Baptism

baptisms

Welcome to the REBIRTH House of Hope Baptism page. Here we hope to provide you with resources to help answer some of the questions you may have about Baptism. First we ask that you read what the Bible says about Baptism below. Then we ask that you review our policy on Baptism below. Finally, you can review the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page for more information. If you are interested in being baptized and/or need more information, please contact our administrative office at rbhoh16@gmail.com.

What The Bible Says About Baptism

Baptism Scriptures

John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said to me, On whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, to that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Romans 6:3 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Our Baptism Policy

You Are a New Creature

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17 KJV)

Accepting Christ is the most significant action a person can ever take. What a glorious moment (regeneration) when someone trusts Christ as Savior and Lord! At the moment of salvation, Christ comes and indwells the new believer and a wonderful, eternal journey begins.

Along that journey, one of the first important steps a new believer takes is the step of baptism. One of the disturbing trends today is many people who accept Christ as Savior and Lord are not following through in their obedience to Christ as it relates to baptism. Often, new believers do not understand the importance of baptism because church members and leaders fail to communicate its importance.

The Book of Romans provides some of the most edifying and encouraging scriptures for “New Converts”. For example Romans 6:3-6 KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Your baptism signifies to the world that you are unashamed to follow the commands of Jesus Christ. Baptism is an outward demonstration of what has happened to you on the inwardly. When you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, and made an open confession of your belief that God has raised him from the dead you were saved from Sin and your Christian journey began.

WHO IS BAPTIZED?

  • Individuals who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord.
  • demonstrate their obedience to Christ and the Scripture
  • Individuals who are not ashamed to follow Christ’s example
  • Individuals who desire to identify their lives with the local church
  • Individuals who proclaim Christ’s death, burial and resurrection

HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?

  • New Testament teaching that the word for baptism (baptizo) means “to immerse in water.” Since the Scriptures clearly teach baptism by immersion this is the method we practice
  • We immerse in water as an act of following Christ.
  • We baptize in obedience to Christ command. (Matt. 28:18-20 KJV)

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • New Testament believers were baptized before witnesses. Baptism was not a private ceremony, but a public display of one’s commitment to Christ.
  • Understand baptism does not bestow salvation, but is a symbol of the new life in Christ that has already begun
  • The Gospel of John affirms your new found life in Jesus Christ. Read it frequently and completely.

Baptism FAQs

Baptism FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I wear for the baptism?

The Church will provide you with a baptismal robe or gown. All candidates both male and female are asked to wear all black attire under the gown or robe which is typically white.

2. Where do I meet before the baptism?

You will be notified by one of the members of the Deacons board to provide you with the information regarding location and time.

3. Do I have a room to change in that is private?

Adequate space for changing before and after the service will be provided.

4. Will I say anything during the baptismal service?

You will make an open confession of Jesus Christ when the Pastor asked the question.

The Pastor will likely ask you the following question: (Candidate’s name), do you profess that Jesus Christ is your Savior and do you desire to follow Him in baptism and in all of life?

  • Your Answer will follow

The Pastor might address the congregation and say: Based on your profession of faith in Christ as your Savior, I baptize you, my brother, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

5. Do I come forward at the end of the service?

The Pastor and church secretary will prepare a Certificate of Baptism for you. The Pastor will make the presentation during worship service.

6. How long am I under the water?

Long enough to completely submerge your whole body including your head.