Baptism FAQ’s

What is Christian Baptism?

According to the scriptures, water baptism is the first public step of obedience for the new believer after conversion and confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It symbolizes a vital central truth of the gospel of the washing away of former sins and identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism does not make one a believer, but rather is an outward demonstration of one who already believes. At Faith Community Church we believe water baptism should follow the model outlined throughout the scriptures. 

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41, ESV)

Why Should I be Baptized?

1. To follow the example of Jesus. 

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9, ESV) 

2. Because Jesus commands it. 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV) 

3. To publicly demonstrate my faith in Christ. 

“… And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8, ESV) 

4. To openly obey Christ and to come under His authority in my life. 

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46, ESV) 

5. Baptism is the symbolic act that initiates the new believer into the fellowship of the church. 

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

What is the meaning of Baptism?

1. It signifies the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, ESV) 

“… Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12, ESV) 

2. Baptism illustrates my new life as a Christian. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV) 

“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 6:4, ESV)

Who Should be Baptised?

1. Everyone who hears the Gospel. 

“… And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8, ESV) 

2. Everyone who believes in Christ. 

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved …” (Mark 16:16, ESV)

3. Everyone who repents of sin. 

“…Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV) 

4. Everyone who confesses Christ with their mouth and believes with their heart.

“… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV) 

5. Everyone who pledges their life to Christ. 

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:21, ESV)

What about Infant Baptism?

Faith Community Church offers Water Baptism for those who repent of their sins and believe in Christ. We do offer Infant Dedication as it is taught in the Bible (1 Samuel 1:27-28; Luke 2:22; Matthew 19:13-15). If you have any questions about water baptism or would like more info please contact us.

Faith Community Church - Serving Staten Island, NY communities since 1992!