What We Believe About Baptism?
Fairview Baptist Church shall receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes him publicly, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord. We believe baptism by immersion follows Christ’ example, symbolizing death, burial and resurrection to new life in Christ. It serves as a testimony of faith after accepting Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Matt 3:13-17; Matt 26:26-30; Matt 28:19; Acts 16:30-33; Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12
Baptism shall be by:
Immersion in water
The Lead Pastor, or his designate, shall administer baptism.
Baptism shall be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a simple step of obedience where we align ourselves to the person of Jesus and identify with His death and resurrection. It is an outward and public display of an inward and personal faith. Baptism is going public about your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heart-felt commitment to following Him. Scripture calls for believers to be baptized by immersion. Water baptism symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:14). For those who have accepted Christ and want to follow His example, baptism is an opportunity to identify yourself with The Savior and show the world that you are a follower of Christ! Baptism isn’t required for salvation but is the NEXT STEP of faith for believers.
Baptism FAQs
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9)
Jesus told all believers to do it and set an example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20).
Baptism is an opportunity to identify ourselves with the Savior and show the world that you are a follower of Christ!
2. Because Christ commanded it.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
3. It demonstrates I am a Believer.
“We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.” (1 John 2:3)
What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?
1. It illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures , that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day..” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
Why Be Baptized By Immersion?
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16 a)
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water...” (Mark 1:10)
2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” (Act s 8:38-39)
3. The word “baptize” means “to dip or immerse.”
4. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Roman s 6:3-4)
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who is a follower of Christ should be baptized. Followers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
What About Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Act s 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48). At Fairview Baptist Church we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.
What About Infant Baptism?
In the Bible we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone to baptize them. Baptism is a public profession of salvation (as the Bible teaches), and only people who have repented of their sin and trust Christ alone for their salvation should experience baptism. If you have not experienced adult baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have trusted in Christ for salvation.
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
Should I Be Baptized Immediately After Salvation?
The Bible teaches that baptism should follow your decision to trust in Christ. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is okay to wait until the next scheduled baptism.
What Do I Wear?
Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a dark shirt and shorts.
Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home. There is a changing room available. Arrive 30 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for some last-minute instructions.
When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t put it off!
Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-38
Are You Ready to Talk?
Ready to discuss or need more information about salvation or baptism? We’d love to talk with you about Salvation, Baptism, Jesus and anything else you need to talk about in order for you to feel comfortable taking your Next Step!
Contact Guest Services in the church lobby or call the church office at (864) 877-1881.
We will provide you with upcoming baptism options.
