Baptism

Next Step: Baptism

We are excited about your interest in baptism! This resource is designed to help you understand what Scripture teaches about baptism and answer most questions you may have as you prepare for this next step in your faith journey.

Once you are ready to go public with your faith, let us know! We can't wait to help you take this next step.

Baptism is immersion

The word “baptize” literally means “to dip under water.” The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse under water.”

For example, in Acts 8:38, Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch “went down into the water,” showing immersion as the method.ACTS 8:38
In Romans 6:4, the apostle Paul wrote: “We were therefore buried with him [Jesus] through baptism into death so 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

Baptism is a sacrament, not just a symbol

A symbol points to something else. A sacrament has an impact on both the physical and spiritual realms. God acts in and through it.

In baptism, God is at work in us.GALATIANS 3:27; EPHESIANS 4:5

Baptism is an act of faith

Baptism is a faith-response to Jesus’s command.

“...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.”1 PETER 3:21
Faith leads to obedience. Jesus commands us to be baptized: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved...”MARK 16:16

Baptism is the culmination of conversion

The New Testament consistently connects hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and baptism. Every conversion example in Acts (Chapters 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 22) includes immediate baptism.

Baptism unites us with Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection.ROMANS 6:3-4; COLOSSIANS 2:12
Jesus said we must be “born of water and the Spirit.”JOHN 3:5

Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is how we “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27) and enter a new covenant (Colossians 2:11-12). Baptism marks the start of discipleship.

In Acts 2:38, Peter teaches: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”ACTS 2:38

Baptism identifies us with Jesus and His people. Baptism relieves guilt (through God’s forgiveness) and relieves shame (through community). Baptism builds community.

The Spirit seals believers

We are sealed with the Spirit when we believe the gospel.EPHESIANS 1:13

Belief in Scripture always implies obedient faith.

Belief and baptism go together

“When they believed… they were baptized.”ACTS 8:12
Baptism raises us with Christ “through your faith in the power of God.”COLOSSIANS 2:12

Born of water and Spirit

Jesus said no one can enter God’s kingdom without both water and the Spirit.JOHN 3:5

The early church consistently understood this to mean baptism, an act where both water and Spirit are active.

Everyone who has believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”ACTS 2:41

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord. We do not baptize infants; children must be old enough to understand and believe.

Immediately after believing (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36-39). There’s no reason to delay.

Just as Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water. Every baptism in scripture was by immersion under water. Immersion is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened...”MATTHEW 3:16

You may share if you would like. The person baptizing you will introduce you and explain the meaning of baptism.

You will be asked if you believe that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and you have accepted Him as your Savior and Lord.”

Our church recommends you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you made the decision to believe in Christ. Baptism by immersion affirms your faith in the way Jesus practiced and how he was baptized.

Yes, if each member understands the meaning of baptism and each person has personally trusted Christ for salvation. We encourage families to be baptized at the same time, as a wonderful expression of commitment.

We encourage baptism by immersion after personal belief, following the example found in Scripture.

Still have questions? We want to help! Whether you're unsure about the process or just want to talk through your decision, our team is available to chat this Sunday at Guest Services. You can also reach out to us via the contact info below to request a conversation.

I'm Ready to be Baptized

Please complete one of the following:

  • Click the BAPTISM link below to complete the brief online form.
  • Call the office at (970) 243-6672 or email office@northeastchristian.org.
  • Stop by Guest Services this Sunday and let the host know you're interested.
Go to Baptism Form

NE! Kids (2nd–4th Grade)

Children should understand the meaning of baptism and complete the Baptism Booklet before their ceremony.

Once the booklet is finished, children will meet with a pastor to discuss their decision before scheduling.

Download Baptism Booklet
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