart (see Ephesians 2:8-9)
3. Why Be Baptized By Immersion?
A. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
B. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(for example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)
C. The word “baptize” means “to dip under water.”
D. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-11).
E. The founders of the major denominations agree:
Martin Luther (founder of the Lutheran denomination): “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin (founder of the Presbyterian denomination): “The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): “Buried with Him” alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
4. Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ. A Believer is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A Believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized (Acts 2:41, 8:12-13).
5. What About Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48). At Bay Shore we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. As a general guide, we recommend the age of 10 years old. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them into the Christian faith.
6. What About Infant Baptism?
In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptized them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more Biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ as Savior has been made by the child. If baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
7. When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed. (Acts 8:12) “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
8. Does This Mean It Has to Be Immediately?
No, but the Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.
*Kids Dedications : A few times a year we have Kids dedications where we bring our children and dedicate them to the Lord following the Biblical pattern. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus and dedicate him in the temple, as written about in Luke 2:22-23. If you are interested in dedicating your child, or have any questions about Bay Shore Babies, click here.