1. Because you want to follow Christ’s example.

It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ commanded it.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

3. Because it shows you are a believer.

Many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8

4. Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know Him.

We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3

1. It is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

• Christ died for our sins…He was buried, and… He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• You were…buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Colossians 2:11-12

2. It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.

• If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
• We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
• Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.
• For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

1. Like Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water. Matthew 3:16

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.

Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water… Acts 8:38-39

3. The word “baptize” literally means “to dip under water.”

The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

• Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. Acts 2:41
• But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12
• Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip. Acts 8:13
• The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay.

• Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 2:41
• Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 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. Acts 8:35-38
• There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decided to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer or if you were baptized by a church in another denomination which holds a different view of salvation, eternal security, or baptism. Every Idlewild member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

We make every effort to make your baptism a memorable and comfortable spiritual experience for you. When the appointment for your baptism is made, trained counselors will explain what you need to bring and answer your questions. At the time of your baptism, you’ll receive complete instructions on what to do. Counselors will also be available to assist you. There will be private robing areas and the water will be warm and comfortable. We want your baptism to be a special time for you and your family.

No. At the beginning of the baptism service, the minister will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The minister will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with the others.