Baptism is an important step in the life of the believer. This act is a symbol: it symbolizes the forgiveness of sins, washed away by the blood and grace of a loving Savior!
Click on a line below to jump to that section on this page, and feel free to fill out the online baptism application as well...
What is Baptism?
The answer in the simplest form is: Baptism is an act that Jesus commands his followers to participate in.
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)- "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
The Bible also teaches that baptism represents the token of a good conscience before God (1 Peter 3:21) In other words, Baptism is a visible expression for all to see on the outward of a believer, what God has already made a reality on the inside.
When a person is submerged underwater in baptism, it represents the death and burial of their old life, and when they come out of the water it represents the newness of the life that they've found in Christ! (Romans 6:4) Let me also add here that the only requirement for Baptism is that you believe in Jesus Christ, and understand what Baptism represents.
Do we participate in infant Baptisms?
Let me answer that by making this statement first....nowhere will you find in the Bible an infant being baptized - nowhere! Also, there are requirements for Baptism that an infant simply cannot meet. As Philip evangelized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, the eunuch asked a question, "what hinders me from being baptized?" In other words, "what do I need to do before I can be baptized?" Philips answer is very important, because it sets a precedent for doctrine in baptism.
Acts 8:37-38 (NKJV) - Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him."
So, we see that personal belief and faith in Jesus Christ is a pre-requisite for baptism. Also, according to the Apostle Paul in Romans 6, each person is expected to have an understanding and appreciation for the wonderful truth that Baptism represents in their life.
So, with that being said, on the issue of baptizing infants or toddlers we DO NOT, because it is impossible for them to place their faith and belief in Jesus Christ, and understand / appreciate what the act is symbolizing in their life. Furthermore, the biblical model is always that of infant/ toddler dedication, never baptism...(Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 2:22, 27; Exodus 13:2, 12-15; 1 Samuel 1: 26 - 28)
Can I be baptized more than once?
There is no Biblical prohibition against a Christian being baptized more than once. The only thing that I would mention is that the believer needs to examine his/her heart as to why they are being re-baptized. I'm saying this because I would never want the practice of Baptism to become something flippant that people just take part in for the sake of just looking "spiritual". But, as long as Baptism is being accompanied by the proper spirit of reverance and adoration for the Lord, then there is no Biblical objections.
You may feel free to fill out the form below and click submit to forward it to the Pastoral Team of Chillicothe First....
Name:
Address:
Phone #:
Birthdate:
Email:
Have you read the Baptismal Information above?
Pastoral Staff Member you'd like to Baptize you?
Give a brief testimony of your conversion:
Why do you want to get baptized,
and have you been baptized before?
Please check one of the following:
