Baptism

1) WHAT IS BAPTISM

Baptism is a public proclamation of our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Baptism is an outward expression of our inward commitment to follow Jesus.

Baptism is a statement that we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

We acknowledge that Jesus literally died, was buried, and rose again; conquering death once and for all, and offering real life to all who would have it. In baptism, we are   illustrating that we have died to our old, self-centered ways, are “buried” in the water, and are raised up as a new creation; spiritually alive for the first time!

“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. “ Romans 6:3-4

For this reason, baptism at New Hope Vineyard is done by full immersion in water.

 

2) WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.

In other words, as soon as you have given your life to Jesus, repented of your past sins, and made a promise to follow Him. This is the example throughout the New Testament

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

 

3) WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

First, understand that You don’t need to be baptized to be
saved. Baptism is a sign of loving obedience to Christ.

The Bible teaches that a person is saved by repentance from
sin and faith in Christ.

In Luke 23, the thief on the cross recognized who Jesus was,
reached out to Him, and Jesus promised him salvation.  That dying thief had no opportunity to be
baptized. 

Second, we are commanded to be baptized as a part of being a
disciple.

“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

4) SHOULD I GET RE-BAPTIZED?

No… and Yes.

As long as you were a follower of Jesus when you were
baptized, and the other church was a Christian church, then you should not be
re-baptized. 

If, however, your baptism was merely a church ritual done
prior to your conversion or if the church was outside Christianity, then we
would encourage you to be baptized. 

 

5) WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?

We encourage you to be baptized again.

Perhaps you were baptized as an infant. How should you view
that baptism? You certainly want to show respect to your parents and their
viewpoints;  and be grateful to God for
any spiritual influence they have had in your life. 

That being said, our understanding of what the Bible teaches
is that baptism is an action that follows belief and conversion. So, if you have not been
baptized since you have made the decision to follow Jesus, we recommend that
you do.

 

6) CAN MY CHILD BE BAPTIZED AT NEW HOPE VINEYARD?

Yes. As long as they thoroughly understand what they are doing.

We ask that you wait until your children are old enough to make an intelligent profession of faith that is their own. We certainly believe that a young child can be saved, but the older a child is, the more they will understand, and the more meaningful baptism will be for them. (Remember, they do not need to be baptized in order to be born again in Christ.)

We do not baptize infants at New Hope Vineyard as do some denominations and traditions. Instead, we dedicate infants to the Lord and call parents to commit themselves to raise their children for Christ.

7) WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE BAPTIZED AT NEW HOPE VINEYARD?

Sign up for and attend the Baptism Class. This class takes place, throughout the year, the week before baptism services occur. We ask you to take this class so you enter into baptism informed and ready. In the class, we will ask you to fill out a form, telling us about yourself and your experience in coming to Jesus Christ as your savior.

If you’d like to be baptized at New Hope Vineyard Church, give us a call at 419-334-4673 or click on the connect button below and fill out the form.