Baptism Guide

A Guide to Water Baptism We are excited to see you make the step forward to getting baptized here at Grace. We believe this will be aspecial moment to be remembered for the rest of your life! This baptism pamphlet will provide some information onthe biblical practice of baptism, some practical guidelines on the day of baptism, and some reflections to consider as you make this life-changing decision.

WATER BAPTISM Understanding Water BaptismWater baptism is the symbol (like a wedding ring) showing the world that you love, trust,and have put your hope in Christ as instructed in the Scriptures. In essence, baptism is anoutward declaration of the spiritual change when we were dead in our sins (going into thewater), and now have become a new creation in Jesus Christ by the infilling of the HolySpirit (coming out of the water) [cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:3-10; Col. 2:12]. Water baptism isillustrated by Jesus’ himself [Mark 1:9-11], Jesus commandment to His disciples [Matt.28:18-19], and practiced of the early Christians [Acts 2:41; 8:12]. Who Should Get Baptised?We believe baptism is for the person who has personally made a decision to believe in thegospel (good news) of Jesus Christ and seeks to love Jesus as Saviour and Lord [Rom.10:8-9]. This is why we only baptise people when they are old enough to understand whatthey believe and can make their own choice to declare his/her own faith publicly [Acts 2:41;22:16]. Why Do We Get Baptised?Baptism is a commandment that is set out in Matthew 28:18-20 in which Jesus instructedHis disciples to make disciples, baptise them, and teach them His ways. Water Baptism ISNOT something you do to receive salvation or to become a Christian. It is something youdo BECAUSE you have received salvation through faith in Jesus and have become aChristian (a follower of Jesus Christ) [Eph. 2:8,9]. Baptism is a public confession of yourfaith, and commitment to Jesus Christ, and identifies you as being part of and committedto the “body of Christ”, the church [1 Cor. 12:13]. How Do We Get Water Baptised?While Bible-believing churches may differ on what form of baptism to be done, here atGrace we believe in full-immersion. The Bible details the form of baptism should be throughimmersion by the word baptizo (indicating full immersion under water). What Is The Meaning of Baptism for Us Today?Baptism is a celebration and commitment that the believers should still practice today. Hereat Grace, we want to stand beside you as you make this step of faith and obedience as wellas rejoice with you that you are now a new creation in Christ. We believe that this decisioncan deepen your own relationship with Jesus as you seek to glorify Him in all of your life.

WATER BAPTISM Practicalities for Your Baptism Instructions Before the Day• Invite some of your family/friends to celebrate with you in this decision• Complete the Reflections page (if possible) – see backside Instructions for the Day• Please be at Grace, dressed and ready, and in attendance for the 12pm service• Please be wearing your “I Have Decided” t-shirt and bottoms that you don’t mind getting wet. Bathing suits underneath for ladies is recommended. Schedule for the Day 12:00 In Attendance in Service [located in the Centre - front rows reserved for those baptised] 13:00 Baptismal Introduction during service [including guard of honor down the back stair to baptismal pool] 13:30 Baptisms for Participants [located downstairs in Courtyard] 14:30 After-Baptism Celebration (with family/friends and church leaders) (includes light lunch) [located in Extreme Room on top level] What to Bring on the Day Change of clothes Towel A bag to take your wet clothes Hairbrush/comb and hair dryer (if desired)

WATER BAPTISM Reflections on Your BaptismReflections of your Life Before and After Becoming a New Creation: take some time toconsider and write down what your life was like before you became a Christian and whatchanges God has done in your life since your conversion.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Reflections on your Public Confession of your Faith: write down names of family andfriends that you would like to invite to a Grace service so ye can celebrate together.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Reflections on your Faith Moving Forward: take some time to consider how you couldtake your faith to a deeper level. Here are a few suggested areas: (1) your understanding ofScripture and your spiritual growth, (2) deeper Christian friendships with other believers, (3)your Christian witness to your family, friends, and coworkers, and (4) how you could beserving more in your church and in your community.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Want to Go Deeper?If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to grow deeper in your faith andfellowship, please contact Cory and DJ Hovivian ([email protected]) for moreinformation. If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to volunteer here at Grace,please contact Carol Dunlea for more information ([email protected]).