Chandler Christian Church

What Does My Baptism Mean?

Looking for Answers:

It is my pledge of allegiance to God of my devotion and my life.

“…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also‑ ‑not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV)

It is where I put on Christ.

“And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes.” Galatians 3:27 (CEV)

It is where I receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

“Peter replied, ‘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 (NIV)

It assures me of the cleansing forgiveness of sin.

“Peter replied, ‘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 (NIV)

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16 (NIV)

It shows my uniting with Jesus, guaranteeing my own resurrection to eternal life.

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus 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. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5 (NIV)

Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

Because Jesus was baptized that way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16 (NIV)

Because every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.

“And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…”Acts 8:38-39 (NIV)

See also Acts 2:38; Acts 8:12,13; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 9:17-19 (22:12-16);
Acts 10:34,35, 44-48; Acts 16:31-34; 19:1-7

The word “baptize” means “be submerged”
The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin… “The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who Should Be Baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ as Savior and Lord.

“On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.” Acts 2:41 (CEV)

At CCC we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of accepting and surrendering to Christ and the meaning of their baptism before we baptize them.

At CCC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. 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. At CCC, we ask nothing more of a person to become a member of our church family than God asks of you to be a member of His family! It is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many have been previously “confirmed” as children.

Over the years, thousands have been baptized at Chandler Christian Church!

When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38 (NIV)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to trust Jesus Christ as your savior, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never be “good enough.”

What Should I Wear?

Women should wear shorts and a top which will preserve modesty Men may wear a swimsuit and t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. We provide changing rooms.

Can My Family Be Baptized Together?

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Minister of Children for a pre-baptism conversation.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.