Popular Questions
What Does it Mean to be Biblically Baptized?
Baptism is an outward reflection of an inward connection! Baptism is both an act of obedience and a public declaration of faith. The Bible teaches that you should follow Jesus' example of baptism by immersion soon after you make the decision to commit your life to Him.
Who Should be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." (Acts 2:41)
"Simon himself believed and was baptized." (Acts 8:13)
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News … and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)
When Should I be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed!
"Those who believe … were baptized … that day!" (Acts 2:41)
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, "Look, here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?" Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The man answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:35-38)
Do You Baptize Kids?
At City United, we wait until kids are old enough to fully understand and make the decision to follow Jesus on their own before baptizing them.
Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
What Does Baptism Look Like?
We believe in baptism by immersion because Jesus was baptized that way.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water ..." (Matthew 3:16)
Plus, every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
"…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…" (Acts 8:38-39)
The word baptize means "to dip under water."
The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water."
It best symbolizes the burial and resurrection!
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water ..." (Matthew 3:16)
Plus, every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
"…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…" (Acts 8:38-39)
The word baptize means "to dip under water."
The Greek word baptize means "to immerse or dip under water."
It best symbolizes the burial and resurrection!