All About Baptism

 Why do we baptise people?

As a church we encourage Christians to get baptised. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-16) and then commanded all Christians to get baptised as evidence of their personal commitment (see Mark 16:16).

What does it mean?

Baptism does not make someone a Christian, it is simply a biblical way of showing that we have become one. A person becomes a Christian solely by faith in Christ. Therefore all of the examples of baptism in the Bible follow a person’s decision to follow Jesus. (Acts 2:38-41, 16:14-15, 19:6, 16:32-34.)

Why immersion?

Baptism symbolises the Christian’s separation from his or her old way of life and the beginning of a new life through Jesus. Immersion into the water is a picture of burial and death to the old life and rising out of the water symbolises the new life in Jesus. (Colossians 3:3;13.)

So what exactly happens?

It’s certainly not anything to fear! You bring a change of clothes with you and prior to entering the pool (of heated water) you tell the people present about your faith and commitment to following Jesus. The person who is baptising you then will ask you to clasp your hands in front of you, not to bend your legs and relax as they gently place you under the water. Your own buoyancy will then lift you to your feet and to a waiting towel.

I’ve already been christened, won’t that do?

A previous act of christening as a child is not a substitute for believer’s baptism. At Rumney Chapel we practise “infant dedication” where the parents bring their children before God, and the people of the church accept, with the parents, their responsibility for the spiritual welfare and growth of their child.

When can I get baptised?

If you want to get baptised simply speak to one of the leadership team at the chapel. We run a  simple course over three sessions that will help you prepare for your baptism.

I still have some questions.

If you have any questions about baptism or any other matter please feel free to contact us. We’d be more that happy to discuss the matter further with you.

Some helpful Bible verses for you…

Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Acts 2:38: Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4: Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.