The Waters of Baptism

Here at Goshen, in our devotion to Jesus, we practice believer’s baptism by immersion.

Baptism is for believers—that is, it’s an expression of one’s personal trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins and gift of eternal life.  In the New Testament the practice of baptism is consistently associated with a person’s faith, with believing in Jesus (see Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:14-15, 31-33; 18:8; 19:4-5; Galatians 3:26-27). So we don’t get baptized based on someone else’s faith, but to express our own faith in Christ.  And we don’t get baptized in order to gain salvation, but to express our joyful trust in the One who has already saved us.

And we baptize by immersion—you get plunged under water.  Why immersion?  Because baptism is symbolic of burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:3-4):  it says, it shows, that we’re deeply thankful for all that Jesus accomplished in his death and resurrection on our behalf.  Our baptism is a visual statement of our attachment to Jesus and our embrace of salvation he accomplished at the cross.

If you’re a follower of Jesus—a Christian—baptism is for you.  Don’t think of baptism as a spiritual option to consider or a step especially for extroverted believers.  It’s for all of us.  In his Great Commission, Jesus commands his disciples to gather more disciples, and in so doing to teach and baptize them (Matthew 28:18-19).  So the church is under orders to practice baptism, and Jesus is our Commander-in-Chief.

This is why we periodically come to the congregation and provide opportunities for baptism—like on Sunday, September 12, in the Sanctuary, during either our 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. worship service.  Adults, teens, or older children who are trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord but haven’t been baptized as believers are encouraged to seize this opportunity.

If that’s you, what are the steps to take?  First, click HERE and sign up for a 45-minute baptism class (either this Sunday, Aug. 29, or on Sept. 5, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 014 downstairs—and parents are asked to accompany children).  And by the way, you’re welcome to attend the class even if you’re just thinking about baptism—attending doesn’t obligate you to take the plunge now.

Second, write out your testimony—the story of how you came to put your trust in Jesus.  If you want some guidance on this, you could answer these questions:  1) When did you become aware of your sin against God and your need of forgiveness?  2) When did you ask Jesus Christ for the gift of salvation?  3) How does faith in Christ influence your daily life?  4) Is there a Bible verse that has been especially important to you?  5) What does it say about you that you’re being baptized?  Once you write out your testimony, send it to me or any of our ministry staff (or to office@goshenbaptist.org).

Third, decide if you’d like to be baptized at 9:00 or at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, and let us know.

Fourth, decide how you want to share your testimony—verbally, or in writing.  It’s important for all who witness your baptism to be able to share your joy in knowing Jesus.  You see, baptism is a very special event in the life of the church—for everyone!  So we want each person’s testimony to be shared.  But this can be done in different ways—either verbally (by a short “speech” or through a quick interview), or simply by the written testimony you submit.  I’ve heard from a few people over the years that they’re not comfortable “giving a speech” in front of a crowd, and I understand that:  our personalities and comfort zones are different.  If you wish to give your testimony in writing, we’ll include it in our worship guide so that people can read it and join you in giving thanks for God’s grace.

Fifth, bring a change of clothes and a couple of towels with you on Sept. 12.  Please arrive 15 minutes early so we can show you where to put your towels and change of clothes (we have men’s and women’s changing rooms next to the baptism tank in the Sanctuary).

Finally, let me describe the sequence of events in the worship services that day, as there are a few parts to the process:  1) Early in the service those who are being baptized will gather on the platform (people sharing their story verbally will do so at this time), and then we’ll invite folks to come gather around for a time of prayer.  2) After the prayer time, all who’ll be baptized will go to the changing rooms and get ready (attire for guys = shirt and shorts; for gals = shirt and shorts over swimsuit) (robes are available if you prefer).  3) Then we’ll take turns going into the water, and when it’s your time we’ll ask you to say “yes” to three questions:  Have you asked Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior?  Are you trusting in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life?  Is it your purpose, through baptism, to show the world that you want to follow Jesus always? 4) Then you’ll be dipped into the water for a second (plug your nose!), and it’s back to your stall in the changing rooms to dry off.  And then re-join your family in the Sanctuary when you’re ready.

That’s it!  Not too complicated.  And a wonderful way to honor Jesus and share your faith with the world.

If you have questions about any part of this, or if you can’t make either of the baptism class sessions, do let us know—talk to Pete or DJ or Lori or me.

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).