Believerâs Baptism: A Deeper Look
At Northway, we encourage Believerâs Baptism (also called Credobaptism, from the Latin credo, meaning 'I believeâ). It is the practice of baptizing individuals who have personally professed faith in Jesus Christ.
Once you've had a chance to review this page, if you're ready to Go Public with your decision, use the link below to let us know!
Once you've had a chance to review this page, if you're ready to Go Public with your decision, use the link below to let us know!
1. The Meaning of Believerâs Baptism
Believerâs baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. It symbolizes a believerâs identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Key Biblical Themes:
- Public Declaration of Faith â Baptism is a way of publicly confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9-10)
- Union with Christâs Death & Resurrection â Baptism symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4)
- Obedience to Christâs Command â Jesus instructed His followers to be baptized as part of making disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20)
- New Identity in Christ â Baptism represents leaving behind the old self and living as a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:27)
- Entry into the Community of Christ - Baptism is not just an individual act of faith, but a communal experience, marking entry into the body of Christ, the covenant family of God, and the church community. It signifies both personal transformation and corporate belonging. (1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-28)
2. Who Should Be Baptized?
According to our belief, baptism is reserved for those who have personally repented of their sins and placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
- Acts 2:38 â 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'
- Acts 8:36-38 â The Ethiopian eunuch asks to be baptized after understanding the gospel and believing in Jesus.
3. The Mode of Baptism: Why Full Immersion?
We understand Believerâs Baptism to mean by immersion in water, rather than sprinkling or pouring.
Reasons for full immersion:
- The Greek Word 'Baptizo' (ÎČαÏÏίζÏ) â means 'to dip, immerse, submerge.'
- Jesusâ Baptism by John the Baptist â He was baptized in the Jordan River, and the text suggests He went 'up out of the water.' (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10)
- Symbolism of Burial and Resurrection â Going under the water represents burial, and rising up symbolizes resurrection to new life. (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12)
4. Is Baptism Required for Salvation?
We believe that baptism is an act of obedience, not a requirement for salvation.
- Salvation is by grace through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- The thief on the cross was saved without baptism. (Luke 23:42-43)
- Baptism follows salvation, it does not cause it. (Acts 10:44-48)
5. Why Get Baptized?
Reasons to be baptized:
- To Obey Jesus â 'Go therefore and make disciples⊠baptizing them.' (Matthew 28:19)
- To Identify with Jesusâ Death and Resurrection â 'We were buried with Him through baptism into death⊠that we too may live a new life.' (Romans 6:3-4)
- To Show Your Faith Publicly â âWhoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father.' (Matthew 10:32)
- To Follow the Example of Jesus â Even though Jesus was sinless, He was baptized to 'fulfill all righteousness.' (Matthew 3:13-17)
- To Initiate your Discipleship to living The Jesus Way - Acts 2:41-42 â âSo those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.â
- To Join Godâs Covenant People - Baptism represents becoming part of Godâs covenant family, breaking down divisions and welcoming all believers into the household of faith. (Galatians 3:26-28)
6. Common Questions About Believerâs Baptism
Q: When should I be baptized?
As soon as possible after youâve made a genuine commitment to Christ. In the New Testament, people were baptized immediately after believing (Acts 8:36-38, Acts 16:30-33).
As soon as possible after youâve made a genuine commitment to Christ. In the New Testament, people were baptized immediately after believing (Acts 8:36-38, Acts 16:30-33).
Q: What if I donât feel 'ready' yet?
Baptism doesnât require a deep theological understandingâonly a genuine faith in Jesus.
Q: Should children be baptized?
We believe that if a child is old enough to truly understand what it means to make a decision to follow Christ, then they should be baptized. Parents are asked to prayerfully help their children make this decision and talk it through with one of our Pastors if necessary.
Q: What if I was baptized as an infant? Should I be baptized again?
We do encourage re-baptism if a person was baptized as an infant but later came to a personal faith in Christ. (See the Different Christian Views below, especially the special note about Baby Dedication.)
Q: Is there anything wrong with being "re-baptized?"
While baptism is meant to be a one-time act symbolizing entry into the body of Christ, there may be a number of reasons you'd like to be baptized again, and nothing in Scripture prevents re-baptism.
Baptism doesnât require a deep theological understandingâonly a genuine faith in Jesus.
Q: Should children be baptized?
We believe that if a child is old enough to truly understand what it means to make a decision to follow Christ, then they should be baptized. Parents are asked to prayerfully help their children make this decision and talk it through with one of our Pastors if necessary.
Q: What if I was baptized as an infant? Should I be baptized again?
We do encourage re-baptism if a person was baptized as an infant but later came to a personal faith in Christ. (See the Different Christian Views below, especially the special note about Baby Dedication.)
Q: Is there anything wrong with being "re-baptized?"
While baptism is meant to be a one-time act symbolizing entry into the body of Christ, there may be a number of reasons you'd like to be baptized again, and nothing in Scripture prevents re-baptism.
- Many people were baptized as infants or at a very young age when they didnât understand the gospel. And some were baptized because of family tradition rather than a personal decision to follow Jesus.
- Some believers feel a deep conviction to be re-baptized as a fresh commitment to Christ, especially after a season of spiritual renewal or rededication.
- If your first baptism was a true, biblical baptism after personal faith, then re-baptism is not necessary.
- However, if you were baptized without understanding the gospel or without genuine faith, or if you genuinely feel led of the Holy Spirit to renew or rededicate your life in this public way, then being baptized again can be an important step of obedience.
Believerâs baptism is an important step in the Christian journey. It is a public testimony of faith, an act of obedience to Jesus, and a symbol of a new life in Christ. While baptism itself does not save, it is a powerful declaration of one's commitment to follow Jesus.
If you're ready to be baptized, click the button below to get the process started!
If you're ready to be baptized, click the button below to get the process started!
Understanding Water Baptism: Different Christian Views
Water baptism is a significant practice in Christianity, symbolizing faith, repentance, and a new life in Christ. However, different Christian traditions have varying beliefs about its meaning, method, and necessity. Hereâs an overview of the major perspectives:
1. Baptism as a Means of Salvation (Baptismal Regeneration)
View: Baptism is necessary for salvation because it is the moment when sins are forgiven and a person is born again.
Who Believes This? Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, some Lutherans, some Churches of Christ.
Who Believes This? Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, some Lutherans, some Churches of Christ.
Key Scriptures: Acts 2:38, John 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21.
Practice: Typically performed on infants (paedobaptism) or converts by pouring, sprinkling, or immersion.
Practice: Typically performed on infants (paedobaptism) or converts by pouring, sprinkling, or immersion.
2. Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation (Believerâs Baptism) Northway's Viewpoint
View: Baptism does not save but is an outward sign of an inward transformationâpublicly declaring faith in Jesus.
Who Believes This? Baptists, Evangelicals, Pentecostals, most non-denominational churches.
Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 8:36-38.
Practice: Typically performed on professing believers (credobaptism) by full immersion in water.
Practice: Typically performed on professing believers (credobaptism) by full immersion in water.
3. Infant Baptism as a Covenant Sign (Reformed/Presbyterian View)
View: Baptism is similar to Old Testament circumcisionâa sign of Godâs covenant with His people. It does not guarantee salvation but welcomes children into the Christian community.
Who Believes This? Presbyterians, Reformed churches, some Methodists and Lutherans.
Who Believes This? Presbyterians, Reformed churches, some Methodists and Lutherans.
Key Scriptures: Colossians 2:11-12, Acts 16:15, 1 Corinthians 7:14.
Practice: Typically performed on infants (paedobaptism) by sprinkling or pouring.
SPECIAL NOTE: Northway practices Baby Dedication. While it is certainly partly about the parents offering their children to the Lord and an expression of gratitude to God for this gift of new life, we also see it as much about Parent Dedication as Baby Dedication. It is an expression and commitment of the parents to devote themselves to foster a Disciple Making Home. Likewise, it is an expression from Northway to the parents to partner with them to âraise up the child in the way they should go.â If it takes a village to raise a child, we covenant with you to be your village.
While we donât practice Infant Baptism, we do agree with the âCovenant Signâ in that as the Parents and Northway dedicate themselves infant, we are welcoming this new life into the community of Christ. And we pray by Godâs grace that in time, this new child will make their own decision to follow The Jesus Way and be baptized into His body.
SPECIAL NOTE: Northway practices Baby Dedication. While it is certainly partly about the parents offering their children to the Lord and an expression of gratitude to God for this gift of new life, we also see it as much about Parent Dedication as Baby Dedication. It is an expression and commitment of the parents to devote themselves to foster a Disciple Making Home. Likewise, it is an expression from Northway to the parents to partner with them to âraise up the child in the way they should go.â If it takes a village to raise a child, we covenant with you to be your village.
While we donât practice Infant Baptism, we do agree with the âCovenant Signâ in that as the Parents and Northway dedicate themselves infant, we are welcoming this new life into the community of Christ. And we pray by Godâs grace that in time, this new child will make their own decision to follow The Jesus Way and be baptized into His body.