It's all about jesus

Baptism is the public declaration of an inward spiritual transformation that has occurred when we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Baptism does not save us but testifies to the world we have already been saved through faith by the power of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). While baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command that follows the example of Christ and demonstrates our obedience to Christ.  

In Romans 6:1–11, Apostle Paul describes baptism by immersion as a means of symbolism and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being immersed in the water represents Christ’s death and signifies a believer’s death to sin. Coming up from the water represents Christ’s resurrection and signifies a believer’s new life in Christ. For these reasons, our congregation joyfully declares together, “You are dead to Sin and alive in Christ!”  

• Jesus was baptized, and when we take that step, we’re following His example and declaring that we belong to Him.

Christ followers are people who have chosen to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The Bible makes clear we have all sinned and as a result, we are separated from God. This relationship cannot be repaired through good works or religious activity. So, as a solution, God sent His only son Jesus Christ, to die for our sins – to pay the penalty – so whoever believes in Him will be forgiven and have eternal life.  

In Scripture, the act of baptism quickly follows an individual’s decision to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:47-48). After you have professed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, you are ready to obey Jesus’ command to be baptized and publicly identify yourself as a follower of Jesus Christ. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” – do it now! (Acts 8:34-38)

In the New Testament, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and told His disciples to welcome them. Children are deeply important to God. When it comes to baptism, we believe it is directly linked to a personal choice to trust Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior. With this in mind, we encourage children to wait until they are mature enough to understand and articulate the significance of the eternal spiritual commitment they are making. While each child is unique, we have found that this typically happens around 4th grade. In an effort to partner with parents in shepherding their children we ask that children in 3rd-5th grade, who would like to get baptized, attend a baptism class designed for their age group. This will be followed by a personal interview to make sure they understand the commitment they are making. To fill out the form for the baptism class, click here.

For parents with children under the age of  who would like to indicate both their commitment to raise their children in the Lord and their desire for the child to grow through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we regularly hold child dedication services. For more information click here. In addition, to see the many other opportunities for this church family to partner with your family in seeing your children grow in the Lord click here. 

At Calvary we practice believers’ baptism – which means the act of baptism is directly linked to the personal choice to trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior. If you were baptized as a young child, before you made the independent choice to follow Jesus, your baptism as an adult does not dismiss the baptism you received as a young child. In fact, it can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ intentions that you would grow to eventually follow Jesus on your own accord.