A. Every baptism in The Bible was by immersion. Here’s one example:
…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…
Acts 8:38-39
Baptism
We believe baptism is the first step for a Christ Follower. Below is a detailed explanation of the reasons for baptism, meaning, method, who should be baptized, and when someone should “take the plunge.” If you would like to talk about getting baptized at Compass Christian Church, email us at hello@compassfv.com and a member of our staff will be in touch.
FAQ About Baptism
1. Why should I be baptized?
A. Because Jesus commanded it.
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 teach them to obey everything I have commanded you”
Matt. 28:19-20
B. It demonstrates that I really ready to follow Jesus.
“… many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.”
Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”
1 John 2:3
C. Baptism is the biblical response of repentance.
2. Why do we baptize by immersion?
B. The word “baptize” actually means “to dip under water”.
Immersion best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17
3. Who should be baptized?
A. Every person who has surrendered their life to Jesus.
“Those who believe and accepted his message were baptized…”
Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”
Acts 8:1
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News … and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Acts 8:12
4. What if I was baptized as an infant?
Some churches baptize infants. At Compass we don’t. We only baptize those who have made a decision to believe in Christ’s death as the payment for their sin. In the Bible, men and women were baptized following their belief in Jesus.
The custom of infant baptism began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. It’s a ceremony intended to emphasize a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. During this ceremony, the parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.
At Compass Christian Church, we have a dedication service for infants and children that emphasize the parent’s role in raising a child to follow Christ.
Therefore, if you were baptized as a baby, we encourage you to make your own choice to be baptized as a believer.
5. When should I be baptized?
A. As soon as you have surrendered!
Those who believe … were baptized … that day!
Acts 2:41
Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect” you’ll never be ready.
We would love to help you take this step of faith!