Celebrate Your Commitment & Faith
When we enter the waters of baptism, we’re proclaiming the gospel message. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and lives again. By joining in baptism, we’re identifying ourselves with Him. Romans 6:4 says we have been buried with Him through baptism into death. We’re now dead to the power of sin. Being raised up out of the water expresses our new life in Christ and our union with Him.
Baptism speaks primarily of a personal, public identification with Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-4 the Apostle Paul puts the matter this way:
Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ 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!
How important is your baptism? It is your personal identification with the greatest act of human history—the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism doesn’t save you—salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your guilt before God is removed the moment you trust in Christ. But baptism is your personal testimony to, and the inward assurance of, your passage from the old life to the new life. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so important to be baptized?
Being baptized demonstrates our willingness to follow the example of and commands of Jesus and gives us the opportunity to make a public statement of faith that we are believers in Jesus Christ.
We know that we have come to know Him if we obey his commands. 1 John 2:3 (NIV)
Jesus said, “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matt. 28:19-20 (NIV)
Why do I have to be baptized with immersion?
Because Jesus Was Baptized By Immersion
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Matthew 3:16 (NIV)
Every Baptism In The Bible Was By Immersion
Here is another example …and when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and the eunuch never saw him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38-39 (TLB)
The Literal Meaning For ‘baptize’ or ‘baptizo’ is “to immerse in water.”
The Greek word translated “baptize” is the verb baptizo. The primary meaning is “to dip, plunge, immerse.” The secondary meaning is to “bring under the influence.” Dr. Merrill Tenney notes that “after making allowances for certain occasional exceptions, such as passages where washing is implied, the etymological meaning indicates that baptism was originally by immersion. (Basic Christian Doctrine, p. 257)
When should I be baptized?
As Soon As You Believe! “Those who believed… were baptized that day!” Acts 2:41 MSG
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ in your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect“, you’ll never feel “good enough!“
At The Bridge Church in Corona, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. Like a bride and groom, no one can say “I DO” on their behalf.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment!
Will I have to say/do anything?
The simple answer is, yes. Baptism is similar to a wedding ceremony in which you publicly commit yourselves to each other. In baptism you are publicly committing your life to Jesus Christ.
The person baptizing you will first introduce you to the rest of the people. Then, you will be asked if you know Jesus as your personal savior. And finally, you will be lowered into and out of the water.
I was baptized as a baby, do I need to do it again?
Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It also gives you a chance to make the conscious decision as an adult to be baptized, making a public declaration of your faith.
Every Bridge member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
The word “Baptize” literally means “to dip under water.” The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”
What will happen on the day of my baptism?
We are so happy that you desire to follow the Lord’s example in baptism. There will probably be others baptized with you.
Here are some things to expect to help you plan for the special day:
- We have a small baptismal pool that is set up inside the church. The water is heated with a special heat pump.
- Baptisms are generally scheduled on a Sunday morning right after our worship service. This is an excellent opportunity for you to invite your friends and family!
- We ask that you bring a towel and change of clothes, hair dryer or anything else that will help you feel comfortable after your baptism.
- Everyone is fully clothed, usually in a t-shirt and shorts and many wear either swim trunks or a swimsuit underneath their shorts and tee.
- You may be baptized by the Pastor or your small group leader, or the person who led you to Christ. The choice is up to you.
- People will stick around after the close of the services to support you and witness your baptism. It’s a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies themselves as a believer, so don’t be surprised if people cheer and clap!
- We will take lots of pictures of your baptism and you are welcome to have any of them that you like. Generally, 1-3 images are chosen then posted to the church’s Facebook or Instagram page. Please let us know if you do not want your photos shared. Your family and friends may also want to take video or photos and will be encouraged to come toward the baptismal to get a good shot away from the crowd.
- When you are all done, you will be provided with your towel, and may linger and fellowship with others as long as you like. Bathrooms are available for changing out of wet clothes. You will also be provided with a baptismal certificate that you can pick up the week following your baptism!
