BAPTISM
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT ISN'T IT?
A COMMAND
Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, “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”. Baptism is not optional to Jesus, it’s a command for every Christian. An intrinsically part of how Jesus defines a disciples.
A SIGN
Baptism preaches the truth about Jesus’ work in your life. It’s a public profession of your faith that He has changed you and you have dedicated your life to Him. It’s a sign that puts the gospel on display for all to see! (Romans 6:3-4) So, let's shout it from the rooftops
A CELEBRATION
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - 1 Corinthians 12:13.
This means that not only have you been united with Christ but you’ve been united with the church. As a family, we want to celebrate BIG that you know Jesus as your Lord & Savior! Praise God.
NEEDED FOR SALVATION
We believe that baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality. In other words, baptism shows what God has already done on the inside. Ephesians 2:8-9 says,"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast"
FOR PERFECT PEOPLE
There isn't a standard you have to meet before you get baptized. We repeat, you do not have to get to a certain point in your walk or rhythms before you can get baptized. It's the whole truth of the gospel, we are in Christ not through our works but through faith, grace and Jesus!
(Acts 8:35-38)
ADDITIVE TO SALVATION
There's nothing you can do to make God love you more & there's nothing you can do to make God love you less. He already 'So loves' you (John 3:16) that He sent His own Son to take your place on the cross! So, baptism won't make God love you more. It shows and proclaims that He already & unconditionally loves you.
BURIED WITH CHRIST, RAISED TO NEW LIFE
Jesus is literally breaking into hard hearts & adopting rebels into His family!
FAQ
- 01
Here at Citylight we practice believer’s baptism. The pattern of scripture is believers who make a conscious choice to dedicate their lives to Jesus. (Acts 2:37-41) If you are ready to proclaim that Jesus has saved you, then we encourage you to join us to celebrate at one of the three Baptism Sundays Citylight hosts throughout the year.
- 02
When you are ready to be baptized, you start off the process with two "to-do's"! First, you would fill out your baptism application, next, you would head to our upcoming baptism class. From here we get to praise Jesus for how He has worked in your life and make sure we are aligned in the purpose of baptism and the truth of the Gospel! The road from this point lands you at your Baptism Sunday!
- 03
The Greek word for Baptism is “Baptizo” which means immerse or submerge. This definition fits with Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16) as well as all of the baptisms we see John the Baptist performing. Therefore, our mode of baptism that we find to be the most biblical is submerging you fully into water.
- 04
This is entirely up to the person getting baptized! Maybe it's your family, maybe it's the person(s) who told you about Jesus, maybe it's the friend who prayed fiercely for you, maybe it's a pastor! We could go on and on with examples, but ultimately, pray about it! This is a beautiful declaration to invite your people into!
- 05
