Baptism

Why Get Dunked?

You have become a follower of Jesus. And you want others to know about your experience. That’s where baptism comes in!

What Is Baptism?

There are a lot of ideas floating around today about what baptism is. And it’s easy to get sunk in the process of trying to figure out what baptism is all about. This pamphlet is designed to help you keep your head above water by presenting a simple explanation about baptism!

What is baptism, you ask? The word itself was originally a Greek word that was slightly modified into English. It is interesting to note that many centuries ago, the word was used to refer to the sinking of ships. In short, it means, “to go under water, to dip, or to immerse”.

Jesus’ early followers were baptized as a way of demonstrating their partnership with Jesus. Just as he went into the grave and rose again to pay for our sins, so Jesus’ followers were commanded to dramatically show their unity with Jesus by going under water and coming out again as a sign that Jesus died and rose for them.

What Does the Bible Say?

1. Baptism is a commandment.

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19

2. Baptism happens in water.

“John had not yet been put in jail. He was at Aenon near Salim, where there was a lot of water, and people were coming there for John to baptize them.”
John 3:23-24

3. Baptism happens after salvation.

“On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.”
Acts 2:41

What Else Should I Know?

If you are a follower of Jesus we encourage you to seriously consider being baptized as a dramatic portrayal of your faith. Those who are baptized are also encouraged to become ministry partners at Southwood Church.