It's in your DNA to Be Iconic!
Baptism Instructions
We are thrilled that you have chosen to follow the Lord Jesus in baptism. What an honor it is for us to participate in this significant part of your Christian journey. Thank you!!
Baptism is a public testimony of one’s testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, it must be understood that the event of baptism is not what saves an individual from sin but rather is symbolic of what has already happened in the believer’s life.
I am going to take a few moments and answer some of the most common questions regarding Baptism. Just remember, no question is a bad question. We are thrilled that you have made a decision to follow Christ and we are here to help each step of the way.
Who should be baptized?
Anyone who has accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Acts 2:37, 38 When the people heard Peter's sermon at Pentecost they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?” and He answered, “Repent and be baptized...”
Acts 8:12 “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Why should a believer be baptized?
1. To follow Christ’s example (Mk. 1:9-11)
2. Christ commanded for disciples to be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 1 John 2:3)
3. It has been practiced by Christians from the day of Christ until now. (Acts 18:8)
When should a believer be baptized?
A person should be baptized as soon as it is practically possible following one’s decision to follow Christ.
“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?...Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
What is the meaning that Baptism symbolizes for the believer?
First, the Greek word, Bapto means “to dip” or “to wash”. Therefore, water baptism is an external symbol of the internal washing and renewal that takes place when one believes in Christ.
“...He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 NIV
Secondly, it is a symbol of one’s union with Christ and his death, burial, and resurrection.
“3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
” (Rom. 6:3-5, ESV)
Why do we immerse in water for baptism?
It is our view that the Biblical model can be most properly understood to have been immersion:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water...” (Matthew 3:16)
“...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:38)
Also, we believe immersion more adequately symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection motif that the Apostle Paul gives as he refers to baptism. (See Romans 6:3-5 above)
IS THERE A EXACT FORMULA FOR BAPTISM?
We choose to baptize using the phrase, “We baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” when baptizing believers.
Why?
This is what Jesus commanded us to do in fulfillment of the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
PRACTICAL GUIDELINES:
Please wear dark colored, modest clothing that would be presentable in front of the congregation after becoming wet.
Please bring a towel.
Please bring a change of clothes and any other items that will assist you after getting wet (brush, hair dryer, flip flops, etc.)
PLEASE NOTE: Each participant will receive a Baptism T-Shirt. (Please make sure we know your size.)
Please confirm your attendance at the Pre-Service Baptism Meeting with the Pastor(s) and / or their representatives no later than Wednesday before the Baptism Service.
If you have any questions, please call or text us @ 803.888.5409 or email us at info@iconchurch.cc