“Jesus said, “I came so that you could have life, and have it to the fullest.” God created us in His im-age so that we could live, and I mean really live. Living is about being free, embracing our place in the world, loving others, and finding joy through Jesus. We were born to really live, but the truth is that most of us have just settled for whatever it is the world has offered us. The scriptures teach that it is not until we place our lives into Jesus that we truly begin to live the way we were created to live. What you are holding in your hand is a simple study in the scriptures about what it means to begin the journey of finding life through Jesus. When we are ready to live the life that God created us for it begins with baptism. Baptism is a simple act with profound meaning. In baptism, we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus. When we go under the water a part of us dies, and when we come out of the water there is new life inside of us. Baptism fundamentally changes me as a person by placing my life into Jesus, connecting me to the power and presence of God, and inviting me into the family of God. Our prayer is that as you work through this study, you will come to a deeper understanding of what baptism is all about and what it means to really live the life God created you to live.”
Baptism FAQ
What is baptism?
Baptism is a necessary step in your spiritual journey of faith in Christ. Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ and then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief. Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19 (NLT), Jesus commands his followers: Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of baptism?
In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how baptism by immersion identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going underwater signifies Christ’s death and burial, coming up out of the water illustrates his resurrection. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to place Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life.
When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith.
Why be baptized?
To follow Christ’s example:
One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan river. Mark 1:9 (NLT)
To demonstrate your faith:
…Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. Acts 18:8 (NLT)
Why be baptized by immersion?
Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water. (Matthew 3:16)
Every baptism in the Bible was immersion under water. (Acts 8:38-39)
The word baptize literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”
Baptism by immersion is the best way to symbolically illustrate a burial and resurrection.
When are baptisms?
We offer the opportunity for public baptism each weekend at every service. If you prefer something more private, we can schedule that at another time. We also have Baptism Weekends periodically each year.
Email baptism@fcchb.com to schedule your baptism.
I'm ready to be baptized. What is my next step?
If you still have questions about baptism or would like to schedule your baptism, contact us via email at baptism@fcchb.com or via phone 714.536.2589.
My child wants to be baptized. What's their next step?
It’s very important to us that your child understands the decision that they’re making. To help walk your child through the process, we recommend you go through our Kids Baptism Booklet with them. Upon completion of the booklet, you will meet with our elementary leads, Ms. Allie and Ms. Bonnie, so they answer any questions your child may have.
What about infant baptism?
In the Bible, Jesus held children, prayed for them and taught us all to welcome them. But, he did not baptize them or tell anyone else to baptize them. Parents often baptize their child intending for them to one day become a follower of Christ. If you were baptized as a child, then your adult baptism can be viewed as a fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. In no way does it renounce your baptism as a child.