Baptism

Baptism is a powerful declaration of your faith in Jesus—a public step of obedience that reflects the inner work of salvation. At AnchorPoint, we believe baptism symbolises dying to our old life and being raised to new life in Christ. 

1.      What is water baptism?
Baptism is our response to God’s love for us. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has already taken place through our personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is a symbolic act of aligning yourself with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When we go under the water we identify with his death, and when we come out of the water we identify with being raised up to new life like Jesus was. Baptism is a public acknowledgment to the world that we have made the decision to follow Jesus.

Baptism is like a wedding ring—it’s an outward symbol of the covenant or commitment you have made in Jesus. A ring is not required to be or stay married. However, the ring is a rich symbol to the bride and groom of their covenant with God and each other. It also tells the world of their commitment and reminds family and friends of the responsibility they share to uphold the couple. This is similar to Baptism. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you and support you as you live out your new life in Christ (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism does not save us. The New Testament teaches that salvation is based on personal faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any other action. Baptism is a symbol of the salvation that has already taken place in your life! Salvation precedes baptism and never depends upon it (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2.     Why should I be baptised?
One of the first things Jesus did as he was beginning his years of ministry was to get water baptised. This gives baptism special significance – Jesus loved us enough to identify with us! Jesus then also instructed us to be baptised, making baptism an act of obedience and demonstration of a willingness to submit our lives to God (Matthew 28: 19-20, Mark 1:9). Every person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her personal Saviour is called to be baptised (Acts 2: 36-41). It is an expression of faith and trusts in Jesus Christ.

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and trust in him (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him! Being baptised shows that we have a commitment to turn away from a life of sin and instead turn toward Jesus, who is the only one that can change us (Acts 2: 38-41). We won’t be perfect or get it all exactly right all of the time, but our belief and trust in Jesus also mean we embrace His forgiveness and grace while pursuing a life that honours Him.

3.     When is the best time to be baptised?
There is no set time frame, but it should be done when the person is ready to make a public declaration of their faith. The only qualification for baptism is to believe and accept that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins and was resurrected, conquering death for you, and to trust Jesus with your life, giving Him control (Acts 2:41).  

 4.      Do I need to be baptized again?
We recommend that you be baptised if you have not been baptised by immersion AFTER accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Therefore if you were baptised as a baby or before you truly understood the meaning of baptism, we encourage you to be baptised again as a reflection of your own desire and commitment to Jesus.

Once you’ve taken the step, baptism does not wear off. You don’t need to be baptised again if you have been baptised after accepting Jesus Christ but have struggled and are now renewing your commitment. If you are seeking to rededicate your life to God, chat to one of our pastors about ways that you can do that.

5.     Why do we immerse in water when baptizing?
Jesus was baptised by being immersed in the water and rising up out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). Immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being lowered into the water is a symbol of the burial of Jesus and the burial of your old self. Being raised from the water is a symbol of the resurrected Christ and your new life in God as a child of God and coheir with Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 3-4).

When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, our old nature (or old way of doing things) and our sin is dead and buried (Romans 6: 3-5). This symbolises you are no longer living for yourself but for God’s Kingdom.

6.     What should I wear for baptism?
Wear dark comfortable clothing that can easily get wet. Bring a change of clothes and a towel.

7.     Can I bring guests to my baptism?
Yes! You are welcome to invite family and friends. Share your faith and invite them to witness this important moment.

8.     Do you baptise children?
Baptism is for all those who can express their own decisions and have made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ. While parents and caregivers have a big influence on what children understand about Jesus, they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him. For tips on talking to your child about baptism and Jesus and knowing if they are ready for baptism, (click here). For children who may be too young to express a personal decision to follow Jesus, we offer child dedication services (click here).

9.     What happens during a baptism service?
We encourage the person being baptised to share a short testimony of faith before being baptised. Usually, a Pastor will stand with you and ask you to answer ‘yes’ to a few statements of faith, and then you will be immersed in water. Don’t worry! We will go through the whole process with you before you are baptised, so you know what will happen. The congregation will be watching on to celebrate with you as a church family.