water baptism

Being baptized is a great next step once you've started following Jesus. It is an outward symbol of the inward commitment to follow Jesus. Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows you are already one! Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Jesus does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
 
Because of this, a celebration is in order whenever a part of the Westbridge family makes this public declaration!
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BAPTISM FAQS

Why Be Baptized?
1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
 
2. Because Christ commanded it.
“Jesus said, `Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you..'” Matthew 28:19-20
 
3. Because it shows you are a believer.
“…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
 
4. Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know Him.
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” 1 John 2:3
What does it mean to be Baptized?
1. It is a symbol of Christ’s 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
 
2. It is a symbol of your 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

“By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life!” Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! 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.

“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 2:8,9Can a family be Baptized together?




How are we to be Baptized?
1. Like Jesus was baptized ­ by being immersed in water.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
 
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
“…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38,39
 
3. The word “Baptize” literally means “to dip under water”. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”
 
4. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Who should be Baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… And the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
When are we to be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, Look here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now? Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. The official answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase)

There is no reason to delay. When a person decides to believe in Christ, they can and should be baptized.
What about being Baptized twice?
Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
Can a family be Baptized together?



Can a family be Baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Will I have to say anything?
No, at the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will then wait for your turn to enter the water to be baptized. The pastor will briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with others. We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord’s example in baptism. There will be others baptized with you. Many people like yourself have been baptized in pools, lakes and the ocean.

WHAT ABOUT CHILD DEDICATION?

Water Baptism is a personal decision that people make once they have started following Jesus. It is a much more meaningful and memorable experience when done at an age of awareness. While Water Baptism is a personal decision, Child Dedication is a statement made by parents on behalf of their kids!
MORE INFO ON CHILD DEDICATION