The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is a very important step in the life of a Christian after they have professed their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. The Bible describes baptism as the symbolic act of immersing a person underneath the water and raising them up out of the water. Baptism, in and of itself, never did and never will save anyone. It is simply the outward expression of an inward reality, the visible picture of what happens in the life of a believer when God saves them.
The Bible says that before we put our faith in Christ, we were spiritually dead because of the sin in our life (Ephesians 2:1-3). However, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we were given new life (Ephesians 2:4-5). This is the good news of the gospel! Being immersed under the water symbolizes when we were dead in our sins and being raised out of the water symbolizes our new life with Christ (Romans 6:4).
Christ himself was baptized as an example for us (Mark 1:9). He then commanded his disciples to make more disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). This is why we continue to baptize new believers still to this day, two thousand years after Christ ascended into heaven. The importance of this symbol might not seem radical in 21st-century American culture, but in the 1st century church and even now around the world, baptism delineates between believers and their families and communities. The act of baptism sets believers apart from the rest of the world, just as Christ has set apart His church.
For more information about baptism click here or pick up a copy of 'Why should I be baptized?' on Sunday morning.
Baptism at The Fields
At the Fields, we strive to apply this biblical understanding of believers baptism. As people are saved in our church, we want to affirm their faith in Christ and the Gospel and urge them to be obedient in baptism. Again, baptism isn’t necessary for salvation, but is necessary for those wanting to be obedient to Christ's last words. Therefore, to be a member of The Fields Church, we require everyone to be baptized or have testimony of believers baptism.
We perform baptisms on Sunday mornings during our worship gathering in the Y indoor pool. We invite anyone and everyone to be a part of this celebration by gathering around the pool before or after the service. If you would like to learn more or schedule a time to be baptized, please email us.