Water Baptism Form
WATER BAPTISM
This is a very important step you have decided to take.May I encourage you to read through this brief booklet with your Bible? In the Bible we notice that water Baptism follows conversion in most cases, and the example was set by Jesus.Water Baptism is a public declaration of your decision to follow Christ.It is also a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and relatives to the Baptismal service as witnesses and as a witness.The purpose of this booklet is to briefly study Water Baptism.Many questions are asked about Water Baptism.What is Water Baptism?Why should I be baptized?When should I be baptized?How should I be baptized?Do I have to be baptized to go to Heaven?If Ive already been baptized in the Holy Spirit is it necessary to be baptized in water?We will try to give a brief Biblical perspective on these questions.
1.What is Water Baptism? Water Baptism is a symbolic action taken by believers in Christ signifying identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Did 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.(Rom 6:3, 4 NIV)
2.Why should I be baptized?Water Baptism was introduced by John the Baptist as an evidence of the Jews repentance (Mark 1:4). Jesus came along and submitted to the baptism of John (Mark 1:9,10). Thus He endorsed the ministry,mode and method of baptism that John used.The presence of God the Father and the Holy Spirit also endorsed the ordinance of Water Baptism (Mark 1:10,11).When it came time for Jesus to return to His Father, Jesus commanded His disciples to Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19)Water Baptism is important in the believers public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.Jesus said in (Matt. 10:32)Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.When we are baptized, we are taking a stand, we are making a confession.We are saying I belong to Christ; He is now Lord of my life!Openly, publicly we identify ourselves with Christ.Water Baptism was followed by the New Testament apostles, and taught by the early church.The need to submit to authority and the Lordship of Christ is no less vital today.It is still a vital part of our discipleship, of our confession of our obedience to His Word.
3.When should I be baptized?In the New Testament, baptism was immediately after conversion, or as soon as it was convenient after being born again.Baptism is a Biblical mandate.Paul, the apostle, was baptized after his conversion experience. (Acts 9:18)In Acts 8, we read the account of Philip and the eunuch. The eunuch, upon confessing that he believed (with all his heart) that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, was immediately baptized by Philip.
4.How should I be baptized?The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptize which literally means to immerse, to dip, or to plunge.Water Baptism symbolizes the death, the burial and the resurrection of Christ.We believe that scriptural account of Water Baptism is by immersion - going into the water - the death; going under the water - the burial; coming up out of the water - the resurrection.When we submit to the Waters of Baptism in this manner, we are saying I died with Christ, I was buried with Christ, I arose with Christ, I have a new life in Christ.The baptism of Jesus Himself supports this method.Matt. 3:16 says.And Jesus, when He was baptized went up straightway out of the water...
5.Do I have to be baptized to go to Heaven?In Acts 16:30,31 the Philippian jailer asked: What must I do to be saved? The answer was simply Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.Rom. 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves;it is the gift of God.Not of works lest any man should boast.1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.These scriptures support this statement that Water Baptism is not necessary for forgiveness of sins, salvation or entrance to Heaven.This is a blessing secured by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not baptized to be saved but because we already are.
6.If I have already been baptized in the Holy Spirit is it necessary to be baptized in water.Yes, even after the house of Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit, Peter yet commanded them to be baptized in water. (Acts 10:44-48)
INFORMATION FOR BAPTISMAL CANDIDATES - If you have decided that you want to obey the Lord in the waters of baptism, as a public profession of Jesus Christ as Lord of your life.
Now What?
1. Fill in the application and turn it into the church office.The Pastor will review your application and notify you as to the next Baptismal Service.
2. A Baptismal Class may be arranged for the potential candidates.
3. Be prepared to arrive 30- minutes before the Baptismal Service for final instructions.
4. Please bring the following items with you to the baptismal services:
a large bath towel, a plastic bag to take your wet things home, hair dryer if needed, bathing suit (or suitable clothes that you do not mind getting wet) to wear under the baptismal gown.The baptismal gown is provided by the church. If you choose to be baptized in a set of clothes of your own, please bring a set of dry clothing to go home in. We encourage you to prepare a short testimony. You are cautioned not to touch the microphone while you are standing in the water. If you have further questions, please contact the church office at 514-631-7249.
Please complete this form and hand it into the church office. Be at the church by 9:30am to meet with the Pastor.
NAME: _____________________________________________________
ADDRESS________________________________________________________CITY___________________________
POSTAL CODE____________________
TELEPHONE #________________________
DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH_______________________________________
FATHERS NAME_________________________________________________
MOTHERS NAME (MAIDEN) _______________________________________
PARENTAL CONSENT WHERE APPLICABLE_________________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION RECEIVED______________________ (OFFICE USE ONLY)
DATE OF BAPTISM____________________________
CERTIFICATE GIVEN__________________________
RECORDED______________________