1) It imitates the example set by Jesus.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John in the
river.” Mark 1:9 See also Matt 3:13-15, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34

2) It serves as an act of obedience.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them disciples,
baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and
then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”
Matt. 28:19-20

3) It illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried…and He rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
“For when you are baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism
you were also raised with Christ.” Col. 2:12

4) Baptism also identifies us with the ‘body of Christ’, his church.
In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not
just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey.
“For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body…”
1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe.
Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that.
Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of a commitment
you made in your heart.
“For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of
God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There are different baptism methods that are practiced in Christian circles.
We prefer baptism by immersion because we believe that it best symbolizes
the spiritual reality of life in Christ.

1) Jesus was baptised that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”
Matthew 3:16

2) The baptisms in the New Testament were by immersion.
“…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip
baptised him. When they came up out of the water…” Act 8:38-39 is
one example. See also Acts 3:23-, Matt 3:16-, Mark 1:10-. These verses
all indicate that baptism in Scripture required the use of much water
and it also required a going down and coming up.

3) The word “baptise” means to immerse in water.
The Greek word baptizo means, “to immerse or dip under water”.

4) It symbolizes a burial and resurrection.
See Romans 6:3,4 and Col. 2:12

Every person who has accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour should be baptised.

• “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptised…” Acts 2:41
• “Simon himself believed and was baptised…” Acts 8:13
• “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the
name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.” Acts 8:12
• See also: Acts 8:38, Acts 8:12,35-28, Acts 9:18, Acts 16:14, 15a, Acts 18:8,
Matthew 28;19

At BBC, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand
the true meaning of baptism before we baptise them. Some churches practice
infant baptism. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the
parents and God on behalf of the child. At BBC we dedicate our children and
reserve baptism for those who can express their own faith in Christ.

There is no reason to wait.

As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and
should be baptised.

If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough”!

Take a look at what the Bible says…

“Those who believed…were baptised…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 baptised right now?
Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered,
‘I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water
and Philip baptised him.” Acts 8:35-38