1. It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.

"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again."
I Corinthians 15:3-4

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism
you were also raised with Christ."
Colossians 2:12

2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

"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

"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in
order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live
a new life!"
Romans 6:4

Note: 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 the commitment you make in your heart.

"For it is by grace 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

WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water."
Matthew 3:16

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

(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

The word Baptize means "To dip under water".
The Greek work baptize means "to immerse or dip under water".
It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!

The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies."

John Calvin... "The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley... "Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

1. Every person who has believed in Christ.

"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..."
Acts 2:41

"Simon himself believed and was baptized..."
Acts 8:13

"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

2. Do you baptize children?

At Rocky River, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

As soon as you have believed.

"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 feel "good enough"!

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?

Women should wear shorts and a top or a swimsuit. Men may wear shorts, t-shirts or a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?

At the beginning of the service, Pastor Jimmy will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait in the water for your turn to be baptized. The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.